Pelosi Adds More Calls: Is Options Trading Gambling or Investing?

For Nancy Pelosi, options may well represent long-term investments. Nancy Pelosi bought call options for Alphabet, Amazon and Nvidia (50 contracts, strike price of $80, expiry on January 16, 2026) and Vistra. Some argue that options trading is inherently risky, especially for beginners who lack a clear understanding of how it works. For them, venturing into options without proper knowledge is akin to gambling. So why do opinions on options trading vary so widely? Is options trading inherently gambling, or can it be an investment depending on how it's approached? What’s your take?

avatarBullaroo
01-26 15:50

From Capitol Trades to Market Plays: Decoding the Risks and Rewards of Options Trading

In recent years, particularly during the economic turbulence caused by the global health crisis, options trading has surged in popularity among retail investors in the United States. Data from the Options Clearing Corporation shows that during the peak of the epidemic, the volume of options traded soared, with daily average trading volumes in 2020 increasing by about 50% compared to the previous year. However, this increase in activity has not universally led to success; statistics suggest that approximately 80% of retail options traders end up losing money, with average losses often exceeding initial investments by significant margins. According to a 2022 report by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), only about 20% of retail investors consistently profited from optio
From Capitol Trades to Market Plays: Decoding the Risks and Rewards of Options Trading
avatarAyKing
06:34
Replying to @ZEROHERO:Agree with you :) I like options. There are strategies which you can use it for investment, trading. //@ZEROHERO:Options trading is a strategy game. Master the various types of options strategies and the ability to apply it at the right time and situation with calculated risk coupled with economic data and/or earnings seasons can reap handsome rewards. Similar to driving, it’s very risky without theory classes and practical test to pass the driving licence. Then we need to familiarise with the car, gain driving experiences ,take note of weather, road & traffic conditions, pick up defensive driving techniques and beware of other motorists & pedestrians
Disclaimer: Whatever I say or post doesn't act as financial advice, so please do your due diligence before making any decision. I would think options trading is like a leveraging tool, it allows an individual to invest in a company with high stock price, with a modest amount of money in their account. It allows them to invest in companies that in a normal circumstance couldnt be done.  But with that said, before you dive into the world of options, please ensure you understand the machanisms of it (E.g Sell call/put, Buy call/put, different options strategies) and have an extremely clear game plan. Set your stop losses, prioritize how much you might lose before you consider how much you might earn from the trade.  It is a highly lucrative strategy, however you will lose a lot too
avatarTiger_comments
01-25 16:32

Pelosi Adds More Calls: Is Options Trading Gambling or Investing?

Some argue that options trading is inherently risky, especially for beginners who lack a clear understanding of how it works. For them, venturing into options without proper knowledge is akin to gambling.However, for Nancy Pelosi, options may well represent long-term investments.Take her most recent disclosures on January 17, for example. She executed in-the-money call options on several tech stocks.She purchased: - 50 $Alphabet(GOOG)$ $150 1/16/26 calls - Exercised her 500 $NVIDIA(NVDA)$ calls (purchased 50,000 shares) - Exercised her 140 $Palo Alto Networks(PANW)$ calls (purchased 14,000 shares) - 50 $Tempus AI(TEM)$ $2
Pelosi Adds More Calls: Is Options Trading Gambling or Investing?
avatarAqa
00:33
Options trading can be a sub-type of investment if coupled with expert analysis and good strategy. It is widely opinioned as gambling because many factors contribute to market changes. It is extremely difficult to adjust our trades by the seconds and day faculty to monitor the market direction every second. Thanks@icycrystal @Daily_Discussion @TigerStars @Tiger_comments @TigerEvents  
avatarZEROHERO
01-26 14:42
Replying to @koolgal:I’m sure you are ready to rock and roll with options trading. Can consider with selling cash secured puts first. Been guiding some friends with positive results for last 3 months. You will not regret it. All the best and huat big in 2025! 🤑//@koolgal:🌟🌟🌟Options Trading can be a very effective tool to accumulate wealth....with one disclaimer, that is if you know how. Nancy Pelosi has shown considerable skill and confidence in her trades especially with options on a long maturity date.  She has made far more money with her trades than her pay when she was in Congress.  Therefore it is crucial to have the knowledge and skill in order to be a su
avatarAqa
00:34
Options trading can be a sub-type of strategic investment if coupled with expert analysis and good strategy. It is widely opinioned as gambling because many factors contribute to market changes. It is extremely difficult to adjust our trades by the seconds and day faculty to monitor the market direction every second. Thanks @Tiger_comments
avatarSpiders
01-25 19:58

Options Trading: Investing or Gambling?

Options trading, often considered a sophisticated financial tool, is inherently risky and may not suit everyone, especially beginners who lack a clear understanding of how options work. For those without proper knowledge, venturing into options can feel like gambling due to the speculative nature of the market. However, the debate hinges on the trader's intentions and strategy. If one trades options based on random guesses or follows trends without conducting thorough research, then it aligns more with gambling than investing. On the other hand, a well-thought-out approach, based on market analysis, predictions of price movements, and a solid rationale, can elevate options trading to a legitimate investment strategy. Key Points to Consider: Understanding Options Trading: Options allow inve
Options Trading: Investing or Gambling?
avatarZEROHERO
01-26 14:58
Options trading is a strategy game. Master the various types of options strategies and the ability to apply it at the right time and situation with calculated risk coupled with economic data and/or earnings seasons can reap handsome rewards. Similar to driving, it’s very risky without theory classes and practical test to pass the driving licence. Then we need to familiarise with the car, gain driving experiences ,take note of weather, road & traffic conditions, pick up defensive driving techniques and beware of other motorists & pedestrians before we can truly enjoy the journey. @koolgal @SPACE ROCKET @Christinechel
avatarBarcode
01-25 03:03
$Tempus AI(TEM)$ $Vistra Energy Corp.(VST)$ 🌌💰💼 When Fortune Aligns with Strategy 💼🌌💰 Nancy Pelosi’s recent stock selections; $TEM (Tempus AI) and $VST (Vistra Corp), may reflect either strategic foresight or a fortuitous alignment with rapidly emerging market trends. 🔍 $TEM (Tempus AI) Tempus AI stands at the forefront of AI-driven healthcare innovation, perfectly positioned within the framework of the $500 billion Stargate Project, which aims to revolutionise healthcare through AI integration. The project’s first AI-enabled data centre is set to launch in Abilene, Texas, ushering in a new era for medical technology. However, recent insider activity warrants attention:    •   
avatarSpiders
01-24

Pelosi Adds TEM: Can This AI Stock Hit $70 Again?

Nancy Pelosi recently made headlines with her strategic investments in the tech and AI sectors. She acquired call options for Alphabet, Amazon, and Nvidia, purchasing 50 contracts with a strike price of $80, set to expire on January 16, 2026. Additionally, Pelosi invested in energy company Vistra, showing a diverse portfolio approach. Notably, on December 20, 2024, Pelosi exercised call options to acquire 50,000 shares of Nvidia and 14,000 shares of Palo Alto Networks. These are strong players in their respective sectors, benefiting from technological innovation and cybersecurity demands. On January 14, 2025, Pelosi expanded her portfolio into artificial intelligence by investing in Tempus AI (TEM). She acquired 50 call options with a strike price of $20, expiring on January 16, 2026. This
Pelosi Adds TEM: Can This AI Stock Hit $70 Again?
avatarkatsu15
01-25 04:25
I decided to build a simple option screener in python using free api's looking for cheap option close to in the money with decent iv and delta. Remember I am starting from $300 USD so need cheap ones while managing risk 🫥 Now with this trade I didn't do any research which I might come to regret 😆however I just put an order in and it triggered.🙈 $SENS 20250321 1.0 CALL$ this is the order and the stock is $Senseonics(SENS)$   I will share some more about the other options on the screener however just need to build a list of ticker options for python to run through 😩
avatarhighhand
01-26 08:00
for most people, buying options is gambling. you will only win if the stock price move in the correct direction. but for Pelosi she knows... I'm sure she has information [Happy]
avataricycrystal
01-25 17:53
like any investment, option has its own risks... just trade within means for safety... Some argue that options trading is inherently risky, especially for beginners who lack a clear understanding of how it works. For them, venturing into options without proper knowledge is akin to gambling. However, for Nancy Pelosi, options may well represent long-term investments. @HelenJanet @Shyon @Aqa @LMSunshine @koolgal @rL
avataricycrystal
01-25 17:53
like any investment, option has its own risks... just trade within means for safety... Some argue that options trading is inherently risky, especially for beginners who lack a clear understanding of how it works. For them, venturing into options without proper knowledge is akin to gambling. However, for Nancy Pelosi, options may well represent long-term investments. @HelenJanet @Shyon @Aqa @LMSunshine @koolgal @rL
avatarMHh
01-25 20:02
It’s the same with investing. Some believe that it is gambling since you are never 100% confident in the direction that the stock can go. For example, trump just needs to mention tariff now and many stock prices in the China/ Hong Kong market will drop. This is beyond control of anyone. Options is just a way of investment that I believe if well executed can maximise earnings and minimise losses. At the end of the day, it boils down to time horizon, knowledge and skill as well as risk management to be within one’s risk appetite
avatarjislandfund
01-26 00:58
the inherent chance that the price could chance rapidly is what we all dread but it's there due diligence and good information can reduce the chance elements of trading options. I'd say it's investing as gambling tends to be more about luck than judgement⭐
avatarAN88
01-26 05:25
investment if you know what you are doing
avatarDiAngel
01-26 00:10
Options trading are gambling.. you win BIG and you can also lose BIG. I had attended a few options seminar but still yet to fully understand how it is being use. Thus, I m hands off from options.
avatarECLC
01-26 00:15
Think more complicated and risky with Options Trading. It is easier to start investing in strong stocks with consistent dividends.