Ask Definition

This is the difference between the current bid price and the current asking, or offering price. For example, if you see a quote that looks like this: 2.05 x 3.10 – what this means is that the bid is 2.05 and the ask is 3.10. Therefore the bid-ask thread is 1.05 i.e the difference between…

This is the process of carrying out the terms of an options contract. A call buyer can exercise his or her right to buy the stock at the strike price. A put owner can exercise his or her right to sell the contract. See also: Exercise Price, Exercise Settlement Value, Automatic Exercise

There are some options settle for cash rather than shares. Indexes like the S&P 500 Index (.SPX) and the S&P 100 Index (.OEX) are examples of cash settled options.

This is a spread trading strategy that involves buying and selling options, but the trader typically sells a greater number of contracts sold than what is purchased. See also Ratio Back Spread & Ratio

A Golden Sweep Option (GSO) is popularized by the folks at Flowalgo and it is basically a very large order that hits the market and takes all or most the inventory/offers at once. This is usually a very high probability signal given the aggressive stance of the trader(s) behind it.  These orders can be both bullish…

This is a type of options contract that can only be exercised at expiration. Most, but not all, index options settle European Style. The American Style Option has a different exercise schedule.