What is CE and PE in the Stock Market?

Introduction

Have you ever looked at the stock market and felt overwhelmed by all the complicated terms? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions beginners ask is, “What do CE and PE mean?”

These terms—Call Option (CE) and Put Option (PE)—are part of options trading, and understanding them can open new possibilities for your investments. Don't worry, though! You don’t need to be a Wall Street expert to grasp these concepts. In this article, we’ll break it all down in the simplest way possible, like explaining cricket to someone who’s never seen a match before.

And while we're on the topic, we’ll also introduce you to some of the best algo trading software in India, and how algorithmic trading platforms make this easier and smarter.

Learn what CE & PE mean in the stock market. Beginner-friendly guide + insights on best algo trading software in India, algorithmic trading software & platforms.

What is Options Trading?

Think of options trading like booking a movie ticket. You’re reserving a seat in advance, but you’re not buying the theater—you’re just paying a small amount to hold your seat.

In the stock market, an option gives you the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a stock at a certain price before a specific date.

There are two main types of options:

• Call Options (CE) – Buy
  
  

• Put Options (PE) – Sell
  
  

What is CE in the Stock Market?

CE stands for Call European, commonly known as Call Option. When you buy a CE, you are betting that the price of a stock will go up.

Example:

Let’s say TCS is trading at ₹3,500. You buy a CE with a strike price of ₹3,600, expecting it to rise. If the price jumps to ₹3,700, you’re in profit!

What is PE in the Stock Market?

PE stands for Put European, or simply, Put Option. When you buy a PE, you're betting the stock price will go down.

Example:

If Reliance is at ₹2,500 and you buy a PE at ₹2,400, you’re hoping it falls below ₹2,400. If it drops to ₹2,300, you make money.

CE vs PE: What’s the Difference?

How CE and PE Actually Work (Real-World Example)

Let’s say you’re buying mangoes.

• You tell the shopkeeper, “Here’s ₹10. I’ll come tomorrow. If mangoes are above ₹100/kg, I’ll still buy them at ₹100.”
  
  

That’s a Call Option – you’re locking in a good price today because you think prices will go up.

If you say, “I’ll sell you mangoes at ₹100 tomorrow, even if they fall to ₹80,” that’s a Put Option – you're securing a higher selling price because you believe prices will drop.

Who Uses CE and PE, and Why?

Retail traders use them to profit from market moves.
Institutions use them to hedge big positions.
Algo traders use them to automate decisions based on data.

Options give flexibility—profit from rising, falling, or even flat markets!

CE and PE Expiry Dates and Strike Prices

• Strike Price: The price at which the option can be exercised.
  
  

• Expiry Date: The last date the option is valid (usually Thursdays in India).
  
  

Every option comes with these two—choose wisely!

Risks and Rewards of Trading CE and PE

Pros:

• Low investment, high returns
  
  

• Flexibility to trade market directions
  
  

• Can be used for hedging
  
  

Cons:

• High risk of total loss
  
  

• Complicated strategies
  
  

• Time-bound decisions
  
  

A small mistake in understanding can lead to a big loss. Always learn before you leap.

How to Start Trading CE and PE

1. Open a Demat + Trading account
   
   

2. Choose a platform (like Zerodha, Upstox, or any algo trading platform)
   
   

3. Learn with paper trading
   
   

4. Start small – try a single lot
   
   

5. Use stop-losses
   Role of Algo Trading in CE and PE

Let’s face it—markets move fast. Faster than your brain sometimes.

That’s where algorithmic trading software comes in. It can:

• Scan thousands of stocks in seconds
  
  

• Execute CE and PE trades based on predefined rules
  
  

• Avoid emotional mistakes
  
  

Algo trading is like a robot assistant that never sleeps and never panics.

Best Algo Trading Software in India

Here are some top contenders:

1. Quanttrix

• Ideal for options traders
  
  

• Custom strategy building
  
  

• Real-time signals
  
  

2. AlgoTest

• User-friendly backtesting