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Showing posts from July, 2026

Cash-Secured Puts vs Covered Calls: Understanding the Two Parts of the Wheel Strategy

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The Wheel Strategy is one of the most popular options income strategies used by investors who want to generate consistent cash flow while managing risk. At its core, the strategy combines two powerful options techniques: Cash-Secured Puts (CSPs) and Covered Calls (CCs) . Understanding how these two components work together is essential for anyone learning the Wheel Strategy Basics . Whether you're trading ETFs like SPY or quality dividend-paying stocks, mastering Cash-Secured Puts and Covered Calls can help create a systematic approach to options income generation. What Is the Wheel Strategy? The Wheel Strategy is an options trading approach that follows a simple cycle: Sell a Cash-Secured Put. Collect premium income. If assigned, purchase shares at the strike price. Sell Covered Calls against the shares. Collect additional premium income. If shares are called away, return to selling Cash-Secured Puts. This process creates an ongoing cycle ...

When Your Covered Call Goes ITM: Roll, Close, Or Let It Be Assigned?

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If you've been selling covered calls for a while, you've likely faced that exciting, yet sometimes stressful, moment when your short call suddenly goes in the money (ITM). Your stock has risen above the strike price, your unrealized gains look impressive, but now you're asking yourself: Should you roll the covered call, buy it back, or just let your shares be assigned? The answer isn't always clear. Each option has its own benefits, costs, and tax consequences, depending on your investment goals. The good news is that an I n-The-Money Covered Call isn't necessarily a problem. Often, it simply shows that your trade went exactly as planned. According to the Options Industry Council , covered calls are designed to generate income while accepting a limited profit potential. Once the stock climbs above your strike price, assignment becomes more likely, which is often seen as a successful outcome instead of a failed trade. What Is a Covered Call ITM? A Covered ...