
Let’s say you’ve built a solid stock portfolio — invested in blue-chip companies like Infosys, HDFC Bank, or Reliance. You’re happy with your long-term plan…But the market suddenly looks shaky. Maybe there’s global tension. Or a major economic report is due.You don’t want to sell your stocks — but you also don’t want to watch them drop in value. That’s where options hedging comes in — a smart way to protect your portfolio without liquidating it. In this blog, you’ll learn how to use options contracts to hedge your stock positions in a simple, beginner-friendly way. What is Options Hedging? Options hedging is a way to limit downside risk on your stock portfolio using options contracts — especially Put Options. Just like you’d buy insurance to protect your car, you can “insure” your stocks using options.If the market drops, your option gains help cover the losses. Quick Refresher: What Are Options? Call Option = Right to buy an asset at a set price Put Option = Right to sell an asset at a set price To hedge your stock portfolio, we focus on Put Options. Example: Hedging with a Put Option You own 100 shares of Reliance, currently trading at ₹2,800.You’re worried the stock might drop due to market volatility. The Hedge: You buy a Put Option with: Strike Price = ₹2,750 Premium = ₹40 Expiry = 1 month If Reliance falls to ₹2,600: Your shares lose ₹200 x 100 = ₹20,000 But your Put gains ₹150 x 100 = ₹15,000 (approx.) 👉 Net damage is much lower.You’ve successfully hedged your position. When Should You Hedge with Options? You don’t need to hedge all the time.Use options hedging when: You expect short-term volatility There’s an upcoming event (e.g., Union Budget, RBI meeting) You have large exposure in a single stock or sector You want peace of mind without selling your stocks 🛠️ Popular Options Hedging Strategies 1. Protective Put Own the stock + buy a put Simple and effective for beginners Great for single-stock protection 2. Covered Call (Partial Hedge) Own the stock + sell a call Earn premium income Caps your upside but adds safety 3. Index Options Hedge Own multiple stocks? Use Nifty or Bank Nifty puts to hedge the entire portfolio Cheaper than hedging each stock separately Pros and Cons of Hedging with Options Pros Cons Limits your losses Costs premium upfront Keeps your portfolio intact May reduce profit potential Ideal for short-term risk Requires basic options knowledge How Much of Your Portfolio Should You Hedge? It depends on your risk tolerance.You could hedge: 100% (full protection) 50% (partial) Just 1-2 key positions (targeted) 👉 Start small. Even hedging one stock can make a big difference. Pro Tips for First-Time Hedgers Start with liquid stocks or index options Keep an eye on expiry dates and strike prices Don’t hedge blindly — know your goal Track how your option and stock move together Learn with paper trading before using real capital Final Thoughts Options hedging is one of the most powerful tools a retail investor can use to manage risk. You don’t need to be a full-time trader or an expert in derivatives.Just a basic understanding of options, a good sense of timing, and the willingness to protect what you’ve built. Because in the stock market, it’s not just about growing your wealth — it’s also about protecting it when things go wrong