SPECIAL REPORT: To Master Investing, You Need to Master These 6 Terms

What Are Options? | What Are Put Options? | What Is the VIX? Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( July 28, 2023 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Youtube]( [Instagram]( Kiplinger Today [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [SHARE]( [] Top Story [] [What Are Options?]( [What Are Options?]( (Getty Images) Options guarantee an opportunity. Options are contracts that give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a predetermined number of shares of the underlying asset. [Learn about the most actively traded types of options]( and if this investment vehicle will get you closer to your goals. [] Put Options [] [What Are Put Options?]( [What Are Put Options?]( (Getty Images) Experienced investors see opportunities beyond simply buying and selling stocks and exchange-traded funds. Put options serve as a financial safety net. Let's delve into [the core essence of put options]( with a focus on their investor-centric advantages. [Are You on Track for Retirement?]( Vanguard Advisors can help you think through your retirement income and budget and balancing your expectations for growth with a disciplined approach to risk. [There's never been a more perfect time to get started.]( Paid non-client promotion [GET STARTED]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Managing Risk [] [What Is the VIX?]( [What Is the VIX?]( (Getty Images) The VIX can make investing less vexing. This index is a tool that you can use to get a quick gauge of the temperature of short-term investor sentiment. It measures "implied volatility" and the direction it moves can signal heightened fear and uncertainty or investor complacency and positive price action for equities. [Learn how to use this index]( to improve your investing acumen. [] Stock Market [] [What Is the Nasdaq?]( [What Is the Nasdaq?]( (Getty Images) The Nasdaq is many things to different people. It's a market to trade securities, it's a composite index and it's a company that provides services to the investment community. Get a granular look at [what the Nasdaq is](and what you might be missing. [] Raising Capital [] [What Is an Initial Public Offering (IPO)?]( IPOs are often cause for excitement among investors. How well an IPO is received can provide insight into the health of the company or the market. But -- how does an IPO work? What are the steps a company must go through before getting its shares on the market? Most importantly, are IPOs a good investment for you? [Find the Answer Here]( [Realize Your Retirement Potential with the Help of a Vanguard Advisor]( At Vanguard, we're invested in you. Which is precisely why we've created Vanguard Personal Advisor Services®, providing remote access to financial advisors, real-time goal tracking, and more confidence you'll meet your goals. [There's never been a more perfect time to get started.]( Paid non-client promotion [GET STARTED]( ADVERTISEMENT [] Stocks [] [What Is a Stock Buyback?]( Is a buyback good for a company? Is it good for shareholders? Mark R. Hake, CFA, will help you take a closer look at why corporations undergo "share repurchases," uncover what their benefits are and why some folks don't like them. [Read More]( ABOUT KIPLINGER When we write about money, we get it right. So the decisions you make with your dollars are also right. Kiplinger is a trusted provider of unbiased financial advice, objective business and economic forecasts, and practical help to millions of business professionals, investors, and individuals seeking to make more profitable decisions with their money. Our [flagship publications]( include [Kiplinger’s Personal Finance]( magazine, [The Kiplinger Letter]( [The Kiplinger Tax Letter]( [Kiplinger’s Retirement Report]( and [Kiplinger’s Investing for Income.]( All are regarded as the leading publications in their respective fields. Every day, millions of readers rely on our [free e-newsletters]( for help on everything from getting the best rate on a mortgage or car loan, to managing their businesses in an uncertain world, avoiding an IRS audit, building wealth for a secure retirement, or investing wisely in any kind of market. Now it’s your turn to reap all the rewards Kiplinger has to offer. Visit [Kiplinger.com](, your gateway to all of the above and much more. Check in any time for our latest advice on how to make more money, and keep more of the money you make. Stay right on the money, with Kiplinger. [Kiplinger]( [Sign Up]( | [Print Publications]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Privacy Policy]( | [Cookies Policy]( | [Terms and Conditions]( CONTACT US: [FEEDBACK](mailto:kiplingertoday@smartbrief.com) | [ADVERTISE]( Future US LLC © Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036