Question:

What is the maximum loss for an option buyer?

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An option buyer has limited risk (capped at the premium paid) and unlimited profit potential, whereas an option seller has limited profit (the premium) and unlimited risk.
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
  • Unlimited
  • Equal to the strike price
  • The option premium paid
  • Equal to the spot price of the underlying asset
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Analyzing Option Payoff Profiles:
Let us examine the payoff of a long option position at expiration. For a call option, the payoff is $\max(0, S_T - K)$ minus the premium paid ($P$).

Step 2: Evaluating Downside Risk:

If the market moves unfavorably, the option buyer will simply let the option expire unexercised. The value of the option contract drops to zero.

Step 3: Quantifying the Absolute Downside:

Since the option buyer cannot lose more than the upfront cost of the contract, their maximum loss is strictly limited to the option premium paid (C).
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