How To Make Money From Currency Option Trading?
Currency trading is a huge market around the world due to globalization. As the trading in this market has increased it has caused the interest in currency option trading to grow as well. Options on currencies give the holder the right to buy(call) the currency at a set price called the strike price. The option has a set expiration date. If the currency price moves higher before expiration the option can be exercised. The currency is purchased to be resold in the market at a higher price. Put options are purchased if the currency price is expected to fall. If it does, the holder can purchase the currency in the market and put(sell) it at the higher 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 most popular type of contract for speculators is the SPOT contract. Actual currencies do not need to be purchased or sold to realize a profit. If the option trade is successful the profits from it are simply deposited in your account. The maximum lose that can be realized if the trade does not work is the amount of the premium paid.
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.
People get involved in currency option trading for various reasons. Most trading is done purely in an attempt to profit from the fluctuations in currency prices. Most transactions in the market are done for this purpose.
Hedging is a common use of currency option trading. People or corporations doing business with companies in foreign countries can purchase options to protect themselves from loses they may incur on in-process business. If prices fluctuate on currencies to much before transactions are completed they may lose the profits generated by them.
Selling options short is another strategy that some traders engage in. It is a higher risk than simply buying calls and puts. Because of the level of added risk, loses are not limited, large security deposits are usually required.
Currency option trading can be a hugely profitable experience if your predictions are correct because premiums are lower than deposits for the actual currencies. The time frame restraint is a challenge though. If your learn to make accurate calls on price movement however, you can make large profits.
Before you proceed with currency option trading be SURE to read up on 4x currency trading!