# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z all
Option
The right but not the obligation to buy or sell a given security or other financial instrument within a particular time at a specified price. The right to buy is a call; the right to sell is a put.
Option Adjusted Spread (OAS)
The constant spread that when added to all discount rates from the treasury curve on the binomial interest rate tree model (used by the indices) will make the theoretical value of the future cash flows equal to the market price of the instrument.
Option ARM
An Option ARM has features of both fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages and such loans initially offer borrowers four monthly payment options: a specified minimum payment, an interest-only payment, a 15-year fully amortizing payment, and a 30-year fully amortizing payment. Option ARMs are typically characterized by the following: i) fixed coupon for a specified number of years, after which the coupon resets periodically, ii) popular in the subprime market, iii) interest payments fluctuate in line with market conditions, iv) low initial payments at a teaser rate which attracts borrowers who want to minimize their monthly payment, v) first time homebuyers, and vi) negative amortization.
Original-Issue Discount
The amount by which a security's price at issuance is lower than its par value. In the case of fixed-rate capital securities, original-issue discount is also generally considered to exist if the issuer is entitled to elect to defer distributions.
Out-Of-The-Money
Refers to an option that has no intrinsic value. For example, a put option in which the stock is selling above the exercise price or a call option in which the stock is selling below the exercise price.
Over The Counter (OTC)
Can be used to refer to stocks that trade via a dealer network as opposed to on a centralized exchange. It also refers to debt securities and other financial instruments, such as derivatives, which are traded through a dealer network.
