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Quadruple Witching: What Retail Traders Should Know█ Quadruple Witching is Happening Today: What Retail Traders Should Know! Today marks Quadruple Witching, a pivotal event in the financial markets that occurs four times a year—on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December. During Quadruple Witching, four types of derivative contracts expire simultaneously: Stock Index Futures Stock Index Options Single Stock Futures Single Stock Options When all four of these contracts expire simultaneously, it can lead to increased trading volume and heightened volatility in the markets. The term "witching" is derived from the "Triple Witching" event, which involves the simultaneous expiration of three types of contracts (stock index futures, stock index options, and single stock options). Quadruple Witching adds the expiration of single stock futures to this mix. This convergence leads to a surge in trading activity and heightened market volatility as traders and investors adjust or close their positions. █ When Does Quadruple Witching Occur? Quadruple Witching takes place on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December each year. These dates align with the end of each fiscal quarter, making them significant for various market participants. █ What Retail Traders Should Be Aware Of ⚪ Increased Volatility Price Swings: Expect more significant and rapid price movements in both individual stocks and broader market indices. Unpredictable Trends: Sudden shifts can occur, making it challenging to anticipate market direction. ⚪ Higher Trading Volume Liquidity Peaks : Trading volumes can spike by 30-40%, enhancing liquidity but also increasing competition for trade execution. Potential for Slippage: High volumes may lead to slower order executions and potential slippage, where trades are executed at different prices than intended. ⚪ Potential for Market Manipulation Large Institutional Trades: Institutions managing vast derivative positions can influence stock prices, creating opportunities and risks. Short-Term Opportunities: Retail traders might find short-term trading opportunities but should exercise caution. ⚪ Emotional Discipline Stress Management: The fast-paced and volatile environment can be emotionally taxing. Maintain a clear trading plan to avoid impulsive decisions. Risk Management: Use stop-loss orders and position sizing to protect against unexpected market moves. █ Historical Perspective and Market Behavior Historically, Quadruple Witching days have been associated with noticeable market movements. ⚪ Price Trends Some studies suggest that markets may trend in the direction of the prevailing market sentiment leading into the expiration day. ⚪ Volatility Patterns Volatility tends to spike during Quadruple Witching, especially in the final hour of trading, as traders finalize their positions. ⚪ Volume Spikes Trading volumes can increase by 30-40% compared to regular trading days, reflecting the high level of activity as contracts expire. █ Tips for Navigating Quadruple Witching ⚪ Avoid Trading Some traders prefer to stay out of the market to avoid unpredictable price movements and potential losses. ⚪ Stay Informed Market News: Keep abreast of financial news and updates that may influence market sentiment. Contract Expirations: Be aware of which contracts are expiring and their potential impact on specific stocks or indices. ⚪ Focus on Liquidity Trade Liquid Stocks: Opt for highly liquid stocks and ETFs to ensure smoother trade executions and tighter bid-ask spreads. Avoid Thinly Traded Assets: Steer clear of stocks with low trading volumes to minimize execution risks. ⚪ Use Limit Orders Control Entry and Exit Points: Limit orders allow you to set specific prices for buying or selling, helping manage execution prices amidst volatility. ⚪ Monitor Key Levels Support and Resistance: Keep an eye on critical technical levels that may act as barriers or catalysts for price movements. Volume Indicators: Use volume-based indicators to gauge the strength of price movements. ⚪ Maintain Discipline Stick to Your Plan: Adhere to your trading strategy and avoid making decisions based on fear or greed. Manage Risk: Implement strict risk management practices, such as setting stop-loss levels and not overexposing your portfolio. █ Key Takeaways ⚪ Frequency: Occurs four times a year on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December. ⚪ Impact: This leads to increased trading volume and volatility due to the expiration of four types of derivative contracts. ⚪ Strategies: Traders may choose to avoid trading, focus on liquid assets, implement strict risk management, or exploit short-term volatility. ⚪ Risks: These include unpredictable price movements, liquidity issues, execution challenges, and emotional stress. █ Conclusion Quadruple Witching can significantly impact market dynamics, presenting both opportunities and challenges for retail traders. By understanding the mechanics of this event and implementing strategic measures, traders can better navigate the heightened volatility and make informed decisions. Remember to stay disciplined, manage your risks effectively, and focus on liquid assets to optimize your trading performance during Quadruple Witching days. ----------------- Disclaimer This is an educational study for entertainment purposes only. The information in my Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems does not constitute financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on such information. All investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security, industry, sector, market, financial product, trading strategy, backtest, or individual's trading does not guarantee future results or returns. Investors are fully responsible for any investment decisions they make. Such decisions should be based solely on evaluating their financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. My Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems are only for educational purposes!
OANDA:SPX500USDEducation
by Zeiierman
4
Catching Boom and Crashe on Deriv Tradingview using TrendlinesCatching booms and crashes on Deriv using TradingView involves utilizing trendlines to identify potential reversal points and breakouts. Here’s a short guide on how to do this: ### 1. Understanding Boom and Crash Indices - **Boom Index**: Represents a market where prices tend to spike upwards occasionally. - **Crash Index**: Represents a market where prices tend to spike downwards occasionally. ### 2. Setting Up TradingView - Open TradingView and ensure you have the Boom or Crash index loaded on your chart. ### 3. Drawing Trendlines - **Identify Highs and Lows**: Start by identifying significant highs and lows on the chart. - **Draw the Trendline**: Connect at least two significant highs for a downtrend line and at least two significant lows for an uptrend line. ### 4. Analyzing Trendline Breaks - **Downtrend Breakout (Boom Index)**: Look for points where the price breaks above a downtrend line. This can indicate a potential upward boom. - **Uptrend Breakout (Crash Index)**: Look for points where the price breaks below an uptrend line. This can indicate a potential downward crash. ### 5. Confirming the Breakout - **Volume**: Higher volume during the breakout can confirm the validity of the trendline break. - **Candlestick Patterns**: Look for reversal candlestick patterns near the trendline to increase the accuracy of your prediction. ### 6. Risk Management - **Stop-Loss**: Set a stop-loss slightly below the breakout point for booms and slightly above for crashes. - **Take-Profit**: Determine your target based on previous highs/lows or use a risk-reward ratio. ### Example: 1. **Boom Index**: - Identify recent highs and draw a downtrend line. - Wait for a candlestick to close above the trendline. - Confirm with volume and possibly a bullish candlestick pattern. - Enter a buy trade with a stop-loss below the trendline and a take-profit at a previous resistance level. 2. **Crash Index**: - Identify recent lows and draw an uptrend line. - Wait for a candlestick to close below the trendline. - Confirm with volume and possibly a bearish candlestick pattern. - Enter a sell trade with a stop-loss above the trendline and a take-profit at a previous support level. By carefully analyzing trendlines and confirming breakouts with additional indicators, you can effectively catch booms and crashes on Deriv's Boom and Crash indices using TradingView.
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by FrankFx14
SIMPLE ICT CONCEPTS FOR TRAADING SYNTHETIC INDICES The Inner Circle Trader (ICT) concept for trading Deriv synthetic indices involves using sophisticated market analysis techniques and proprietary trading strategies. It focuses on understanding market mechanics, price action, and order flow to make informed trading decisions. ICT strategies leverage advanced tools and ICT knowledge to predict synthetic market movements, optimizing entry and exit points for higher profitability and risk management.
Education
by FrankFx14
Options Blueprint Series: The Covered Call Strategy DecodedIntroduction In the ever-evolving world of financial markets, savvy investors and traders continuously seek strategies to optimize returns while managing risk. Among the plethora of strategies available, the covered call stands out for its simplicity and efficacy, especially when applied to a dynamic asset like Euro Futures. This article delves deep into the intricacies of the covered call strategy, using Euro Futures as the underlying asset. Through this exploration, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the futures and options markets. By the end of this journey, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how to implement covered calls with Euro Futures, enhancing your trading arsenal with a strategy that balances potential returns against the inherent risks of the forex futures market. Understanding Euro Futures: The Beacon of Currency Markets Euro Futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) represent a contract for the future delivery of the Euro against the US dollar. These futures are pivotal for traders and investors looking to hedge against currency risk or to speculate on the fluctuations of the Euro's value relative to the dollar. Each Euro Futures contract is standardized, with each contract representing a specific amount of Euros. Trading Euro Futures offers a transparent, regulated market environment with deep liquidity, making it an attractive instrument for a broad spectrum of market participants. The futures are marked-to-market daily, and gains or losses are credited or debited from the trader's account, providing a clear view of financial exposure. Key Features of Euro Futures: Contract Size: Each contract represents 125,000 Euros. Tick Size: The minimum price fluctuation is $ 0.000050 per Euro, equating to $6.25 per contract. Trading Hours: Euro Futures markets are accessible nearly 24 hours a day, allowing traders from around the globe to react to market-moving news and events in real-time. Leverage: Futures trading involves leverage, allowing traders to control a large contract value with a relatively small amount of capital. However, while leverage can amplify gains, it also increases the potential for losses. Market Participants: Hedgers: Corporations and financial institutions may use Euro Futures to protect against adverse movements in the Euro's exchange rate, securing pricing or costs for future transactions. Speculators: Individual and institutional traders may speculate on the future direction of the Euro's value against the dollar, aiming to profit from price movements. Importance in the Financial Landscape: The Euro is the second most traded currency in the world, making Euro Futures a critical tool for managing currency exposure in the international financial markets. The contracts provide a gauge of market sentiment towards the Eurozone's economic outlook, influenced by factors such as interest rate differentials, political stability, and economic performance. The Basics of Covered Calls: Charting a Course The covered call is a conservative strategy where the trader owns the underlying asset — in this case, Euro Futures — and sells call options on that same asset to generate income from the option premiums. This strategy is particularly appealing in flat to moderately bullish market conditions because it allows the trader to earn an income from the premium, which can provide a cushion against a downturn in the market and potentially enhance returns in a stagnant or slightly bullish market. Key Concepts of Covered Calls: Ownership: The trader must own the Euro Futures contracts or be long on a futures position to write (sell) a covered call. Option Premium: The income received from selling the call option. This premium is the trader's to keep, regardless of the option's outcome. Strike Price: The price at which the underlying futures can be bought (call) by the option buyer. The trader selects a strike price that reflects their expectation of the market direction and their willingness to part with the futures if the option is exercised. Expiration Date: All options have an expiration date. The covered call strategy involves choosing an expiration date that balances the desire for premium income with the market outlook. Implementing the Strategy: Selection of Euro Futures Contracts: The first step is to have a long position in Euro Futures. This position is the "cover" in the covered call strategy. Selling the Call Option: The trader then sells a call option on the Euro Futures they own, receiving the option premium upfront. This option is sold with a specific strike price and expiration date in mind. Outcome Scenarios: If the Euro Futures price stays below the strike price at expiration, the call option will likely expire worthless, allowing the trader to keep the premium as income while still holding the futures position. If the Euro Futures price rises above the strike price, the call option may be exercised by the buyer, requiring the trader to sell the futures at the agreed strike price. This caps the trader's upside potential but secures the premium as profit. Risk Profile Graphic for the Covered Call Strategy on Euro Futures: This graph illustrates the profit and loss potential of a covered call strategy applied to Euro Futures. The strategy involves holding a long position in Euro Futures while selling a call option at a specific strike price. If the Euro Futures price at expiration is below the strike price, the trader's loss is offset by the premium received from selling the call option. However, the profit potential is capped if Euro Futures rise above the strike price, as the trader may have to deliver the futures at the strike price, missing out on further gains. Implied Volatility and CVOL: A Navigator's Tool In the strategy of covered calls, understanding Implied Volatility (IV) is essential. IV reflects the market's expectation of a security's price fluctuation and significantly influences option premiums. For traders employing covered calls, especially with Euro Futures, high IV can mean higher premiums, offering better income potential or protection against the underlying asset's price movements. Since the Euro Futures is a CME product, examining CVOL could provide an advantage to the trader as CVOL is a comprehensive measure of 30-day expected volatility from tradable options on futures which can help to: Determining Premiums: By gauging current IV, traders can identify optimal premium levels for their call options. Deciding which Strategy to use: High IV periods might indicate advantageous times to implement covered calls, leveraging CVOL's insights for timing entry and exit points. Benefits and Risks of Covered Calls: Income Generation: The most apparent benefit of the covered call strategy is the ability to generate income through the premiums received from selling call options. Downside Protection: The premium received can offer some “protection” against a decline in the futures price, effectively lowering the break-even point. Profit Limitation: A significant risk of this strategy is that the trader's profit potential on the futures is capped. If the market rallies strongly beyond the strike price, the trader misses out on those additional gains, as they are obligated to sell the futures at the strike price. Initiating a Covered Call with Euro Futures: Setting Sail Implementing the covered call strategy with Euro Futures involves a blend of strategic foresight and meticulous planning. The objective is to enhance potential returns or protect against downside risk through the calculated sale of call options against a long Euro Futures position. Here's a step-by-step guide to navigate through the process: Step 1: Selection of Euro Futures Contracts Long Position Establishment: Begin by establishing a long position in Euro Futures. This position acts as your safety net, providing the necessary coverage for the call options you're about to sell. Margin: When going long Euro Futures, the Margin Requirement (suggested by CME on Feb-21 2024 is USD 2,100 per contract) Market Analysis: Conduct a thorough analysis of the Euro Futures market. Consider factors like historical volatility, economic indicators affecting the Eurozone, and any impending events that might influence the Euro's value against the dollar. The chart shows how careful key Support and Resistances have been selected in order to decide when to buy long Euro Futures as well as deciding the Call Strike Price to use. Other techniques can be employed depending on the trader’s plan and methods. Step 2: Selling the Call Option Strike Price Decision: Choose a strike price that aligns with your market outlook. A strike price above the current market price can offer potential for capital appreciation, plus the income from the premium. Since the Resistance is located around 1.10, selling the 1.10 Call could be an appropriate decision. Expiration Date Selection: The expiration date should reflect your market perspective and risk tolerance. Shorter-term options can provide more frequent income opportunities but require closer management. We will be using December 2024 in this educational idea. Premium: When selling a 1.10 Call using DEC24 expiration on Feb-21 2024, the premium collected would be between 0.02180 and 0.02280. The midpoint being 0.0223 and the contract size being USD 125,000, this means we would collect USD 2787.5 in premium, which would either add to the profit or subtract from risk. Step 3: Managing the Trade Monitoring Market Movements: Keep a vigilant eye on market trends and Euro Futures price movements. Be prepared to adjust your strategy in response to significant changes. Adjustment Strategies: If the market moves unfavorably, consider rolling out the option to a further expiration date or adjusting the strike price to manage risk effectively. Case Study: A Voyage on Euro Seas Let's illustrate this strategy with a hypothetical trader, Elena. Elena holds a long position in Euro Futures, expecting slight bullish momentum in the upcoming months. To capitalize on this and earn additional income, she sells call options with a strike price slightly above the current futures price, receiving an upfront premium. As the market progresses, two scenarios unfold: Bullish Outcome: The Euro strengthens, but not enough to reach the strike price. Elena retains her futures position, benefits from its appreciation, and keeps the premium from the call options. Bearish Downturn: The Euro weakens. The premium received provides a cushion against the loss in her futures position's value, mitigating her overall risk. Risk Management: Navigating Through Storms Implementing covered calls doesn't eliminate risk but redistributes it. Effective risk management is crucial: Use of Stop-Loss Orders: These can limit potential losses on the futures position if the market moves against your expectations. Position Sizing: Ensure your position size in Euro Futures aligns with your overall risk management strategy, avoiding overexposure to a single trade. Diversification: Consider diversifying your strategies and holdings beyond just Euro Futures and covered calls to mitigate systemic risks. Conclusion: Docking at Safe Harbors The covered call strategy, when applied to Euro Futures, offers traders an efficient way to navigate the forex futures market. By generating income through premiums and potentially benefiting from futures price movements, traders can strategically position themselves in varying market conditions. However, the journey doesn't end here. Continuous learning, market analysis, and strategy adjustments are paramount to sailing successfully in the dynamic waters of futures trading. As with all trading strategies, the covered call approach requires a balance of knowledge, risk management, and practical experience to master. Embarking on this voyage with Euro Futures and covered calls can lead to rewarding destinations, provided you navigate with caution, preparation, and an eye towards the horizon of market opportunities and challenges. When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies. General Disclaimer: The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
CME:6E1!Education
by traddictiv
2
Part 1: Equity Derivatives - A Beginner's GuideWhat are derivatives? Basic interpretation : something which is based on another source. A derivative is a contract or product whose value derives from the value of the base asset. The base asset is called the underlying asset. i.e., Sugar prices will rise if sugarcane prices increase due to low production. It means sugarcane is the underlying asset of sugar because the value of sugar is associated with sugarcane. There is a broad range of underlying assets: Metals: lead, gold, silver, copper, zinc, nickel, tin, etc. Energy: coal, natural gas, etc. Agri commodities: corn, cotton, pulses, wheat, sugar, etc. Financial assets: Stocks, bonds, forex, etc. There are two types of derivatives: 1. Exchange-traded: A standardized derivative contract, listed and traded on an organized exchange. 2. Over-the-counter/off-exchange trading/pink sheet trading: A derivative product in which counterparties buy or sell a contract or product at a negotiated price without exchange Instruments of derivatives market: There are four instruments in the derivatives market: 1. Forward: Forward is a non-standard agreement or agreement between two parties that allows you to buy/sell the asset at the agreed price for a pre-decided date of the contract. Forwards are negotiated between two pirates, so the terms and conditions of the contract are customized. These are called over-the-counter(OTC). 2. Future: Future contracts are similar to forwarding contracts, but the deal is made through an organized and regulated exchange rather than negotiated between two counterparties. A futures contract is an exchange-traded forward contract. 3. Options: A derivative contract that gives the right but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a stated strike price on or before a specified date. Buyers of options- Pays the premium and buys the right Sellers of options - Receives the premium with the obligation to buy/sell underlying assets. 4. Swap: A swap is a derivative contract between two counterparties to exchange for the cash flows or liabilities from two different financial instruments. It is an introduction article. I will cover all these topics in detail. Swap helps participants manage risk associated with volatility risk interest rate, currency exchange rates, & commodity prices. Index: Index = Portfolio of securities An Index shows how investors experience the economy. Is it progressing or not? A Stock market index gathers data from a variety of companies of industries. The data forms an overall picture and helps investors compare market performance through past and current prices. Financial indices represent the price movement of bonds, shares, Treasury Bills, etc. Importance of Index: 1. An index is an indication of a specific sector or gross market. 2. It helps investors to pick the right stock 3. An index is a statistical indicator. It represents an overall change or part of a change in the economy. 4. In OTC & exchange-traded markets, It used as an underlying asset for derivatives trading 5. An index helps to measure for evaluation of portfolio performance. 6. Portfolio managers use indices as investment benchmarks. 7. Index illustrates investor sentiments. Types of index: There are four classifications for indices: Equal Weighted Index: Each company is given the same weightage in the composition of this index. Equal-weighted indexes are more diversified than market capitalization-weighted indexes. This index focuses on value investing. Free-float index: In finance, equity divides into different among various stakeholders like promoters, institutions, corporates, individuals, etc. A tradable stake for trading is called a free-float share. i.g, If XYZ company has issued 5 lakh shares with the face value of Rs 10, but of these, 2 lakh shares are owned by the promoter, then the free-float market capitalization is Rs 30 lakh. Free-float market capitalization: Free-floating shares * Price of shares Index: BSE SENSEX Market capitalization-weighted index: In this index, each stock is given weightage according to its market capitalization. High market cap = High weightage Low market cap = low weightage Market Cap= Current market price * total number of outstanding shares i. e, if XYZ company has 1,000,000 outstanding shares and a market price of 55 rs per share will have a market capitalization of 55,000,000. Index: Nifty 50 Price Weighted Index: High price = More weightage Low price = Low weightage Popular price-weighted index: Dow Jones industrial average & Nikkei 225 I will upload the second part soon. Show your love with likes and comments. Thank you :) Money_Dictators
Education
by Money_Dictators
4
Derivatives Trading: A Comprehensive GuideI. Introduction Derivatives trading is a vital aspect of modern finance that encompasses various financial instruments, including futures, options, swaps, and forward contracts. Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are derived from underlying assets such as commodities, equities, bonds, interest rates, or currencies. They provide a robust mechanism for hedging risk, speculating on future price movements, and gaining access to otherwise inaccessible markets or asset classes. II. The Concept of Derivatives A derivative is a financial contract between two or more parties based on an underlying asset. The derivative's price is determined by fluctuations in the underlying asset's price. They were initially created to allow businesses to hedge against price variations in commodities, but they have since expanded to include a vast array of financial instruments. There are four primary types of derivatives: 1. Futures Contracts: These are standardized contracts to buy or sell a particular asset at a predetermined price at a specific future date. Futures contracts are highly liquid, as they are traded on an exchange, and they cover a wide range of underlying assets, from commodities to financial instruments. The price of futures contracts incorporates the cost of carrying the underlying asset, which includes storage costs, financing costs, and convenience yields. 2. Options Contracts: These grant the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call option) or sell (put option) an underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specific time frame. The price of an option (known as its premium) depends on several factors including the price of the underlying asset, the strike price, the time until expiration, the volatility of the underlying asset, and the risk-free interest rate. 3. Swap Contracts: These involve the exchange of one set of cash flows for another. For example, in an interest rate swap, parties might swap fixed interest rate payments for floating interest rate payments. The pricing of swaps involves determining the present value of the cash flows being exchanged. 4. Forward Contracts: These are non-standardized contracts between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specified future time at a price agreed upon today. Forward contracts, like futures, involve an agreement to trade an asset in the future, but they are not standardized or traded on exchanges. The pricing of forward contracts is similar to that of futures and involves consideration of the cost of carrying the underlying asset. III. Trading Derivatives Trading in derivatives can occur either on an exchange or over-the-counter (OTC). Exchange-traded derivatives are standardized, regulated, and backed by a clearinghouse that mitigates counterparty risk. In contrast, OTC derivatives are privately negotiated, less regulated, and come with higher counterparty risk. IV. Hedging Risk One of the key functions of derivatives is to provide a hedge against price risk. By locking in a future price for an underlying asset, companies can protect themselves against adverse price movements that might affect their operational profitability. For instance, an airline company might use fuel futures to hedge against potential increases in oil prices, thereby securing their operating margins. V. Speculation and Arbitrage While hedging is a risk management strategy, many traders use derivatives for speculation, aiming to profit from future price changes in the underlying asset. Traders who anticipate a price increase in the underlying asset might buy futures or call options, while those who expect a price decrease might sell futures or buy put options. Arbitrageurs exploit price differences of the same asset in different markets or different pricing of two related assets, creating risk-free profit opportunities. Derivatives, with their leverage characteristic, can enhance these arbitrage opportunities. VI. Pricing of Derivatives The pricing of derivatives is complex and relies onvarious models. Two of the most popular models are the Black-Scholes model and the Binomial options pricing model. The Black-Scholes model , widely used for pricing options, takes into account the current price of the underlying asset, the option's strike price, the time until expiration, the risk-free interest rate, and the expected volatility of the underlying asset. It assumes that markets are efficient, and there are no transaction costs or taxes. However, the Black-Scholes model is less effective in handling early exercise of American options and dividends. The Binomial options pricing model is an alternative to the Black-Scholes model, especially useful for American options, which can be exercised before the expiration date. The model works by creating a binomial tree for possible price paths and assigning probabilities for each path. It then calculates the payoffs for each path and uses discounted backpropagation to derive the option price. The pricing of futures and forwards typically involves determining the cost of carrying the underlying asset to the contract's expiration date. This includes factors like storage costs for commodities, dividends for stocks, and interest costs for financial futures. The pricing of swaps depends on the present value of the expected future cash flows of the underlying assets. For interest rate swaps, the swap rate would be set so that the present value of fixed-rate payments equals the present value of expected floating-rate payments. VII. Counterparty Risk Derivatives trading involves counterparty risk - the risk that one party in the contract will default on their obligations. This risk is typically higher in OTC markets where private contracts are made without a central clearinghouse. To manage this risk, participants may use various methods such as collateral agreements, netting arrangements, and credit default swaps. VIII. Regulatory Considerations Regulation plays a crucial role in derivatives markets. Following the financial crisis of 2008, which was partly blamed on the unregulated OTC derivatives market, regulatory bodies worldwide tightened the rules governing derivatives trading. Regulations now require increased transparency, better risk management practices, and a greater use of centralized clearing to reduce systemic risk. Regulations like the Dodd-Frank Act in the US and the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) in the EU are examples of regulatory efforts to enhance market stability, improve transparency and protect market participants. IX. The Role of Clearing Houses Clearinghouses play a vital role in derivatives trading. They act as the middleman for all exchange-traded and some OTC derivative trades. They ensure the smooth execution of trades, mitigate counterparty risk by guaranteeing the obligations of both parties in a trade, and enhance market transparency by reporting trading details. X. Recent Trends and Future Outlook In recent years, the use of derivatives in risk management and speculative trading has increased significantly. The growth of electronic trading platforms has democratized access to derivatives markets, and complex products have been designed to address specific risk management needs. Looking forward, the derivatives market is likely to be shaped by several trends. First, regulatory changes will continue to evolve, aimed at enhancing transparency, reducing systemic risk, and preventing market abuse. Second, technological advancements, particularly in AI and blockchain, have the potential to revolutionize how derivatives are traded and settled. Lastly, the growing recognition of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors is likely to lead to the development of new derivative products linked to ESG performance indicators. XI. Conclusion Derivatives trading plays a significant role in modern finance, providing mechanisms for risk management, speculation, and arbitrage. While it carries risks, such as counterparty default and market abuse, its benefits in terms of enhancing market efficiency, price discovery, and risk distribution are significant. As the financial markets continueto evolve, the importance and complexity of derivatives trading are likely to increase, driven by advances in technology, regulatory changes, and the changing needs of market participants. As such, a comprehensive understanding of derivatives and their trading mechanisms will continue to be a vital aspect of financial knowledge.
BITSTAMP:BTCUSDEducation
by BiggWigg
Trading 101 - What is a Derivative & why are they revolutionary?Derivatives trading! What I believe has been the absolute market revolution since shares. Derivatives might sound complicated and something you would hear from a professor or a know-it-all businessman – but they’re really not. I am no academic or even remotely one of the smartest guy’s in the world. And if I can grasp the idea and understanding of derivatives, I pretty much guarantee you will too. Also, if you want to take trading seriously and really make a living with it, you’ll need to understand derivatives trading sometime in your career. Let’s start at the very beginning. What is a derivative? – Collins English Dictionary – ‘A derivative is an investment that depends on the value of something else’ When it comes to trading, a derivative is a financial contract between two parties whose value is ‘derived’ from another (underlying) asset. Let’s break that down more simply: A derivative is a financial contract (CFDs, Spread Trading, Futures, Forwards, Options &Warrants) Between two parties (the buyer and seller) Whose value (the market’s price) Is derived (depends on or comes from) Another underlying asset (Share, index, commodity, currency, bond, interest-rate, crypto-currency etc…) You’ll find that the derivative’s market price mirrors that of the underlying asset’s price. Why trade using derivatives? The absolute beauty about trading derivatives is that they are a cheaper and a more profitable way to speculate on the future price movements of a market without buying the asset itself. You don’t get all the benefits with derivatives What’s probably important to note with derivatives, is this. When you buy a derivative’s contract, you’re not actually buying the physical asset. You’re simply making a bet on where you expect the price to go. EXAMPLE: When you buy actual shares of a company, means you’ll be able to attend AGMs (Annual General Meetings), Vote and claim dividends from a company. When you trade derivatives on the underlying share, means you’ll be exposed to the value of the shares and the price movements – and that’s it! As a trader, when you buy or sell a derivative, you’re not actually investing in the underlying asset but rather just making a bet (speculation) on where you believe the market’s price will head. This gives you the advantage and opportunity to: Buy low (go long) a derivative of the underlying asset and sell it at a higher price for a profit or Sell high (go short) a derivative of the underlying asset and buy it back at a lower price for a profit Remember when I said it was cheaper and more profitable? You can thank margin With derivatives, you’ll normally pay a fraction of the price of the total sum and still be exposed to the full value of the asset (share, index, currency etc…) The fraction of the price paid is called ‘margin’. EXAMPLE: To buy and own 10 Anglo shares at R390 per share will cost you R3,900 (R390 per share X 10 shares). To buy and be exposed to 10 Anglo shares using derivatives, and the margin of the contract is 10% per share, means you’ll only pay R390 (R390 per share X 10% margin per derivative X 10 shares). I’m sure you can see that with derivatives, you’ll be exposed to more and pay less which will gear up your potential profits or losses versus when trading shares. This is why we call derivatives, geared financial instruments. Enjoyed the article comment below and follow for more... Trade well, Live free Timon MATI Trader Also my socials are below thanks to Trading View.
JSE:J200Education
by Timonrosso
How do crypto options contracts affect the market?Hi Friends Today we will explain the option contracts affect on crypto and other markets. First lets see whats an option contract? Options are derivative contracts that entitle the purchaser to buy or sell the connected asset at a predetermined price before the contract expires. There are two types of options , call and put. The right to buy is known as a ‘call’ option, whereas the right to sell the underlying asset is called a ‘put’ option. Every options contract comes with a specified expiry date which is the last date for settling the contract. The price at which the options contract is settled is called the strike price . This is the price at which the options contract owner is allowed to buy/sell the underlying cryptocurrency. The price at which an options contract is bought is called the premium . Now, when would you buy a cryptocurrency? Obviously when it is trading at a price that is lower than it should be,right? This means that you find it to be undervalued and you expect its price to rise in the future so you can sell higher and make money. But what if the crypto price fell instead? Wouldn’t it be nice if somebody would still buy the cryptocurrency from you at a higher price? For that you would require selling rights of the cryptocurrency and you will buy a put option. Now on the flip side when would you sell a cryptocurrency? Of course, when you think that it is trading at a price higher than it should be. This means that you find it to be overvalued and expect it to fall from here. But what if the price of the cryptocurrency rose instead? You would then want to add more crypto at a lower price and sit on assets that are valued higher than your purchase price. For this you would need buying rights or a call option. Since options allow traders the right to buy/sell assets at a predetermined price they shield them from the volatility of the crypto markets. Moreover the volume of the call or put options in the market signals the direction in which investors expect the markets to move. More put options indicate that investors expect the markets to fall whereas more call options indicate that investors expect the market to rally. Now when the option contracts are near their expiration date, large players try to drive the underlying crypto price into a favourable range depending on the option contracts they have purchased. This is done so that the deal can become profitable. In summary: Buying a Call (Long) = Bullish -----> you think the crypto will be worth more later so you want to lock in todays price to buy later at a profit. Selling a Call (Short) = Bearish -----> you think the crypto will be worth less later so you want to lock in todays price to sell later at a profit. Buying a Put (Short) = Bearish ------> you think the crypto will be worth less later so you want to lock in todays price to sell later at a profit. Selling a Put (Long) = Bullish --------> you think the crypto will be worth more later so you want to lock in todays price to buy later at a profit. I hope you enjoy this education please share me your opinions in comments. thank you all specially @TradingView team
CRYPTOCAP:BTCEducation
by TraderAmin-KZ
Asset Classes - Part 3 - For beginnersToday we prepared for you 3rd part of our paper on asset classes for beginners. Purpose of this paper is to concisely detail futures contracts, forwards, swaps and options. Asset Classes - Part 1 and 2 - For beginners Feel welcome to read part 1 and part 2 if you have not yet. Derivative Derivative is a type of financial asset which derives its value from an underlying asset or group of assets, or benchmark. Underlying assets for derivative contracts can be, for example, stocks, commodities, currencies, bonds, etc. Derivatives are traded on a stock market exchange or over-the-counter (OTC). They can be used as investment vehicles, speculative vehicles and even as hedge against the risk. Additionally, derivatives often allow for use of leverage. Most common derivatives are futures contracts, options, forwards and swaps. Illustration 1.01 Illustration 1.01 shows the daily graph of gold in USD. Futures contracts Futures contract is a standardized derivative that is publicly traded on a stock market exchange. It binds two parties together which are obligated to exchange an asset at a predetermined future date and price (without regard to current value). Expiration date is used to differentiate between particular futures contracts. For example, there may be a corn futures contract with expiration in April and then another corn futures contract with expiration in May. On a day of expiry, also called delivery, the exchange of an asset between the two parties is enforced. Underlying assets for futures contracts can be stocks, commodities, indexes, etc. Forwards Forward contract is a derivative contract between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on a future date. Unlike futures contracts, forward contracts are not standardized. They are customizable and traded over-the-counter rather than at a stock market exchange. Illustration 1.02 Illustration above depicts the daily graph of continuous futures for gold. It is clearly visible that the gold chart in USD and gold continuous futures chart are resemblant. Swaps Swap is another form of derivative contract that binds two parties to exchange cash flows. There are currency swaps and interest rate swaps. Currency swap is defined as the exchange of an amount in one currency for the same amount in another currency. Interest rate swaps are defined by exchange of interest rate payments. Illustration 1.03 Picture above shows daily graph of S&P500 continuous futures. Options Option is a type of financial asset that gives a buyer the right to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price and date. Options differ from futures contracts in that they do not oblige parties to exchange an underlying asset. There are European-style options and American-style options. European-style options can be exercised only on a date of expiry while American-style options can be exercised at any time before this date. Options that give a buyer the right to buy an underlying asset are called call options. Contrary to that, the put options give a buyer the right to sell the underlying asset. Options are very complex as they involve option risk metrics, so called greeks. DISCLAIMER: This content serves solely educational purposes.
CME_MINI:NQ1!Education
by Tradersweekly
2
The Put/Call Ratio in a NutshellWhat is the put/call ratio? The put/call ratio (PCE) is a popular barometer of market sentiment, which shows the ratio of trading volumes of Put vs Call options. However, with distortions in the current price of nearly every instrument off the back of "free money," and persistent market intervention by policy makers, we're not quite seeing the price discovery we're used to, which has made it more difficult to make sense of the Put-Call, and other technical indicators as well. What is a derivative? To understand the value of the put/call ratio, we must first understand the derivatives market. A derivative is a (leveraged) instrument, which gives the holder a right to either buy (call) or sell (put) a specific amount of a stock (or other instrument), at a specified price, and timeframe. If your'e holding a put, you're likely expecting the price of the stock to fall, while holders of calls are expecting the price to rise. Puts are usually used as a solid hedging tool, while calls are more often related to speculative behaviour. How to use the put-call ratio? When the put/call rises above 1, it indicates that market sentient is shifting more bearish. At the moment, we're looking at a put/call of around 0.46, which indicates that market sentiment is very bullish, and actually, it's been bullish for quite some time as you can see in the chart. When we see a massive shift in the put/call back above 1, naturally it would be showing that investors and traders are becoming more defensive.
Editors' picks
PEducation
by Hedge_Of_The_World
32
How to trade stocks with call and put options?How to trade stocks with call and put options? Why one may consider options trading? One may consider options trading to generate income, to hedge his or her portfolio, and to speculate the next price move. What is a call option? A call option allows the option buyer the right, but not the obligation to buy a security at a predetermined price within a specific time period. What is a put option? A put option allows the option buyer the right, but not the obligation to sell or sell short the specific security at a predetermined price within a specific time period. Why options trading involves substantial risks? Options are financial contracts with a predetermined expiration date. Options have a time decay factor. At the expiration date, option holders have to make a decision. Options holders may exercise the options if the options are in-the-money, to sell the options at the market values, or faced a capital loss if the option is out-of-the-money or may be completely worthless. How to read the option quote? Just an example. 1 Call XYZ March 17, 2021 140 Call $5 XYZ is the symbol for the underlying security. March 17, 2021, is the expiration date. $140 is the strike price. The strike price is the price at which the underlying security may be brought for call options. The strike price is the price at which the underlying may be sold for put options. $5 is the premium. Premium is how much it will cost the trader to purchase the option. One option equals 100 shares of the underlying security. Thank you for reading! Greenfield Remember to click "Like" and "Follow" to see more articles. Disclosure: Article written by Greenfield. A market idea by Greenfield Analysis LLC for educational material only. The option quote in this article is not real. The option quote was just a makeup example.
NYSE:HLTEducation
by GreenfieldAnalysis
The fascinating history of derivatives!I do not know how many people are interested in this. I know I am. I am not a historian, I am exposing here what I know, some of it might be inaccurate. For those that do not know a derivative is a financial product derived from an underlying asset or reliant on it. So in other words currencies, indices, bonds, interest rates, commodities, stocks. 65 million years ago or more: Primates 25 million years ago: First hominoids (apes). Bipedalism & loss of body hair speculated to happen 5-7 million years ago. 4 million years ago: First Australopithecus. Said to be as smart as modern chimps (I don't know if other apes 4 million years ago were smarter or not). 2.5 million years ago: Homo genus. Homo habilis. Not the first to use stone tools, but they are more advanced. Start of the paleolithic (old stone age). 2 to 0.5 million years ago: different human species. Not sure if sapiens descends from habilis or erectus or both. First known use of fire by Homo Erectus. 1.2 million years ago skin pigmentation appears, probably because of a megadrought. Sweating is older than this I think. I don't know much about the evolution of speech, stamina, opposable thumbs etc. I know the world temperature is in a downtrend for the past 50 million years. I don't really know all the ice ages and everything. Alot of very big very strong mammals with low intelligence disappeared. CO2 levels started being really very low. It is likely in my opinion that with the glacial periods, the droughts, the low CO2, apes had to get smarter, as well as start hunting meat (homo species have the digestive system of herbivores but consume meat) at some point using the help of dogs (not sure when that first started, but at least 15 thousand years ago). Human species might have started to save food for harsh times that I don't know. Eating meat (eating everything even bone marrow and potatoes perhaps) allowed humans to make evolutionary leaps because they spent less time looking for food and eating. Tribes might have traded with each other I don't know. 0.8-0.3 million years ago: Neanderthal, Denisovan 0.5 million years ago: H. Sapiens, a champion, is born. The species starts its path to absolute world domination and Super Apex predator, dominating all biomes, land, sky, upper ocean, the depths too, and even the bacteria living deep down in earth crust. 300,000 BC: Earliest evidence of long distance trade network. It is highly likely I think, that short distance trade networks precede that. From wikipedia: "The use of barter-like methods may date back to at least 100,000 years ago. There is no evidence, historical or contemporary, of a society in which barter is the main mode of exchange; instead, non-monetary societies operated largely along the principles of gift economy and debt. When barter did in fact occur, it was usually between either complete strangers or potential enemies." Yes, debt is pretty old. Everything that was invented was for a reason, because it made sense, and was necessary. Buying cheap to sell low might be very very old... Possible more than 100,000 BC: Brace yourselves... Some people think money evolved as a convenient way to replace barter (I have rice I want apples he has apples but wants something other than rice...) but this has not much evidence, and a theory that makes more sense is since it all started with IOUs which can be hard to keep track of (plus there's no proof) then money was first a debt and later became a medium of exchange and (lol) a store of value (I guess we devolved). 10,000 BC: With CO2 levels going up and the climate improving, agriculture appears (probably for the first time). 8000 BC: Oldest evidence of derivatives. Clay tokens used in Sumer (Iraq) as forwards or futures. Climate was not constant, yields would fluctuate. So it makes sense that they needed a way to hedge against fluctuations in supply. 5400 BC: Earliest "City", Eridu, in the Iraq region, not a city by our standards but they considered it so. ~3000 BC: Mathematics history begins in the region of Iraq/Egypt/Syria/Turkey. 3000 BC: The mesopotamian may be the first to develop a large-scale economy using commodity money. The shekel, a specific weight of barley. They had an advanced economic system with rules on debt, credit, contracts, private property, full blown capitalism... Urban Revolution: When rural villages turned into urban societies. It all began back then... Long distance (between different cities with different "kings") trade is regular. Obviously, writting was required. Iraq 3500 BC Egypt 3100 BC India/Pakistan 3000 BC China 2500 BC "The civilized life that emerged at Sumer was shaped by two conflicting factors: the unpredictability of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which at any time could unleash devastating floods that wiped out entire peoples, and the extreme fecundity of the river valleys, caused by centuries-old deposits of soil. Thus, while the river valleys of southern Mesopotamia attracted migrations of neighboring peoples and made possible, for the first time in history, the growing of surplus food, the volatility of the rivers necessitated a form of collective management to protect the marshy, low-lying land from flooding. As surplus production increased and as collective management became more advanced, a process of urbanization evolved and Sumerian civilization took root". 1750 BC: Code of Hammurabi , the first lawyer book. It set rules on contracts & on trading including "finance". We still have copies! Who knows how many traders profitted off spreads arbitrage speculation and more back then. First derivative exchanges (in Babylon temples), very likeky to have lasted 1000 years or more. 3000BC-300BC: Evidences of derivatives used in other areas than Iraq but no market/exchange that we know of. 500 BC: Thales said to have made a fortune with a put option on oil back then. He speculated on options over the counter, as there were no known exchange (Greece). 330 BC: Alexander army/followers notice derivatives and see their advantage, the concept makes its way to Greece & Rome. Which is why it is very likely Babylon exchanges lasted more than 1000 years (1750BC to 330BC at least). 300 BC - 500 AC: Evidence of derivative trades, but I don't know if there were markets, all was probably OTC. 476 AC - 1492 AC: The dark ages in Europe. The Arab world have their age of enlightement but I don't know about finance there. The rest of the world doesn't make any progress in that area as far as I know. CO2 levels dropped and times were tough. Hunger and scapegoating is common (middle aged and old women with no husband were seen as useless mouths to feed and often ended being called a witch then burned or drowned, the arab world developped polygamy to adapt to high male mortality so afaik they didn't burn their women). The church before the tough times of low CO2 used to say about people that accused someone of witchcraft that they were supersticious uncivilised pagans. The church sees derivatives & interests as "gambling" and "evil", so it becomes clandestine. Not a very interesting period prone to advancements, not much in science, not much in standard of living, maths, finance... Some exceptions: Late 1200s Monty Shares, 1300-1800 Loggia in the Piazza dei Banchi. 1 big exceptions: There was a gigantic futures operation. Ran by the Church. Give them money against a sacred contract for eternal life. It is a form of futures contract. 1530: Charles V of the Netherlands helps bring back a derivatives market. 1531: Antwerp Stock exchange (Hurray). 1571: Ancestor of the London Metal Exchange. 1637: Tulip Bubble 1730: Dojima Rice Exchange (and first known use of Technical Analysis) 1789: French revolution. Followed by terror, Napoleon etc. 1800: CO2 level pops off. Time to accelerate progress. ~1800: Industrial Revolution, emergence of labor (arguably "wageslaving"). Shortly followed by Karl Marx, and the 20th century will be the century of socialism & communism & fascism. In particular the terror communism following the russian revolution, similarly to France. First time in history where capitalism is questionned? Early 1800s: The UK bans regular slavery (wage labor or wageslavery means this is not required anymore...) At the time labor was compared to slavery, there was no argument against private property or capitalism thought. 1848: CME CBOT. Not sure when stocks only had their exchange and when commodity futures did. FX never did until recently but most of the trading is still OTC I think, with a lot of swap trading thought. 1945: Gold standard, following the great depression and WW2 result of high inequality and the Reichbank money printing. 1971: Gold standard abandonned, back to FIAT money printing and inequality uptrend. 1990s: Trading makes its way to the internet 2000: I am not sure but I think this is when "macro trading" (Oil, world economy, FX) got big. Retail trading from home develops. Everything got more and more correlated as a result. 2010s: As an answer to wild money printing, in particular after 2009 bank bailout, new improved crypto currencies are created, in particular Bitcoin. Still FIAT currencies, and not meant to be store of values if I remember Satoshi whitepaper correctly, but with a limited supply as well as no central control to prevent what happened in Zimbabwe & Germany. Exchanges (crypto ones) are completely online and anyone can be a market maker, money transactions are (well depends on the crypto) quick simple fast. Crypto exchanges are open 24/7!
Editors' picks
BITSTAMP:BTCUSDEducation
by MrRenev
17
DEUTSCHE BOMB - Sorry I meant 'BANK'Some may not have heard of Deutsche Bank. Some may not know what 'systematic risk' is. Well, whether you heard of any of this before listen up. DB has been in serious trouble for years and in recent weeks there is more trouble. As the rules do not allow me to reference what I say here, people will need to Google some of this. Deutsche Bank has been over leveraged to the tune of Trillions. Then recently there has leveraging of the leveraging, to put that in a nutshell. Read up on level 3 assets in relation to Deutsche Bank. Germany's domestic economy relies heavily on Deutsche Bank. DB is totally wired into major banks globally. Share holder confidence in DB has been galloping south in recent weeks. Would you buy shares in DB? Some say when there's blood on the streets that's the best time to jump in. Sorry - some can go right ahead. I like my money in my pocket. Looking into the derivatives fiasco looming on DB the whole world is at risk! If DB falls watch out for shockwaves globally. Disclaimer: This educational post is not intended for trading or investing decision-making. No liabilities accepted.
NYSE:DBEducation
by Captain_Walker
1