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Investing in options

Learn more about the features, risks and benefits of investing in options

Welcome to the ASX Options knowledge hub

You will find a range of resources here to help you understand the potential of Options and the role it can play in your portfolio. 

Try our online courses, or test your knowledge with our Options trading game. 

Equip yourself with the knowledge of how Options work and be ready for market opportunities, regardless of which direction it moves. 

What are Options?

Options are contracts between two parties, giving the buyer the right – but not an obligation – to buy or sell an underlying security at a predetermined price at a specified time in the future.

They allow you to ‘lock in’ a future buy or sell price for a security, allowing price certainty. Options can:

  • Get leveraged exposure to the share market
  • Buy time to decide - but lock in your purchase or sale price today
  • Protect your shares from a fall
  • Earn income

When used well, options may have the power to protect, grow or even diversify your investment portfolio. As options can be used regardless of market conditions, they are popular with many investors.

Like any investment, options have risks you need to understand. You should seek independent advice from a professional adviser before investing.  

Previous webinars

ASX Options Trading Game: mid-game review

June 2026

Catch up on Graham O’Brien’s review of leading strategies and key themes from the game, along with Lewis Taie from Ausiex sharing his perspective on current market conditions and what participants may want to keep an eye on next.

ASX Options Trading Game: how to play

May 2026

Join Graham O'Brien, ASX,  as he walks through how the game works, answers common questions and shares practical tips to help you get the most out of your participation. 

ASX Options masterclass: an introduction to Options 

This webinar revisited the fundamentals of options trading, covering key concepts and mechanics for participants at all experience levels. The session also explored common questions and practical considerations when trading options.

Where to next?

Benefits and risks of investing in options | ASX
Allowing profit from both rising and falling markets make options powerful products. However, options do carry risks, including the potential for unlimited losses.
Pricing of options
Understanding how options are priced can help you to make smart investment decisions.
Types of options
You can trade options over single securities, exchange traded funds or over an index.
Investment strategies - Options
With around 26 strategies to choose from, options provide investment pathways regardless of how the market performs.
Buying and selling
You can trade options on ASX Trade through an accredited broker. The clearing house, ASX Clear acts as the seller to every buyer and the buyer to every seller, reducing risk and making it easier to take a position that reflects your view
Options margin estimator
The calculations provided by the margin estimator are estimations only.