Understanding Currency Options in Detail
A currency option can be defined as a derivative contract that provides traders with the right to sell or buy a particular amount of foreign currency, without the obligation to do so. This buying or selling of currencies is done at a fixed rate that is decided beforehand and is known as the strike price of the option.
Trades under the currency option are carried out within a set time. Thanks to this time frame, traders can find ways to manage any potential risks associated with changes in currency values. If the market values move in the trader’s favour, they can stand to profit from it to a great extent.
There are two types of currency options- call options and put options. As a part of the call option, traders have the option to buy the underlying currency at the strike price agreed upon. Traders ideally use a call option when the currency value increases.
A put option, on the other hand, helps the trader to sell the underlying currency at the strike price and this currency option is usually used by traders when the currency value decreases. Both options, when utilised well, can help provide the traders with a safety net while working towards potential profits.
Additional Read: What is Trading Account: Definition, Types & Benefits
How the Currency Option Works
There is one crucial and unskippable step that currency options cannot do without and that is the premium payment step. The payment of premium takes place between the option holder and the options seller. The option holder gains the right to either buy/sell the option, by paying the premium to the option seller.
Since option contracts come with an expiration date, the option holder ensures to stay on top of the movement of the current market rate of the currency pair. This is known as the spot price and it is a crucial element in determining how profitable either of the currency options will be. This is done by analyzing how it moves around the pre-defined strike price. Where the spot rate arrives at the expiration of the contract decides the option’s intrinsic value.
If and when the spot price crosses the strike price in call options, the option gains more intrinsic value and leaves the trader free to buy the currency they need at the strike price, which is now less than the current market price.
Conversely, when the spot rate falls below the strike price of a put option, the option holder can make a profit by selling it at the strike price, which is now higher than the market price.
However, if the spot price scenarios are hypothetically exchanged between the two options, the option in question then ceases to exist as its intrinsic value disappears. However, the only loss that an option holder suffers in either of the two cases is the loss of the premium he paid to the option seller.
Benefits of Currency Option
There are several benefits to currency options. They can act as a hedge against potential losses when the currency moves in an unfavourable direction, against the trader. Essentially, the only loss a holder sustains, even if the price movement is against them is the amount they paid as the premium to the option seller. Conversely, if and when the currency moves in the trader’s direction, the profit potential is limitless. Options also offer the flexibility of the option holder having the right without needing to exercise the option. No obligation holds a trader down. There is a choice that exists for the trader. Options come with the benefit of being customizable to a trader’s goals and plans. As a result, traders have a personalised method to trade in currencies. Currency options also provide traders with the benefit of using a small amount of money to trade a bigger amount of currency through the method of leveraging.
Features of Currency Option
Several features make up currency options. Let us have a look at them.
Features
| Description
|
Over-the-counter contract
| Most currency options are traded over the counter directly between two parties. No exchanges are involved in such a contract.
|
Customisable
| Currency options have customisable terms that can be tailored to suit a trader’s needs
|
Exotic Options
| The main aim of exotic options is to let traders bet on how much the currency can move apart from the diffraction it might take. This option works in favour of traders if currencies are moving extensively.
|
Versatile Expiry Dates
| Since options can last either short-term or long-term, traders have a choice between how long they want to invest in the option as well.
|
Additional Read: Call and Put Options: Meaning, Types & Examples
Types of Currency Option
There are many types of currency options. Let us have a look at them here.
Traditional Currency Options
Traditional options enable an option holder to sell or buy a specific amount of foreign currency without the obligation to do so. This buying or selling is done at a predetermined rate which is known as the strike price and it needs to be carried out within a specified period.
Exotic Options
Exotic options have unique features that can be customized to meet the needs of the trader. There are three types of exotic options:
Barrier Options
The activation and deactivation of these options depend on the movement of the market and whether or not it hits a set level. This is where the knock-in or knock-out options get their name from.
Binary Options
Any trader looking for a fixed payout should consider binary options. This however happens when the market price is above or below a certain level during expiration.
Over-The-Counter (OTC)
Trading of the OTC options is done directly between parties without the involvement of an exchange and results in easily customisable terms. However, OTC options also hold the risk of higher counterparty.
Exchange-Traded Options
Exchange-traded options can be described as almost the opposite of OTC options as they are traded on organised exchanges and come with standardised terms. Exchange-traded options are also more transparent and have a counterparty risk.
Conclusion:
Currency options make for great investment choices to help traders gain access to flexible hedging and speculating tools when it comes to online currency trading. When traders understand how currency options work, they can truly tap into effective currency risk management and the profit that these options can produce through currency fluctuations.