What is the primary purpose of a put option in trading?

The primary purpose of a put option in trading is to provide the right to sell shares at a predetermined price. When an investor purchases a put option, they are effectively buying the right, but not the obligation, to sell a specific amount of an underlying asset (such as shares of stock) at a set strike price within a defined time period. This mechanism serves as a form of insurance against a decline in the underlying asset's price. If the market price falls below the strike price, the investor can exercise the put option to sell at the higher predetermined price, minimizing potential losses.

Utilizing put options can also be an effective strategy for traders who anticipate a downturn in market conditions and wish to protect their investment portfolio. The flexibility provided by put options allows traders to optimize their risk management strategy in a volatile market environment.