I have been reviewing your callwriter site and service for over two years and am a very novice options trader (have done 4 trades) through my account at Fidelity.

My question is: I understand covered calls are relatively safer than other types but you must own the underlying stock, to write the call. If you have a list and I have only 5 stocks in my portfolio that have options, and they are not on your list do I need to go out and buy those stocks (100 shares) at least

Thanks.

You can write calls on portfolio stocks, of course. Our lists are designed for buy-writing, in which you buy the stock and write calls on it. A stock option covers 100 shares, so you must purchase 100 shares for every call contract sold. However, to keep trade costs down, it is better to write several contracts, instead on just one.

Note that we offer numerous lists, for every taste and pocketbook.