Now, traders can trade mini options contracts through their Scottrade brokerage account, offering a new entry into options trading for three stocks: AAPL, GOOG and AMZN as well as two exchange traded funds: GLD and SPY. Please keep in mind that options are not suitable for all investors.
The new mini options enable options-approved traders interested in adding options trading to their portfolio strategy to participate in 10-share lot positions. While the commission and contract fees remain the same on all options contracts, mini options reduces the cost of entering options contract trades through the lower cost associated with a lower share requirement, letting you explore options trading at a lower initial investment; however, you should be aware that the bid/offer spreads are higher for mini options than for standard options.