Plain Vanilla

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Plain Vanilla'

The most basic or standard version of a financial instrument, usually options, bonds, futures and swaps. Plain vanilla is the opposite of an exotic instrument, which alters the components of a traditional financial instrument, resulting in a more complex security.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Plain Vanilla'

For example, a plain vanilla option is the standard type of option, one with a simple expiration date and strike price and no additional features. With an exotic option, such as a knock-in option, an additional contingency is added so that the option only becomes active once the underlying stock hits a set price point.

Related Definitions

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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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  • Swap

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    • Bond

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    • Convertible Bond

      A bond that can be converted into a predetermined amount of the company's equity at certain times during its life, usually at the discretion of the bondholder. Convertibles are sometimes ...
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    • Futures

      A financial contract obligating the buyer to purchase an asset (or the seller to sell an asset), such as a physical commodity or a financial instrument, at a predetermined future date ...
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    • Financial Instrument

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    • Knock-In Option

      A latent option contract that begins to function as a normal option ("knocks in") only once a certain price level is reached before expiration.
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    • Strike Price

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