$Tiger Brokers(TIGR)$ 2025 was a reminder that options are less about prediction and more about preparation.

My standout takeaway was not a single spectacular win, but how disciplined structures mattered more than bold direction. In a year driven by tariffs, rate surprises, and AI re-rating cycles, defined-risk strategies consistently outperformed emotional conviction.

Well-timed call spreads around earnings captured upside without overpaying for volatility. Protective puts and collars proved invaluable during sharp macro drawdowns, preserving capital when sentiment flipped overnight. The toughest losses came from underestimating how quickly implied volatility could compress after major events, even when the thesis was right.

The key lesson from 2025 is clear. Options reward patience, structure, and risk control more than bravado. In volatile markets, surviving well often matters more than winning big.