Compound Option

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Compound Option'

An option for which the underlying is another option. Therefore, there are two strike prices and two exercise dates. These are the four types of compound options:

- Call on a call
- Put on a put
- Call on a put
- Put on a call
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Compound Option'

This type of option usually exists for currency or fixed-income markets, where an uncertainty exists regarding the option's risk protection capabilities. The advantages of compound options are that they allow for large leverage and they are cheaper than straight options. However, if both options are exercised, the total premium will be more than the premium on a single option.

Related Definitions

  • Back Fee

    A payment made to the writer of a compound option in the case that the call option is exercised in order to obtain a put option. Back fee is a premium charged at the second portion of ...
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  • Call

    1. The period of time between the opening and closing of some future markets wherein the prices are established through an auction process.2. An option contract giving the owner the ...
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  • Front Fee

    The option premium paid by an investor upon the initial purchase of a compound option. A compound option is one where the underlying asset is also an option (i.e. an option on an ...
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    • Put

      An option contract giving the owner the right, but not the obligation, to sell a specified amount of an underlying asset at a set price within a specified time. The buyer of a put option ...
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    • Option

      A financial derivative that represents a contract sold by one party (option writer) to another party (option holder). The contract offers the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to ...
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    • Exotic Option

      An option that differs from common American or European options in terms of the underlying asset or the calculation of how or when the investor receives a certain payoff. These options ...
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    • Underlying

      1. In derivatives, the security that must be delivered when a derivative contract, such as a put or call option, is exercised. 2. In equities, the common stock that must be delivered ...
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    • Strike Price

      The price at which a specific derivative contract can be exercised. Strike prices is mostly used to describe stock and index options, in which strike prices are fixed in the contract. ...
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    • Leverage

      1. The use of various financial instruments or borrowed capital, such as margin, to increase the potential return of an investment. 2. The amount of debt used to finance a firm's assets. ...
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    • Caput

      A type of exotic option that consists of a call option on a put option. Essentially, a caput gives the holder the right to purchase another option. This type of option is also known as a ...
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