Definition
The term buy-write index refers to a benchmark that provides investors with insights into the performance of covered call strategies. Investors use buy-write strategies to add income to an investment's return while lowering volatility.
Explanation
A buy-write index is designed to mimic the performance of a buy-write strategy applied to the portfolio of securities such as the DJIA, S&P 500, or Russell 2000. Also referred to as a covered call, a buy-write is a strategy in which the investor holds a stock or portfolio of stocks, while at the same time selling call options on these securities.
The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) provides investors with several buy-write indices, which can be used by investors to benchmark the performance of this strategy. Generally, a buy-write will underperform stocks when their prices are increasing, and outperform stocks when their prices are declining.