Part 2: Volatile Markets – How the Financial Media Helped Build Demand for Dangerous Products Based on the VIX
To understand what happened in the markets the week of February 5, you need an understanding of the psychological forces behind what happened. The VIX isn’t just an index that reflects what’s going on with options. It’s a psychological measure, and that’s where the media comes in. You cannot directly trade the VIX. Yet, the […]
Read ArticlePart 1: Volatile Markets – What is “the VIX”?
I’ve gotten a lot of questions about what happened with the markets the week of February 5. Many of the questions are on volatility and “the VIX.” Explaining an event caused by many complicated tools can prove very difficult, especially when most investors have no background. In this series, I’m going to escort you step […]
Read ArticleWhat are Options & How Risky Are They?
Think of Options Like Insurance Options are essentially tradeable insurance contracts on stocks, indexes and some other investments. It helps to understand the concept of options if you keep in mind that options are insurance, but the terms are different. Options provide more investment options — no pun intended. The price of an option is […]
Read ArticleThe 3 Biggest Misunderstandings About Options
In part 1 of this series, I described the main ways options are used (income, protection, favorable stock entries and diversification) as well as how they compare to stocks, risk-wise. Now, let’s talk about the biggest misunderstandings people have about options. First, people tend to learn just one strategy and then incorrectly assume the characteristics […]
Read ArticleAsk the Chief: Why is Gamma the Same for Call and Put Options?
Before I answer, I should warn anyone who is new to options trading that understanding my answer to this question requires you to already have a basic understanding of options. The truth is, all calls and puts don’t have the same Gamma. So a better way to ask the question is “Why do calls and […]
Read ArticleMindfulness & Discipline: Essential Ingredients for Successful Investing
I would like you to think about something. What is your biggest roadblock to being free from financial anxiety and uncertainty? You’re experienced. You’re knowledgeable. You have an idea of what you want and you have occasions where you are very focused on the activities that will get you there. You are mindful of the […]
Read ArticleRick Wilkinson Earns Five Star Professional Designation
Congratulations to WorthPointe’s own Rick D. Wilkinson, CFP® for being named a Five Star Professional! The Five Star award is presented to wealth managers and other professionals in 45 markets in the U.S. and Canada. Five Star Professional conducts research to help consumers with the important decision of selecting a service professional. The Five Star […]
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