The Indian government permitted commodity options trading in India in 2017. While commodity options existed in the international market, in India, it was restricted. However, with the opening of this segment, many traders have shown interest in commodity options trading. Like various other stock market trading, commodity options work on similar grounds but a bit differently. So, before you step into this market segment, it is crucial to understand it.
Options trading can be of different types, and one of these is commodity options trading. In options trading, a trader can choose to buy or sell a commodity contract on or before the expiration date. While the option buyer (call option) purchases the right to buy the contract if the price becomes favourable, they are not obliged to do so.
On the other hand, the option seller (put option) has the right and obligation to execute a trade contract if the buyer chooses to do so. That brings the potential of unlimited benefit to the buyer if the price goes up and limits the profit to the premium for the seller if the price falls down. So, what exactly is commodity options trading? This guide will help you understand all about commodity trading and how you can get started with it.
What are Commodity Options?
Commodity options refer to the buying and selling of options contracts on popular commodities like gold, crude oil, natural gas, wheat, etc. As discussed above, in India, commodity options started in 2017 after the government permitted it.
There are two types of commodity options in the international market; American style and British style. In India, we follow only British-style commodity options trading. In British style, the buying or selling of the commodity options contract can only be done on the expiration date which is the last Thursday of every month. In the American style, buying and selling can be done on or before the expiration date.
In commodity options trading, a trader can buy or sell the option contract. As a buyer, the risk is limited (up to the premium paid) while profit potential is unlimited if the price goes up. For a seller, the risk is unlimited if the price falls while the profit is limited to the premium. The buyer may or may not choose to exercise the contract on the expiration date, depending on the price movements. However, a seller is obliged to execute the trade if the buyer chooses to do so.
Types of Commodities
Essential commodities are usually a part of commodity options trading. Here is the list of various commodities you may trade in:
Platinum, silver, gold, and copper are metal commodities.
Crude oil, natural gas, heating oil, and gasoline are common examples of energy commodities.
Soybeans, corn, wheat, cocoa, rice, cotton, coffee, and sugar are a part of agriculture commodity options.
What is Options Trading in the Commodity Market?
In India, options trading in commodity futures is only permitted and not in commodity spot markets. So, it can be said that commodity options trading works a bit differently than stock options trading. You must also note that the spot market and cash market are regulated by the state government, while SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) oversees commodity derivatives markets in India.
How to Start Options Trading?
Are you willing to start your trading journey in commodity options trading? Here are the steps you need to follow:
Benefits of Commodity Options Trading
Commodity options trading offers various advantages to the trader. In comparison to futures trading also, there can be certain benefits. Here is how you can benefit from commodity options trading:
There is no mark-to-market margin requirement in options trading, unlike futures, where you need to add more funds if the balance goes below the margin requirement. So, the only requirement is to pay the premium of the contract.
Traders with short positions are low on risk as they may or may not choose to sell the contract if the price does not move in their favour.
Options trading in commodities is actually cost-effective futures trading since the maximum loss for buyers is the premium paid. This loss occurs if the buyer chooses not to sell their contract.
Options give you the opportunity to hedge against the potential losses that may occur due to price fluctuations of a commodity in the near future.
Conclusion
Being a type of derivative contract, options trading in commodity markets can be equally rewarding and risky. So, it is essential that traders research the market from their end to make informed decisions. For buyers, the potential profit can be unlimited, while the losses are limited to the premium paid. While for the seller, the losses can be unlimited but profit is limited to the premium if the buyer does not exercise their right to sell the contract on the expiration date. As a fresher, it is best to start with liquid commodities and then gradually shift your trading strategies!
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