The world of stock options is complicated and can be incredibly confusing for those relatively new to the investment world. It can be even more difficult for those living in England as so many variables come into play.
- What type of stock option best suits your needs?
- Are they available on all stocks in England?
- Do you need to worry about paying double taxes on earnings from your options, as well as capital gains tax on any profit you may receive from an exercise and sale of said option?
Different stock options
Firstly, it is essential to talk about the different stock options: American style and European style. American style options permit traders to exercise their rights anytime until expiration, while you can only exercise European options at the expiration date. European style options are the only type available for those living in England.
Not all stock have options
Secondly, it is essential to understand that not all stocks in England have options listed on them. It’s because some companies may not want to offer their employees this benefit, or they are not big enough to justify the costs associated with creating and maintaining an options market.
Double taxation
Finally, if you do happen to own stock options on a company located in England, you will need to remember that you will be subject to double taxation on any earnings from the option. As the option holder, you will be taxed on your income from dividends just as you would be the stock to have been purchased directly. Then, when you exercise the option and sell, you will be taxed on any capital gains.
Types of options contracts
Call option
One type of options contract is a call option. An option grants the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy shares of the underlying stock at a given price (the “strike price”) on or before a specific date (the “expiration date”). The investor pays a premium for the privilege. If the stock price reaches or exceeds the strike price by expiration, the investor has the right to acquire shares at a lower price and then sell them at a more outstanding market value. However, the investor is protected if the stock price drops below the strike price. When this happens, the option will expire, and you will lose only the premium paid for it.
Put option
Another type of options contract is a put option. An option contract gives purchasers the right, but not the obligation, to sell a stock at a specific price on or before a certain date. This right is purchased for a premium. If the stock’s price falls below the strike price by expiration, the investor has the option of selling it at a higher price and then repurchasing it at a lower market price. If the stock price rises above the strike price, the option owner loses only the premium paid for the option.
Benefits of options
Options trading offers many benefits, including the ability for investors to protect themselves against downside risk or take advantage of opportunities that might arise. The stakes, however, are also exceptionally high. Investors could lose 100% of their investments with both call options and put options if the stock goes up or down by the expiration date. It’s why it’s essential only to use the money you can afford to lose when investing in options contracts.
There are websites where you can purchase stocks and other types of financial assets without any problems. However, before doing so, you should always research your options trading broker to ensure it has a good reputation for safety and customer service. Furthermore, ensure that the investment you’re interested in purchasing is compatible with the broker you’re using. For example, some brokers only allow their clients to trade stocks, not option contracts.
Conclusion
Many different stock options are available for those who work in England, but they are not necessarily available on all stocks you may wish to invest in. Furthermore, if you own stock options on an English company listed elsewhere, you need to remember that a certain degree of double taxation comes into play with these investments.