Final Answer:
B. Increase.The option premium will increase as the value of the underlying security rises and as the time to maturity extends. Conversely, a decrease in the underlying security's value or a shorter time to maturity generally leads to a lower option premium. Thus, the premium fluctuates in response to changes in these key factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The premium of an option is a dynamic component influenced by the ever-changing dynamics of the financial markets. As the value of the underlying security fluctuates, the premium experiences corresponding adjustments. When the underlying security's value increases, the option premium tends to rise as well. This is because the potential profit for the option holder also increases, reflecting the heightened likelihood of the option being exercised profitably.
Similarly, the time remaining until the option's maturity plays a crucial role in determining its premium. As time progresses, the remaining time to maturity decreases. This temporal aspect introduces an element of risk for option holders, as there is less time for the underlying security's value to move in a favorable direction. Consequently, a longer time to maturity generally results in a higher option premium, reflecting the extended window of opportunity for the option to become profitable.
In summary, the option premium is not a static entity but a dynamic one that responds to changes in both the underlying security's value and the remaining time to maturity. An increase in either factor typically leads to an increase in the option premium, emphasizing the interconnected nature of these variables in options pricing.