Doug Ashburn

Some financial professionals suggest including alternative investments—those that fall outside the world of stocks, bonds, and cash—as part of a diversified portfolio. Should investors consider cryptocurrencies as part of the alternatives choice set?

Have a single-leg option? Consider using a vertical spread to turn it into a defined-risk spread to lower the margin requirements and free up capital at the same time.

Market makers are professional traders typically on the other side of retail trades. And they're paid to take risk and provide market liquidity.

Short selling, short interest, naked short selling are among terms some investors had scarcely paid attention to. But a flurry of apparent short squeezes in 2021 called attention to shorting. Here are some of the top questions answered.

Three options strategies on how to exit a winning or losing trade: long options, vertical spreads, and calendar spreads.

When a stock suddenly enters a hyperbolic rally without clear fundamental reasons, it could be a classic short squeeze. And when it involves options, a so-called 'gamma squeeze' can exacerbate the moves—up and down.

When trading vertical options spreads, the maximum risk and profit potential are defined and relatively straightforward to calculate. Here’s how to assess the risk parameters on vertical spreads.

Starting the new year fresh can be a great idea. Despite the drop and pop we saw last year, it may still be a good time to think about resetting your trading strategies and get a fresh start.

Taxes can be a drag. But they're necessary. And as a trader, there are some things you should know about taxes. Being aware of some important items at the start of the year can help make the process simpler and quicker.

Is the market pricing in a greater-than-typical move in a stock? Check the Market Maker Move indicator on thinkorswim®. Its magnitude can help inform your trading decisions.