Advanced Options: Spreads, Volatility & Profitable Trades

Labor Day starts with $70+ in savings on Coursera Plus. Save 40% for 3 months.

Advanced Options: Spreads, Volatility & Profitable Trades

Instructor: Wiley Skills Network

Included with Learn more

Ask Coursera

7 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Advanced level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

7 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Advanced level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Implement advanced options strategies including spreads, straddles, and butterflies.
Analyze volatility, ETFs, and sector trends to inform trading decisions.
Execute trades profitably across trending and sideways market conditions.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 7 modules in this course

This course teaches advanced options trading strategies, emphasizing the importance of leveraging spreads, straddles, and complex combination trades. Participants learn to adapt techniques to varying market conditions and maximize profit potential.

Learners enhance practical skills by analyzing ETFs, sector trends, and volatility indicators. Structured examples and exercises allow participants to execute trades confidently and manage multifaceted positions. The course uniquely blends theory with real-world application, offering actionable guidance on both trending and sideways markets. Quizzes and case examples reinforce strategic thinking and decision-making. This course benefits intermediate to experienced traders seeking to refine strategy and execution. Prior knowledge of basic options trading concepts is recommended for full comprehension. This course is part three of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization. This Specialization is based on the book Options Trading For Dummies, by Joe Duarte. From Options Trading For Dummies Copyright © 2026 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This module delves into advanced options trading strategies, including collars, vertical spreads, calendar spreads, and diagonal spreads. Learners will discover how to combine options and stocks to manage risk, generate income, and optimize profit potential in various market conditions.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module introduces the fundamentals of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), their comparison to indexes, and the strategic use of ETF and index options. Learners will explore how ETFs can be leveraged to reduce portfolio volatility, generate income, and implement sector tilts for enhanced investment outcomes.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

7 readingsTotal 49 minutes

Introduction4 minutes
Comparing ETFs to indexes7 minutes
Distinguishing ETF and index options6 minutes
Reducing Portfolio Volatility with ETFs5 minutes
Revisiting volatility8 minutes
Investing with ETFs10 minutes
Tilting Your Portfolio with Sector ETFs9 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Exploring ETFs, Options, and Market Volatility16 minutes

This module introduces delta-neutral trading strategies, focusing on how to construct and manage straddles and strangles to profit regardless of market direction. Learners will analyze risk profiles, calculate position deltas, and explore trade adjustments to maintain neutrality in uncertain markets.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

6 readingsTotal 36 minutes

Introduction11 minutes
Reducing straddle risk and reward — A strangle5 minutes
Examining a Neutral View versus a Neutral Position4 minutes
Calculating delta for combination positions4 minutes
Trading with Delta8 minutes
Understanding Trade Adjustments4 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Options Trading and Delta-Neutral Strategies16 minutes

This module explores how implied volatility, volatility skews, and price charts can be leveraged to identify trading opportunities in options markets. Learners will compare ratio spreads and ratio backspreads, understand their risk profiles, and discover optimal market conditions for each strategy. By the end, you'll be able to recognize and apply these advanced options strategies to real-world trading scenarios.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

6 readingsTotal 50 minutes

Introduction15 minutes
When options are skewed4 minutes
Understanding Ratio Spreads7 minutes
Identifying best conditions for ratio spreads5 minutes
Using Ratio Backspreads14 minutes
Spotting best conditions for ratio backspreads5 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Navigating Volatility and Chart-Based Trading16 minutes

This module introduces options strategies such as butterflies and condors designed to generate income and manage risk during sideways market conditions. Learners will explore the mechanics, benefits, and trade-offs of these strategies, including covered calls and iron butterflies. By the end, you'll be able to recognize and implement structured approaches for profiting when markets lack clear direction.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

7 readingsTotal 46 minutes

Introduction12 minutes
Identifying other option strategies for sideways moves5 minutes
Understanding Butterfly Positions13 minutes
Digging deeper into butterfly risk4 minutes
Creating an iron butterfly5 minutes
Understanding Condor Positions4 minutes
Recognizing condor risks3 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Mastering Range-Bound Trading Techniques16 minutes

This module introduces a variety of limited-risk option strategies, guiding learners through their structure, risk management, and optimal market conditions for use. Participants will gain practical skills in designing and evaluating trading plans to improve consistency and decision-making in options trading.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module guides learners through essential best practices and common pitfalls in options trading, emphasizing risk management, emotional discipline, and continuous learning. By examining real-world scenarios and practical advice, participants will develop a more resilient and adaptable trading approach.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

Instructor

Wiley Skills Network

John Wiley & Sons

169 Courses15,113 learners

Offered by

John Wiley & Sons

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Break down barriers to learning with big savings
Get Coursera Plus
Start with easy savings for hard-working teams
Save 30% today

Frequently asked questions

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.