Options empower traders to jump into an expansive hub of ideas, no longer solely tied to the ups and downs of the market
What makes options unique is that their value not only depends on how far the market moves in a certain direction, but also on other important trading factors. Whilst movement of market price relative to the option’s strike does affect the option’s value, there are two other major elements to consider. These are, time left until expiry and implied Volatility.
Every option contract is assigned an expiry date, this could be one day or it could a year, the date will depend on your outlook. Options with a longer expiry cost more. This makes sense because with more time comes a higher chance of a favorable move for the option buyer. You could describe this as ‘buying more time’.
For each day that an option is open, as it moves towards expiry, its value declines. This happens regardless of market activity; if the underlying market price were to stay still for a day the options value would still decline. This effect is called ‘time decay’.
Time decay is good for an option seller who wants option price (premium) to fall, and bad for an option buyer. The amount of time decay that may be gained or lost each day, depending on your position, is indicated in a Sensitivity report. The value to assess is called ‘Theta’. The table below shows an indication of Theta for a long EUR/USD Call position, over a range of rates. In this example, Theta is negative since this is a long (through buying) option position.
The next important factor is implied volatility or IV for short. IV is a measure of the marketplace’s expectation of volatility over the time left in the option. If the market expects higher volatility the option’s value will rise. This makes sense because the more volatility in the underlying asset, the more likely the market will move in the option buyer’s favor. A recent example was before the UK government elections in May, GBP/USD options expiring on the day of the result were extremely expensive due to the marketplace expecting very high volatility in that pair at that time.
Volatility is in fact important for any trader, no matter if you are day-trading, forward or futures trading, or options trading, volatility affects you all. The difference with options trading is that the trader is given the ability to trade their volatility outlook for the duration of the option. We will discuss this in more detail in the next article.
Now let’s finish with some financial jargon. All factors that affect option price (or premium) can be wrapped up into two portions; intrinsic value and time value. Where, Premium = Intrinsic Value + Time Value
Intrinsic value is the portion that depends on the difference (and direction) between the underlying market price and the strike price. Only in-the-money (ITM) options have intrinsic value. To learn more on this read Calculating Option Payouts and The Moneyness of an Option
Time value, also known as extrinsic value, is determined by external factors. The two main factors are, time left until expiry and implied volatility, as described above. At an options expiry, time value equals zero (because there is no time left) and therefore the option's premium value equals intrinsic value only.
The progression of online option trading platforms allows you to easily monitor all factors and trade in-and-out of the market before an options expiry (if desirable). This has opened the door to trading a multitude of opportunities from simple limited risk directional trades to benefitting from an increase in volatility. When trading options, the sky's the limit!
What makes options unique is that their value not only depends on how far the market moves in a certain direction, but also on other important trading factors. Whilst movement of market price relative to the option’s strike does affect the option’s value, there are two other major elements to consider. These are, time left until expiry and implied Volatility.
Every option contract is assigned an expiry date, this could be one day or it could a year, the date will depend on your outlook. Options with a longer expiry cost more. This makes sense because with more time comes a higher chance of a favorable move for the option buyer. You could describe this as ‘buying more time’.
For each day that an option is open, as it moves towards expiry, its value declines. This happens regardless of market activity; if the underlying market price were to stay still for a day the options value would still decline. This effect is called ‘time decay’.
Time decay is good for an option seller who wants option price (premium) to fall, and bad for an option buyer. The amount of time decay that may be gained or lost each day, depending on your position, is indicated in a Sensitivity report. The value to assess is called ‘Theta’. The table below shows an indication of Theta for a long EUR/USD Call position, over a range of rates. In this example, Theta is negative since this is a long (through buying) option position.
The next important factor is implied volatility or IV for short. IV is a measure of the marketplace’s expectation of volatility over the time left in the option. If the market expects higher volatility the option’s value will rise. This makes sense because the more volatility in the underlying asset, the more likely the market will move in the option buyer’s favor. A recent example was before the UK government elections in May, GBP/USD options expiring on the day of the result were extremely expensive due to the marketplace expecting very high volatility in that pair at that time.
Volatility is in fact important for any trader, no matter if you are day-trading, forward or futures trading, or options trading, volatility affects you all. The difference with options trading is that the trader is given the ability to trade their volatility outlook for the duration of the option. We will discuss this in more detail in the next article.
Now let’s finish with some financial jargon. All factors that affect option price (or premium) can be wrapped up into two portions; intrinsic value and time value. Where, Premium = Intrinsic Value + Time Value
Intrinsic value is the portion that depends on the difference (and direction) between the underlying market price and the strike price. Only in-the-money (ITM) options have intrinsic value. To learn more on this read Calculating Option Payouts and The Moneyness of an Option
Time value, also known as extrinsic value, is determined by external factors. The two main factors are, time left until expiry and implied volatility, as described above. At an options expiry, time value equals zero (because there is no time left) and therefore the option's premium value equals intrinsic value only.
The progression of online option trading platforms allows you to easily monitor all factors and trade in-and-out of the market before an options expiry (if desirable). This has opened the door to trading a multitude of opportunities from simple limited risk directional trades to benefitting from an increase in volatility. When trading options, the sky's the limit!
Interactive Brokers Expands Offerings with Daily Options on French Stocks
Network, Learn, Grow | FMAS:24
Network, Learn, Grow | FMAS:24
Get ready to mark your calendars for FMAS:24, returning this May! Take a quick glimpse of what awaits at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, South Africa from May 20-22, 2024.
Don't miss out on this 5-second invite packed with energy and urgency!
Secure your free ticket now 🔗 https://events.financemagnates.com/yQx0l?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fmas-is-back&utm_medium=video&RefId=FMAS24+Video+Ad+%5B1%5D
#fmas24 #fmas #fmevents #financeinafrica #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities #AfricanBusiness #Johannesburg #southafrica
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Get ready to mark your calendars for FMAS:24, returning this May! Take a quick glimpse of what awaits at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, South Africa from May 20-22, 2024.
Don't miss out on this 5-second invite packed with energy and urgency!
Secure your free ticket now 🔗 https://events.financemagnates.com/yQx0l?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fmas-is-back&utm_medium=video&RefId=FMAS24+Video+Ad+%5B1%5D
#fmas24 #fmas #fmevents #financeinafrica #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities #AfricanBusiness #Johannesburg #southafrica
📣 Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading!
Follow FMevents across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates. Connect with us today:
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Here's a sneak peek into the FMAS:24 vibrant atmosphere! Join us at Africa’s premium financial event for a transformative experience that combines the best of finance and technology.
From May 20-22, 2024, the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, South Africa, will be the hub for over 3,500 attendees to engage in unparalleled networking opportunities, learn from over 150 industry-leading speakers, and explore innovations from 120+ exhibitors.
Secure your free ticket now 🔗 https://events.financemagnates.com/yQx0l?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fmas-is-back&utm_medium=video&RefId=FMAS24+Video+Ad+%5B1%5D
#fmas24 #fmas #fmevents #financeinafrica #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities #AfricanBusiness #Johannesburg #southafrica
📣 Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading!
Follow FMevents across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates. Connect with us today:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/financemagnates-events/
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Don't miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Here's a sneak peek into the FMAS:24 vibrant atmosphere! Join us at Africa’s premium financial event for a transformative experience that combines the best of finance and technology.
From May 20-22, 2024, the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, South Africa, will be the hub for over 3,500 attendees to engage in unparalleled networking opportunities, learn from over 150 industry-leading speakers, and explore innovations from 120+ exhibitors.
Secure your free ticket now 🔗 https://events.financemagnates.com/yQx0l?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fmas-is-back&utm_medium=video&RefId=FMAS24+Video+Ad+%5B1%5D
#fmas24 #fmas #fmevents #financeinafrica #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities #AfricanBusiness #Johannesburg #southafrica
📣 Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading!
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Join 3500+ Attendees at FMAS:24 | Africa's Premium Financial Event
Join 3500+ Attendees at FMAS:24 | Africa's Premium Financial Event
Looking to expand your network in #Africa? Join 3500+ attendees at FMAS:24, where online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto meet! Connect with industry leaders and innovators for an unmatched networking experience.
20-22 MAY 2024
Sandton Convention Center, Sandton, South Africa
Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3JbUpCK
#fmas #fmas24 #fmevents #networking #finance #africa
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Looking to expand your network in #Africa? Join 3500+ attendees at FMAS:24, where online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto meet! Connect with industry leaders and innovators for an unmatched networking experience.
20-22 MAY 2024
Sandton Convention Center, Sandton, South Africa
Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3JbUpCK
#fmas #fmas24 #fmevents #networking #finance #africa
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Join 3500+ Attendees at FMAS:24 - Africa's Premium Financial Event
Join 3500+ Attendees at FMAS:24 - Africa's Premium Financial Event
Looking to expand your network in #Africa?
Join 3500+ attendees at FMAS:24, where online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto meet! Connect with industry leaders and innovators for an unmatched networking experience.
20-22 MAY 2024
Sandton Convention Center, Sandton, South Africa
Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3JbUpCK
#fmas #fmas24 #fmevents #networking #finance #africa
Looking to expand your network in #Africa?
Join 3500+ attendees at FMAS:24, where online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto meet! Connect with industry leaders and innovators for an unmatched networking experience.
20-22 MAY 2024
Sandton Convention Center, Sandton, South Africa
Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3JbUpCK
#fmas #fmas24 #fmevents #networking #finance #africa
Where the Prop Trading Industry Goes from Here | Finance Magnates Podcast
Where the Prop Trading Industry Goes from Here | Finance Magnates Podcast
Explore the tumultuous world of prop trading in this Finance Magnates podcast episode, featuring insights from Head of Axi Select, Greg Rubin.
We're discussing the challenges and shifts caused by MetaQuotes' pivotal decisions affecting MT4 and MT5 users, and how Axi Select offers a unique, realistic path to professional trading, steering clear of traditional prop firm pitfalls.
Tune in for expert analysis on the future of trading and innovative funding models.
The Axi Select programme is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available for AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. Standard trading fees apply.
This content is provided solely for general informational purposes and should not be construed as financial product advice or an investment recommendation. It has been prepared without considering your personal circumstances.
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Explore the tumultuous world of prop trading in this Finance Magnates podcast episode, featuring insights from Head of Axi Select, Greg Rubin.
We're discussing the challenges and shifts caused by MetaQuotes' pivotal decisions affecting MT4 and MT5 users, and how Axi Select offers a unique, realistic path to professional trading, steering clear of traditional prop firm pitfalls.
Tune in for expert analysis on the future of trading and innovative funding models.
The Axi Select programme is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available for AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. Standard trading fees apply.
This content is provided solely for general informational purposes and should not be construed as financial product advice or an investment recommendation. It has been prepared without considering your personal circumstances.
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