In, At, Out of the Money
Where your contract sits relative to the stock — and what it means for payoff.
Say SPY's at $560. You buy a $555 call. That's in the money (ITM) — the stock is already above your strike, so your contract has intrinsic value ($5 per share, or $500 per contract). You're paying for that head start.
Now say you buy a $560 call instead. That's at the money (ATM) — strike equals stock price. No intrinsic value yet, all premium. The most sensitive to moves in either direction.
Or you buy a $565 call. That's (OTM) — the stock needs to climb above $565 before your contract has any intrinsic value. Cheaper up front, higher risk, bigger percentage gains if it runs.