Uncovered call writing

Uncovered call writing

A short call option position in which the writer does not own an equivalent position in the underlying security represented by his option contracts.

Naked Call

An investment strategy in which one sells a call without owning the underlying asset to hedge the risk. Unlike more complex spreads and straddles, which involve the purchase or sale of multiple options in order to profit in different ways, naked calls are straightforward calls. An investor using a naked call strategy makes a profit or loss depending on the movement of the underlying asset. The risk to a naked call is that the option will be exercised, requiring the seller to buy the underlying asset at the market price and then immediately sell it (usually at a loss) to fulfill the terms of the call. Naked calls are also called uncovered calls. See also: Covered Options. Naked Put.