Is it more advantageous to purchase a call or put option?

Before purchasing a call or put option, it is important to understand the basics of options, as they can expose an investor to potentially unlimited risk. Once a basic understanding is established, investors can start to formulate a strategy and discover the advantages of puts and calls. Neither is particularly better than the other; it simply depends on the investment objective and risk tolerance for the investor. Much of the risk ultimately resides in the fluctuation in market price of the underlying asset.

A call option gives the buyer the right to purchase the underlying asset at the strike price at any time before the expiry date. Thus, the seller is obligated to deliver the underlying asset at the strike price, once assigned. This can be advantageous for either the buyer or the seller, or both simultaneously, depending on each investor's position. For example, if Investor A buys a $20 call and the asset price increases to $30, he profits a $10 share price difference, minus the premium he paid to purchase the call. Investor B, who sold a covered call to Investor A, pockets the premium and sold his shares with a cost of $15 for a profit too.

A put option gives the buyer the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price. With this option the seller is obligated to purchase the shares from the holder. Again, depending on the investor's goals, this could be advantageous for each of them. Suppose Investor A buys a put at $20 against a stock he paid $20 per share for as a hedge. If the price falls below $20 and he exercises his option, he reduces his losses. Meanwhile, the seller, Investor B, can profit from this assignment of shares if he foresees the price returning higher.