bhaskar saikia

In a small corner of the map, where the Persian Gulf meets the Arabian Sea, lies a narrow waterway just 39 kms (21 miles) wide—the Strait of Hormuz. It may not look like much, but it’s one of the world’s most important lifelines. Nearly one out of every five barrels of oil travels through this passage every single day.

And now, it’s under threat.

With rising conflict in the region, talks of closing this strait have been finalized. And when that happens, the world doesn’t just watch—it feels it.

Fuel prices jump. Transport costs rise. Groceries get more expensive. Stock markets turn jittery. It’s like the world holds its breath, not just out of fear, but out of uncertainty.

So, what can we do when everything feels uncertain?

We may not have the power to stop wars or reopen closed waterways, but we do have the power to prepare.

Just as we lock our doors before a storm or carry an umbrella during monsoons, we can also protect the value of what we own—our savings, our investments, our peace of mind.

A Simple Tool for Rough Times: The Put Option

If you’ve invested in the stock market and you’re worried about sudden drops, there’s a helpful tool known as a put option. Think of it as insurance for your stocks.

Imagine you own some shares. If the market crashes, the value of those shares will fall. But if you’ve bought a put option, you’ve essentially given yourself the right to sell those shares at a pre-decided price—no matter how low the market goes. So while others may be taking heavy losses, you have a safety net.

You pay a small fee to buy this protection—just like you would for health or car insurance. If the market doesn’t fall, great—you’ve simply paid for peace of mind. But if it does, the put option helps soften the blow.

It’s a simple way to say: “I’m not running from the market, but I’m not walking into a storm without a raincoat.”

A time to stay calm, not careless

The news can be overwhelming. The charts may go up and down. But panic is not a plan. In times like these, it helps to stay grounded, seek advice if needed, and avoid emotional decisions.

Because markets may fall, rise, and fall again—but our clarity, our preparation, and our hope must remain steady.

Note: Please consult a certified financial advisor before investing in stock derivatives such as put options. These instruments involve risk and may not be suitable for all investors.