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Posted on  March 28, 2025 under  by Manas Bhaskar

What is CE and PE in the Stock Market?

If you've ever wondered what CE and PE in the stock market mean, you're not alone! These terms are commonly used in options trading, and understanding them can help you make smarter investment decisions. Knowing how CE (Call Option) and PE (Put Option) work is essential for profiting in the stock market, whether you're a beginner or someone looking to sharpen your trading skills.

In this blog, we'll break down CE and PE in simple words, explain their differences, discuss key trading strategies, and even show you how to calculate important ratios. By the end, you'll be ready to use these options to your advantage! So, let's dive in and decode the world of CE and PE trading. 

What is CE and PE in the Stock market​?

These are the two main types of options contracts used by traders to speculate on stock price movements. CE and PE are contracts that allow traders to buy or sell stocks at a fixed price before a set date without being forced to go through with the deal. Let’s understand them one by one.

What is CE and PE in the Stock Market?

What does CE mean in the Share Market? (Call Option)

CE stands for Call European Option, commonly known as Call Option (CE) in options trading. It is a type of options contract that gives the buyer the right but not the obligation to buy a stock at a fixed price (strike price) before the expiration date. Traders use CE when they expect the stock price to go up in future.

Think of it like this: Suppose you see a piece of designer jewellery priced at ₹80,000 today but you expect the price to go up to ₹90,000 in next month due to high demand. You go to the store and make a deal with the shopkeeper—you pay ₹2,000 as booking amount to lock in the price of ₹80,000 for next month. If the price indeed goes up to ₹90,000 you can still buy it at ₹80,000 and make a profit of ₹10,000. But if the price doesn’t go up or even drops you can simply walk away losing only ₹2,000 booking amount.

Example of CE in Options Trading

Let’s say Reliance Industries is currently trading at ₹2,500 per share, and you believe its price will rise in the next few weeks. So, you buy a CE with a strike price of ₹2,600, expiring in a month.

Now, two things can happen:

  • ✅ If Reliance’s stock price rises to ₹2,700, your CE option becomes valuable. You can buy the stock at ₹2,600 and sell it at ₹2,700, making a profit.
  • ❌ If Reliance’s stock price stays below ₹2,600, your CE option is worthless. You lose only the premium you paid for the option.

What does PE mean in the Share Market? (Put Option)

PE stands for Put European Option, commonly known as a Put Option (PE) in options trading. It is an options contract that gives the buyer the right but not the obligation to sell a stock at a fixed price (strike price) before the expiration date. Traders use PE when they expect the stock price to fall in the near future.

Imagine this: You have a bike worth ₹1,00,000 but you are worried that in the next month new models will launch and its resale value may drop to ₹80,000. So you make an agreement with a dealer—you pay a small premium (say ₹2,000) to lock in the right to sell your bike at ₹1,00,000 anytime within a month, no matter how much its price drops.

Now if the resale price really drops to ₹80,000 you can exercise your right to sell it for ₹1,00,000 and protect yourself from the loss. But if the price stays the same or increases you can ignore the deal and lose only the ₹2,000 premium.

Example of PE in Options Trading

Suppose Infosys is currently trading at ₹1,400 per share, and you believe its price will fall. So, you buy a PE with a strike price of ₹1,350, expiring in a month.

Now, two things can happen:

  • ✅ If Infosys’s stock price drops to ₹1,300, your PE option gains value. You can sell the stock at ₹1,350 and buy it back at ₹1,300, making a profit.
  • ❌ If Infosys’s stock price stays above ₹1,350, your PE option is worthless. You lose only the premium paid for the option.

Also read: What is BO ID in CDSL & How to Find it?

Difference Between CE and PE in Stock Market

Both CE (Call Option) and PE (Put Option) are crucial components of options trading, but they serve opposite purposes. While CE is used when traders expect the stock price to rise, PE is used when they expect the price to fall.

CE vs PE: Key Differences

FeatureCall Option (CE)Put Option (PE)
Full FormCall European OptionPut European Option
PurposeUsed when expecting the stock price to riseUsed when expecting the stock price to fall
Right of the BuyerRight to buy the stock at a fixed price before expiryRight to sell the stock at a fixed price before expiry
Expectation of ProfitStock price goes above the strike priceStock price falls below the strike price
Loss ScenarioIf the stock price does not rise above the strike price, the buyer loses only the premium paidIf the stock price does not fall below the strike price, the buyer loses only the premium paid
Who Benefits?Buyers benefit in a bullish marketBuyers benefit in a bearish market
Maximum LossLimited to the premium paidLimited to the premium paid

Role of Put Call Ratio (PCR) in Options Trading

The Put Call Ratio (PCR) is a great tool for traders to gauge market sentiment in the options market. It helps you figure out if investors are bullish or bearish by comparing the number of Put options (PE) to Call options (CE) traded. A high PCR means more people are buying PEs, bearish, and a low PCR means more people are buying CEs, bullish.

Traders and investors use PCR as a contrarian indicator, so if too many people are bearish, it could mean a reversal in the opposite direction.

How do you calculate the CE and PE ratio with a formula?

This ratio helps determine whether traders are more inclined toward buying Call Options (CE) or Put Options (PE), which can indicate the market's potential direction.

CE and PE Ratio Formula

The formula to calculate the CE and PE ratio is:

Here’s what it indicates:

  • If CE/PE Ratio > 1 → More Call Options than Put Options → Bullish Sentiment (Investors expect prices to rise).
  • If CE/PE Ratio < 1 → More Put Options than Call Options → Bearish Sentiment (Investors expect prices to fall).
  • If CE/PE Ratio ≈ 1 → Similar demand for CE and PE → Neutral Sentiment (No clear trend).

Example of CE and PE Ratio Calculation

Suppose in a particular trading session:

  • Total CE volume = 1,50,000 contracts
  • Total PE volume = 1,00,000 contracts

Then, the CE/PE Ratio would be:

Since the ratio is greater than 1, it suggests a bullish market sentiment, meaning that traders are expecting stock prices to rise.

Advantages & Risks of Trading CE and PE

Trading CE (Call Options) and PE (Put Options) offers a great opportunity to profit from market movements without needing to buy the actual stock. However, options trading comes with both advantages and risks, which every trader should understand before entering the market.

Advantages of Trading CE and PE

  • Leverage for Higher Profits – Options allow traders to control a large position with a small investment, leading to potentially higher returns.
  • Limited Risk for Buyers – When buying CE or PE, the maximum loss is limited to the premium paid for the option, unlike in futures or direct stock trading.
  • Flexibility to Profit in Any Market Condition
    • Buy CE when expecting a price rise (bullish market).
    • Buy PE when expecting a price drop (bearish market).
    • Sell CE or PE to generate premium income in sideways markets.
  • Hedging Against Market Fluctuations – Traders and investors use Put Options (PE) to protect their stock holdings from downside risks. Similarly, Call Options (CE) can hedge against missing an upside move.

Risks of Trading CE and PE

  • Time Decay (Theta Erosion) – Options lose value as they approach expiry, meaning traders must act before the premium declines significantly.
  • Market Volatility Impact – High Implied Volatility (IV) can make options expensive, while sudden changes in IV can cause unpredictable losses.
  • Complexity for Beginners – Unlike stocks, options have strike prices, expiration dates, and Greeks (Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega), making them challenging for new traders.
  • Possibility of Total Loss – If the stock does not move as expected, the entire premium paid can be lost by the expiry date.

Also Read: Best Intraday Trading Tips & Strategies | Expert Advice 2025

Trading Strategies for CE and PE Options

To succeed in CE and PE options trading, traders must use strategies that balance risk and reward. Here are some popular trading strategies used by experienced traders:

1. Covered Call Strategy (For Generating Passive Income)

  • Used when the market is neutral to slightly bullish.
  • The trader buys or holds a stock and sells a CE against it.
  • The goal is to earn a premium from the sold CE while still holding the stock.
  • Risk: If the stock rises too much, profits are capped at the strike price of the CE.

🔹 Example: If you own 100 shares of Reliance at ₹2,500 and sell a CE with a strike price of ₹2,600, you collect a premium. If Reliance stays below ₹2,600, you keep the premium as profit.

2. Protective Put Strategy (For Risk Management)

  • Used when holding a stock and wanting protection against downside risk.
  • The trader buys PE options for the stock they own.
  • If the stock price drops, the PE increases in value, offsetting losses.

🔹 Example: If you own Infosys shares at ₹1,400 but fear a market fall, buying a PE with a strike price of ₹1,350 ensures you can sell at ₹1,350 even if the price crashes.

3. Strangle Strategy (For Strong Market Moves)

  • Similar to Straddle but with different strike prices.
  • Buy a CE at a higher strike price and a PE at a lower strike price.
  • Used when a trader expects volatility but not immediately.

🔹 Example: If HDFC Bank is trading at ₹1,500, a trader can buy:

  • A CE with a ₹1,550 strike price
  • A PE with a ₹1,450 strike price

If the stock moves sharply above ₹1,550 or below ₹1,450, one of the options will gain big.

4. Iron Condor Strategy (For Sideways Markets)

  • Used when expecting low volatility (the stock price stays within a range).
  • Involves selling an OTM CE and OTM PE while buying an even further OTM CE and PE.
  • Profits from low price movement, collecting premium from both sold options.

🔹 Example: If NIFTY is at 17,500, a trader might:

  • Sell a 17,600 CE and a 17,400 PE
  • Buy a 17,700 CE and a 17,300 PE

As long as NIFTY stays between 17,400 and 17,600, the trader profits from the premium collected.

Tips for Investing in CE and PE Options

To succeed in CE and PE trading, follow these essential tips:

  • Analyze Market Trends Before Trading – Use technical indicators like Moving Averages, RSI, and the Put Call Ratio (PCR) to confirm market direction before buying CE or PE.
  • Choose the Right Strike Price – Select At-the-Money (ATM) options for a balance of risk and reward. Avoid cheap Out-of-the-Money (OTM) options, as they expire worthless in most cases.
  • Set Stop-Loss and Target Prices – Protect your capital by setting a stop-loss to cut losses early and booking profits before the market reverses.
  • Avoid Holding Options Till Expiry – Due to time decay (Theta), options lose value as expiry nears. It's better to exit profitable trades early rather than waiting until the last moment.
  • Monitor Market Volatility (IV Impact) – Higher Implied Volatility (IV) increases option premiums. Trade during stable IV levels to avoid overpriced options.
  • Use Proper Position Sizing – Don’t invest all your money in a single trade. Spread your capital across multiple trades to manage risk effectively.

Conclusion

CE and PE in the stock market are a must for options traders. CE (Call Options) works in a bullish market, and PE (Put Options) works in a bearish market. Traders can make informed decisions using the Put Call Ratio (PCR), CE/PE ratio and technical indicators. But options trading comes with risk, so proper risk management, strategy selection and market analysis is key to long-term success. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, mastering these concepts can help you make more money and less loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the CE full form in the share market?

    The full form of CE in the share market is Call European Option, but it is commonly known as a Call Option. It is used in options trading when a trader expects a stock’s price to increase. By purchasing CE, traders can lock in a price and potentially profit if the stock rises above the strike price before expiry.

  2. What does CE (Call) mean in the share market?

    CE, or Call Option, in the share market is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy a stock at a fixed price before expiry. Traders buy CE when they expect the stock price to rise, as it allows them to secure a lower price before an upward move. If the stock price increases beyond the strike price, the CE holder can sell it for a profit.

  3. What is the difference between PE and CE in the stock market?

    CE and PE are opposite option contracts used in trading. CE, or Call Option, is bought when traders expect the stock price to rise, while PE, or Put Option, is purchased when they anticipate a decline. CE gives the right to buy a stock at a fixed price before expiry, whereas PE gives the right to sell at a fixed price.

  4. Can I lose more money in CE and PE trading?

    When buying CE or PE, the maximum loss is limited to the premium paid for the option. However, selling CE or PE can lead to unlimited losses if the market moves in the wrong direction. This is why traders should always use stop-loss orders and risk management strategies when trading options.

  5. What does Put (PE) mean in the share market?

    PE, or Put Option, in the share market is a contract that allows the buyer to sell a stock at a predetermined price before expiry. Traders buy PE when they expect a stock’s price to fall. If the price drops below the strike price, the PE option gains value and can be sold for a profit.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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Written by Manas Bhaskar

Finance Enthusiastic

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