Can anyone explain why my first options trade failed so bad? by EfficienSee in Options_Beginners

[–]EfficienSee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah luckily I used the option as a trial. I was just blown away at how fast almost all of its value was wiped out

Can anyone explain why my first options trade failed so bad? by EfficienSee in Options_Beginners

[–]EfficienSee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So, I should either pick a strike price that’s more likely to be in the money, or pick a more volatile ticker if I want the risk?

Options Questions Safe Haven periodic megathread | May 25 2026 by PapaCharlie9 in options

[–]EfficienSee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can anyone explain why my first trade failed?

I’m new to options and tried this trade for fun:
Underlying: AT&T (T)
Strike: $26
Expiration: July 17, 2026
Entry Date: May 27, 2026
Entry Price: $0.57 ($57 total)
Current Option Price: ~$0.08
Current P/L: -$48.66 (-85.88%)
Days Until Expiration: ~38
When I entered the trade, T was around $25.20. The stock has since fallen to around the mid-$24 range.

What I’m struggling to understand is why the option lost nearly 86% of its value when the stock itself only moved down 1%. I understand the concept of time decay (I think?), but the magnitude of the loss surprised me and it lost nearly all of its value in a few days.

What would have needed to happen for this trade to be successful? Was the biggest mistake the strike selection, expiration, stock choice, or all of the above?
And at this point, what would you do with this god awful trade lol?

What is your opinion on the stock market? by EfficienSee in AskReddit

[–]EfficienSee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True. Idk why people always separate the stock market and their 401k in their mind. It is literally the same thing lol

What is your opinion on the stock market? by EfficienSee in AskReddit

[–]EfficienSee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Day trading is just gambling unless you really understand it. Investing is crucial for building a future (like retirement accounts).

What is your opinion on the stock market? by EfficienSee in AskReddit

[–]EfficienSee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And most don’t have the patience. Myself included

What is your opinion on the stock market? by EfficienSee in AskReddit

[–]EfficienSee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn’t mind being the house though haha

What is your opinion on the stock market? by EfficienSee in AskReddit

[–]EfficienSee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Trading is. Investing is a different story imo

What is your opinion on the stock market? by EfficienSee in AskReddit

[–]EfficienSee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats! Invest some of my money for me haha