Definition ∞ Options contracts are financial derivatives that grant the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified price before a certain date. A call option provides the right to buy, while a put option provides the right to sell. The contract specifies a strike price and an expiration date. Investors use options for speculation, hedging existing positions, or generating income. These instruments allow for leveraged exposure to price movements of the underlying asset.
Context ∞ The availability and trading volume of options contracts for cryptocurrencies are closely watched indicators of market maturity and institutional participation. News often covers how options activity influences price discovery and market volatility, particularly around major expiration dates. Regulatory frameworks for these derivatives in the digital asset space remain a significant area of discussion and development.
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