Articles and Updates
October Webinar Key Takeaways: Iron Butterfly & Iron Condor Strategies
In October, OIC hosted two webinars, “The Iron Butterfly: Combining Credit Spreads for Defined Risk Trading” and “The Iron Condor: An Advanced Strategy for Range-Bound Markets” both led by Ken Keating, OIC Instructor and Principal, Investor Education, OCC.
Industry Conversations: OIC Instructor Mat Cashman x Options Alpha
OIC instructor Mat Cashman recently joined Kirk Du Plessis of Option Alpha for a focused discussion on the mechanics and market implications of zero-days-to-expiration (0DTE) options and gamma exposure
Industry Conversations: OIC Instructor Mat Cashman x Cboe x Tradier
In a recent three-part video series filmed on the trading floor of Cboe, OIC instructor Mat Cashman joined Henry Schwartz of Cboe and Lex Luthringshausen from Tradier to explore one of the most discussed topics in today's options landscape—zero days to expiration (0DTE) options.
Industry Conversations: OIC Instructor Mark Benzaquen x MoneyShow Orlando
OIC instructor Mark Benzaquen attended MoneyShow Orlando, a financial conference that connects individual investors and financial advisors with insights from market analysts, portfolio managers, and other financial professionals.
Open Interest: Why It Matters
Have you ever wondered why, in options trading, brokerage firms require each order to specify whether it is “to
OCC and OIC Support World Investor Week 2025
World Investor Week (WIW) is an annual global campaign spearheaded by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to raise awareness about the importance of investor education and protection. Explore the World Investor Week website for details on events and other opportunities to participate.
September Webinar Key Takeaways: What Are Calendar & Diagonal Spreads?
This month, OIC explored calendar spreads (time spreads using the same strike, different expirations) and diagonal spreads (different strikes, different expirations).
Industry Conversations: OIC Instructor Mark Benzaquen x Thoughtium
OIC instructor Mark Benzaquen joined Anthony Ewing, CEO and co-founder of Thoughtium, on the firm’s long-running live series Navigating Now.
Industry Conversations: OIC Instructor Mat Cashman x Chicago Future of Finance
OIC Instructor Mat Cashman appeared on Chicago Future of Finance with host Oliver Renick, a journalist and financial broadcaster who covers financial markets and innovation in trading. The series highlights Chicago’s role as a hub for derivatives, exchanges, and market infrastructure.
August Webinar Key Takeaways: Options Trading Strategies - Debit and Credit Spreads
In August, OIC hosted two webinars featuring Mark Benzaquen, OIC instructor and Principal, Investor Education, OCC, covering both debit and credit spread strategies
Industry Conversations: OIC Instructors x Tastytrade
Hosted by long-time trader and educator Jermal Chandler, the Tastylive show Engineering the Trade, explores the financial markets, volatility, and the realities of trading through in-depth conversations with industry professionals
July Webinar Key Takeaways: Hedging With Options
In July, OIC hosted two webinars, The Protective Put: Managing Downside Risk and The Collar Strategy: Balancing Risk and Potential Reward, led by OIC instructor Roma Colwell.
Understanding the ‘Rule of 16’ in Plain Terms
There’s been a lot of chatter about the ‘Rule of 16’ lately, especially during these turbulent market times. While the math behind it is fairly basic, the idea itself deserves a closer look
June Webinar Key Takeaways: Generating Premium Income With Option Strategies
In June, OIC hosted two webinars, Premium Income I: Covered Calls and the Poor Man’s Covered Call and Premium Income II: Cash-Secured Puts & the Wheel Strategy, led by Ken Keating, OIC Instructor and Principal, Investor Education, OCC.
May Webinar Key Takeaways: Buying & Selling
Understanding the Risks and Rewards of Options Trading: Key Insights for Buyers and Sellers. In May, OIC hosted two webinars
April Webinar Key Takeaways: Standard Deviations, Tail Risk & The Rule of 16
In April, OIC hosted two webinars led by Mat Cashman, OIC Instructor and Principal, Investor Education, OCC. The sessions provided attendees with foundational tools for navigating option markets using volatility metrics.
Introducing Ask Us (Almost) Anything: OIC Office Hours
The Options Industry Council (OIC) is excited to introduce Ask Us (Almost) Anything: OIC Office Hours! This initiative is an extension of our monthly webinar program and provides a dedicated forum for you to ask your options-related questions.
Introduction to Options on ETFs
The first exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the U.S. was the S&P 500®; Depository Receipt (SPDR®), launched by the American Stock Exchange in January 1993.
OIC Attends Benzinga Fintech Event and Receives 2024 ‘Best in Financial Education’ Award
OCC (The Options Clearing Corporation) / The Options Industry Council (OIC) attended the 2024 Benzinga Global Fintech Deal Day and Awards and was selected as winner of the “Best in Financial Education” award.
The Reason Certain Options Trade in Penny Increments
Every listed option has a minimum permitted trading increment. However, due to a program that started several years ago as an experiment and is now a permanent feature of the market, this increment can be as low as 1 penny.