A currency option is a contract that will give the buyer the right, but not the responsibility, to buy or sell a specific currency at a predetermined exchange rate on or before a set date. A premium is paid to the seller for this right.
Currency options are one of the most prevalent strategies for businesses, individuals, and financial institutions to protect themselves against exchange rate fluctuations.
These options are purchased with the intention of profiting from a rise in the price of the currency pair. It allows the option buyer to exercise his right to buy the currency pair at the predetermined strike price on or before the expiration date of the contract. If the currency pair is below the Strike Price when the option expires, the option is worthless, and the option seller would keep the premium.
These options are purchased with the intention of profiting from a drop in the price of the currency pair. It allows the option buyer to exercise his right to sell the currency pair at a predetermined strike price on or before the contract's expiration date. If the currency pair is above the Strike Price at expiration, the option is worthless, and the option seller keeps the premium.
Long one currency pair and short another currency pair will still be part of the transaction. In essence, the customer will specify how much they want to spend, the price they want to pay, and the expiration date. The seller will then respond with a quote for the trade premium.
Traditional options may have expiration dates that are similar to those in the United States or Europe. Traders have the right to choose between put and call options, but they are not obligated to do so. The options will expire worthless if the current exchange rate takes them out of the money (OTM).
In India, currency futures were initially launched in 2008 and options in 2010. The National Stock Exchange's (NSE) derivatives sector now provides trading services in derivative instruments such as currency futures on four currency pairs, and they are cross-currency futures and options on three currency pairings. Currency options on the Indian rupee can be purchased against other currencies such as the euro, pound sterling, and the US dollar.
Call and put options on the USD-INR pair that can be purchased through your stockbroker or through your internet trading platform. The options are European, which means you can only use them till they expire. You can, however, complete the deal by reselling the options contract in the market. Your net loss or gain would be the difference between the premiums paid for buying and selling.
To trade them, you must pay a premium to the broker, who will then pass it on to the exchange, who will then pass it on to the option seller or writer.
Since the premiums are relatively cheap, you can use a lot of leverage and trade in enormous volumes. This is because of the fact that you can trade a multiple of the premium.
Now that you understand how to trade currency options, you can get started. Currency futures allow even individual investors to profit from fluctuations in exchange rates. The risk is minimal because you will only lose the premium you have paid. You must keep it in mind. However, currency markets are quite volatile, and getting the timing just right can be difficult.
There are several advantages in terms of investing in currency options, and they are: