Despite the simple sounding names, Calls and Puts are a method of trading that allows an investor to sell stock at predetermined levels of price. The trade must occur within a specified time period. There is a preset expiration date to the agreement.

At the time of the agreement, price levels are determined to activiate the option to purchase. The agreement time frame is usually put in terms of months, rather than weeks or years. At the end of the time frame, the agreement expires. There is a definite limit for the time allowed to trade. Calls and Puts trade in opposite directions.

For example, an investor would opt to purchase Puts with target that the stock price will go down while another one targeting the stock price to rise will go for Calls. That means the Calls gain value when the principal security has risen up while Puts add value as the principal security moves down and reduces when it moves up.

Both methods of trading can yield a profit for the investor. The savy investor can anticipate the moves of the market and use Calls and Puts to increase their bank account. The biggest danger is not watching the expiration date of the agreement. These date are set in stone and should one be missed, or purchases not made within the limits of the agreement, an investor risks loosing their investment.

The use of Calls and Puts are not limited to the large investor. The small investor who pays attention to the market and watches the expiration dates of their agreements can increase their profit. The investor is unlikely to make a profit if a Put is purchased on a stock already owned.

It is more common and better advice to purchase stock after purchasing the Put if the value of that stock drops further than the purchase level designated in the Put. Purchasing a atock at a lower value than the Put will increase the chance of profit for the investor.

Since the initial stock was purchased at a higher price, with the purchase of the stock on the open market at lower value, the profit can offset any debt incurred with the initial purchase via the Put. It is very important for the investor to understand the limits of each kind of trade. In addition to making investing safer, it will also help explain the fluxuations in the market.

Calls and Puts investing has much to offer the small investor. There are infinite numbers of trades that can occur; it is not necessary to have a large bank account in order to invest in Calls and Puts. As long as the investor is aware of the limits of the technique, Calls and Puts can be a good profit maker.