Naked Call

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Naked Call'

An options strategy in which an investor writes (sells) call options on the open market without owning the underlying security. This stands in contrast to a covered call strategy, where the investor owns the security shares that are eligible to be exercised under the options contract. 

This strategy is sometimes referred to as an "uncovered call" or a "short call".
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Naked Call'

A naked call strategy is inherently risky, as there is limited upside potential and (theoretically) unlimited downside potential should the stock rise above the exercise price of the options that have been sold.

As a result of the risk involved, only experienced investors who strongly believe that the price of the underlying stock will fall or remain flat should undertake this advanced strategy. The margin requirements are often very high for this strategy as well due to the propensity for open-ended losses, and the investor may be forced to purchase shares on the open market prior to expiration if margin thresholds are breached. The upside to the strategy is that the investor could receive income in the form of premiums without putting up a lot of initial capital.

Related Definitions

  • 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 ...
    Read More »
  • Long (or Long Position)

    1. The buying of a security such as a stock, commodity or currency, with the expectation that the asset will rise in value.2. In the context of options, the buying of an options ...
    Read More »
  • Naked Option

    A trading position where the seller of an option contract does not own any, or enough, of the underlying security to act as protection against adverse price movements. If the price of ...
    Read More »
    • Naked Position

      A securities position that is not hedged from market risk. Both the potential gain and the potential risk are greater when a position is naked instead of covered (a covered position is ...
      Read More »
    • Naked Put

      A put option whose writer does not have a short position in the stock on which he or she has written the put. Sometimes referred to as an "uncovered put."
      Read More »
    • Naked Shorting

      The illegal practice of short selling shares that have not been affirmatively determined to exist. Ordinarily, traders must borrow a stock, or determine that it can be borrowed, before ...
      Read More »
    • Naked Writer

      An options seller who does not own the underlying security for the options contract he or she is offering. Options are contracts that give the buyer the right but not the obligation to ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links