Strike Price
The strike price is the predetermined price at which the holder of an option contract has the right to buy or sell the underlying asset. It is a fundamental term defined at the inception of the contract and remains constant throughout its life.
For call options, the strike price is the cost at which the holder can purchase the asset. For put options, it is the price at which the holder can sell the asset.
The relationship between the current market price of the asset and the strike price determines whether an option is in-the-money, at-the-money, or out-of-the-money. This classification significantly impacts the intrinsic value and the premium of the option.
Traders choose different strike prices based on their outlook for the asset and their desired risk exposure. The selection of a strike price is a strategic decision that balances the probability of profit against the cost of the option.
It defines the boundary conditions for the contract's potential payoff.