Currency option trading is a way to trade the moves in the currency market with a reduced exposure to risk. Rather than buying or selling an actual currency, the option trader can purchase a call or a put on it. If he/she believes the price will move higher they can purchase a call giving them the right to buy(call) the currency at the stated strike price. This right exists for only a specified time frame. If the market price is higher than the strike price the currency can be sold right away in the market at a profit. If the trader feels the currency price is too high he/she can buy a put on it. They then have the right to sell the currency at the stated strike price. If the market price is lower within the time frame that the option is active the currency is purchased lower in the market and sold(put) at the option strike price.
One type of option contract used by speculators and hedgers is the traditional option. This contract requires the trader to set a strike price and an expiration date. These two factors along with the currency volatility level are used to determine the premium the broker charges for the option. If the premium is agreed upon the transaction is completed. If the currency pair being traded is the USD/CHF and the trader thinks the Swiss franc will move up against the dollar he/she will purchase a put on the dollar. If the prediction is correct in the set time frame, the trader will purchase the dollar and put(sell) it at the strike price realizing a profit.
The most popular type of contract for speculators is the SPOT contract. Actual currencies do not need to be purchased or sold to realize a profit. If the option trade is successful the profits from it are simply deposited in your account. The maximum lose that can be realized if the trade does not work is the amount of the premium paid.
Premiums are the amount the broker charges for the option. If the currency is highly volatile the broker will set a higher premium. If the strike price is set close to the market price of the currency the premium will be raised. It will also be higher the longer the time span until expiration.
People get involved in currency option trading for various reasons. Most trading is done purely in an attempt to profit from the fluctuations in currency prices. Most transactions in the market are done for this purpose.
Hedging is a common use of currency option trading. People or corporations doing business with companies in foreign countries can purchase options to protect themselves from loses they may incur on in-process business. If prices fluctuate on currencies to much before transactions are completed they may lose the profits generated by them.
Although the safest way to trade currency options to buy puts or buy calls some people sell these instruments short hoping that they just expire. The potential for losing money is very high. Large cash deposits are required for this type of trading because the level of risk is high.
As we have discussed, currency option trading can be a very profitable venture if you trade correctly. Premiums on options are typically smaller than deposits for the actual currency so profits can be large. One of the primary benefits is that with options you can limit your loses. - 23309
One type of option contract used by speculators and hedgers is the traditional option. This contract requires the trader to set a strike price and an expiration date. These two factors along with the currency volatility level are used to determine the premium the broker charges for the option. If the premium is agreed upon the transaction is completed. If the currency pair being traded is the USD/CHF and the trader thinks the Swiss franc will move up against the dollar he/she will purchase a put on the dollar. If the prediction is correct in the set time frame, the trader will purchase the dollar and put(sell) it at the strike price realizing a profit.
The most popular type of contract for speculators is the SPOT contract. Actual currencies do not need to be purchased or sold to realize a profit. If the option trade is successful the profits from it are simply deposited in your account. The maximum lose that can be realized if the trade does not work is the amount of the premium paid.
Premiums are the amount the broker charges for the option. If the currency is highly volatile the broker will set a higher premium. If the strike price is set close to the market price of the currency the premium will be raised. It will also be higher the longer the time span until expiration.
People get involved in currency option trading for various reasons. Most trading is done purely in an attempt to profit from the fluctuations in currency prices. Most transactions in the market are done for this purpose.
Hedging is a common use of currency option trading. People or corporations doing business with companies in foreign countries can purchase options to protect themselves from loses they may incur on in-process business. If prices fluctuate on currencies to much before transactions are completed they may lose the profits generated by them.
Although the safest way to trade currency options to buy puts or buy calls some people sell these instruments short hoping that they just expire. The potential for losing money is very high. Large cash deposits are required for this type of trading because the level of risk is high.
As we have discussed, currency option trading can be a very profitable venture if you trade correctly. Premiums on options are typically smaller than deposits for the actual currency so profits can be large. One of the primary benefits is that with options you can limit your loses. - 23309
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Before you proceed with currency option trading be SURE to read up on currency forex market trading!
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