Backspread

Backspread

A type of options spread in which a trader holds more long positions than short positions. The premium collected from the sale of the short option is used to help finance the purchase of the long options. This type of spread enables the trader to have significant exposure to expected moves in the underlying asset while limiting the amount of loss in the event prices do not move in the direction the trader had hoped for. This spread can be created using either all call options or all put options.

Canary Call

Canary Call

A step-up bond that cannot be called after completing its first-step period. The issuer of the bond reserves the option to call back the bond until the first step is reached. A canary call may only be exercised on predetermined dates. The canary call is similar to a Bermuda option, as it must be called on specific dates. If the issuer of the bond chooses not to call before the canary call expires, the bond will remain a standard step-up bond, where the coupon rate will increase with each step-up period.

Companion Bond

Companion Bond

A class of tranche found in a planned amortization class (PAC) bond that is responsible for protecting the PAC tranche from both contraction and extension risk. The companion bond is designed to absorb excess principal payments during times of high prepayment speeds and defer receiving principal payments during times of low prepayment speeds. More specifically, in situations of high prepayment speeds, the companion bond takes as much of the excess prepayments from the PAC tranche as possible and uses them to repay its own principal amount. Once its portion of the principal is completely paid off, all excess principle payments go back to the PAC bond. Conversely, in situations of low prepayment speeds, the companion bond defers the reception of any payments. The principal payments then go toward paying off the PAC bond. As long as the prepayment speed stays within the designated upper and lower PAC collars, the companion bond will be able to operate as designed.

Planned Amortization Class (PAC) Tranche

Planned Amortization Class (PAC) Tranche

A class of tranche in a planned amortization class (PAC) bond that receives a primary payment schedule. As long as the actual prepayment rate is between a designated range of prepayment speeds, the life of the PAC tranche will remain relatively stable. This tranche of the PAC bond receives some measure of protection against prepayment risk. The measure of prepayment risk protection, which includes both contraction and extension risk, is limited by the size of the companion bond and the speed of prepayment. If the speed of repayment is too slow (below the lower PAC collar), the life of the PAC tranche is extended; if the speed of repayment is too fast (above of the upper PAC collar), the life of the PAC tranche is shortened.

Deferred Payment Option

Deferred Payment Option Deferred Payment Option An option with all the characteristics of an American vanilla option, with one exception: payment is deferred until the original expiration date. The option can be exercised at any time; however, payment is deferred until the original expiration date of the option. These options are considered long term options, with expiration dates at least one year away.

An option with all the characteristics of an American vanilla option, with one exception: payment is deferred until the original expiration date. The option can be exercised at any time; however, payment is deferred until the original expiration date of the option. These options are considered long term options, with expiration dates at least one year away.

VIX Option

VIX Option

A type of non-equity option that uses the CBOE Volatility Index as the underlying asset. This is the first exchange-traded option that gives individual investors the ability to trade market volatility. Trading VIX options can be a useful tool for investors wanting to hedge their portfolios against sudden market declines, as well as to speculate on future moves in volatility. A trader who believes that market volatility will increase now has the ability to profit on this outlook by purchasing VIX call options. Sharp increases in volatility generally coincide with a falling market, so this type of option can be used as a natural hedge rather than using index options. For advanced option traders, it is possible to incorporate many different advanced strategies - such as bull call spreads, butterfly spreads, etc. - by using VIX options.

Front Fee

Front fee

Amount paid for initiating a compound or split-fee option contract. While all option contracts require a fee (the option premium) to be paid up-front to the seller, only compound or split-fee options require another amount (the back fee) for exercising them.