Currency Option Trading - The Low Down
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 SPOT contract is another type used in currency option trading. It is a "single payment option trade." This means that if for example you feel that the euro will advance against the dollar and you buy calls on it, if you are right you do not need to actually purchase the currenct=y and sell in the market to make a profit. The profit from the option is automatically deposited in your trading account. Brokers charge a higher premium for trading this type of contract, however for speculators is the easiest way to trade.
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.
There are different reasons for engaging in currency option trading. One reason is to trade strictly to make money on the moves up and down in the currency prices. Speculators trade purely for profits.
Many corporations use hedging as a means to temper the affects of price volatility between their currency and the currency used by foreign trading partners. This is done in an attempt to protect the profits they make from their own businesses.
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. - 23223
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 SPOT contract is another type used in currency option trading. It is a "single payment option trade." This means that if for example you feel that the euro will advance against the dollar and you buy calls on it, if you are right you do not need to actually purchase the currenct=y and sell in the market to make a profit. The profit from the option is automatically deposited in your trading account. Brokers charge a higher premium for trading this type of contract, however for speculators is the easiest way to trade.
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.
There are different reasons for engaging in currency option trading. One reason is to trade strictly to make money on the moves up and down in the currency prices. Speculators trade purely for profits.
Many corporations use hedging as a means to temper the affects of price volatility between their currency and the currency used by foreign trading partners. This is done in an attempt to protect the profits they make from their own businesses.
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. - 23223
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Before you proceed with any currency option trading be SURE to read up on currency forex market trading!


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