The trading of options and futures is done in ‘lots’. However, if you're someone who is just starting and looking to learn the basics, you might not be aware of the term. If you're someone wanting to learn about the ‘lot size', then you're at the right place. Continue reading as we explore everything relevant about lot size, including its meaning, purpose, modification, and much more.
F&O or futures & options are financial instruments whose value is determined via the underlying assets like stocks, ETFs, bonds, etc. These futures and options are traded in lot sizes to standardise and ease the trading. Let's learn more about the same.
What is Lot Size?
Let's start with the basics. What is the lot size? Well, generally, a lot refers to a definite quantity in which an item is ordered. The lot size in trading is not much different. It refers to the number of total stocks a trader can buy in one transaction. Simply put, lot size determines the minimum scrips you can sell our buy-in options trading.
This lot size is determined by SEBI to regulate the market’s price quote. SEBI defines the lot sizes for each index and stock that are eligible for trade in the F&O market.
Since lot size is already defined, it helps traders be aware of the price they're willing to put in the market. This means in case lot sizes were not specified; it might lead to price deviation and not standardization with not-so-uniform bulk.
Let's understand lot size with an example. Say, the lot size for NIFTY 50 is 100 shares. This means any trader willing to trade in options may buy it only in the multiples of 100.
The sun value of the NIFTY 50 options contract is nothing but the product of its trading price and lot size. For example, say the value of NIFTY 50 is 1000 with a lot size of 500. This makes the total options contract of something around: 1000*500, i.e, ₹5,00,000.
How are Lot Sizes Fixed for Options and Futures?
Now that you know what a lot size is, let's move forward and see how they are fixed. Well, you already read that lot values are determined by the SEBI. At first, when options and futures trading started, SEBI fixed the indicative or notional value at ₹2 lakhs. Later, the apex body made some changes and specified a certain lot size to determine a specific indicative value. It specified that lot size would be a number which, when multiplied by the market price, should be valued at more than ₹2 lakhs.
SEBI planned this move with a simple motto and it was to keep the indicative value of lot sizes a bit high. Wondering why? Well, it was done by SEBI to control small traders from trading carelessly and incurring big losses.
Later in 2015, as the income and, with it, the purchasing capacity of individuals grew, SEBI revised the value of lot sizes. Now, it was fixed to ₹5 lakhs. In addition to that, the newly added stocks for options trading have determined lot sizes valuing ₹7.5 lakhs. Presently, lot size values of different companies keep ranging between five to ten lakhs. Furthermore, SEBI is also gauging the chances of further increasing this value.
Why are Lot Sizes Modified?
SEBI keeps on modifying and revising lot sizes periodically. Why, you ask? Well, the same is done to keep market integrity intact and protect investors from huge losses.
Here are some reasons that cause modification in lot sizes.
The change in lot sizes can also be seen as a reflection of changing market conditions. This may include changes in the value of shares, price fluctuations, and other economic conditions.
As mentioned earlier, SEBI modified the lot size to protect small investors from careless inventions based on speculations. Thus, at times, lot size is aimed to protect investors from incurring losses.
The determination of lot size also ensures that the market is free and transparent for all traders.
Modification in lot sizes also ensures that all kinds of traders are aware of the current values and can participate fairly based on their risk appetite and trading goals.
The periodic modification of lot size ensures they look more indicative and reasonable and, thus, change with any significant change in the share’s value. Let's understand this with an example. Say, a company's shares are valued at ₹500 with a lot size of 3000. This makes the total lot value to be ₹1,500,000.
Now, let's say as time passed, the price of the stocks rose to ₹650, making the new lot value to be ₹1,950,000. This is a huge deviation from the notional value determined by SEBI. In cases like this, SEBI may choose to revise the lot size and bring it down to 2500. This changes the lot value to: ₹650 *2500 = ₹1,625,000, which better reflects the indicative value.
Purpose of Lot Size
The lot sizes are determined for a variety of reasons. First, they help in standardising the futures. This ultimately comes in handy to maintain consistency in the market. In addition to that, lot sizes are seen as a crucial tool of SEBI to control market prices and quotations. With constant specifications about the derivative market, small lot sizes will be open to even small traders with little or no knowledge about market movements and their risks, which can push them into big losses. Thus, SEBI keeps on revising the lot size to make an entry barrier to control participation and big speculations.
Conclusion
When it comes to futures and options trading, you cannot simply start without learning about lot sizes. They are crucial to understand market prices, movements, and much more. Investing in futures and options can seem beneficial for a variety of reasons. However, you also need to consider the risks before investing. Make sure to compare, calculate, and invest wisely. Further, keep a tab on SEBI revisions to understand market speculations.
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This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
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