Derivatives Trading Strategies - Future & Option Strategies | Espresso

Proven Derivatives Trading Strategies That Work

The increasing risk appetite of investors has seen derivative trading strategies becoming more and more popular. Understanding derivative trading strategies can help investors manage risks and increase their market returns. When it comes to derivative trading, there are a variety of strategies that you can use to achieve success. This blog post will discuss five of the most common derivative trading strategies and how you can use them to your advantage.

Published on 03 February 2023

We'll also provide some tips on successfully implementing these strategies in today's markets. So, whether you're just starting in derivative trading or looking for new ways to improve your results, read on for some helpful advice!

What is Derivative Trading?

Derivative trading is a type of trading strategy used by investors to speculate on the future direction of an underlying asset. Investors can gain exposure to various markets and assets through derivative contracts, including stocks, indices, commodities, currencies, and more.

Derivative trading typically involves buying or selling derivative contracts such as futures, options, or swaps to profit from price movements in the underlying asset.

Derivative Trading Strategies

1.       Options Trading Strategies

There are two sorts of choices: call and put. A trader who possesses a call option has the opportunity to buy the underlying asset at a certain price at a later time. In comparison, the trader has the right to sell the underlying value at a predetermined price in the future with a put option.

The following are the most popular options trading methods used by traders.

➔      Buy Call

In this derivative trading derivative strategy, the trader purchases a call option to benefit from potential price appreciation in the underlying asset. The investor would realize a profit if the stock or other asset rises.

➔      Buy Put

A buy put derivative trading strategy involves buying a put option when an individual expects the underlying asset’s market price to be lower than its current level at expiration. This derivative trading method would allow them to benefit from any decrease in the underlying asset's value. Put options are derivatives that give the holder the right to sell an asset at a certain predetermined price at some point in time before the expiration of the derivative.

➔      Covered Call Strategy

When it comes to derivative trading strategies, one of the most popular is the Covered Call strategy. A covered call involves purchasing a long position in an underlying security and selling or writing a call option on that security. This strategy seeks to generate income from premiums received when entering the trade by writing calls against shares you own.

➔      Married Put Strategy

The Married Put strategy is a derivative trading strategy that uses derivative instruments known as put options to protect an investor’s underlying long position in an asset. This derivatives strategy can be used by investors who wish to hedge their investments and limit the risk of downside losses due to unfavorable market movements.

2.       Futures Trading Strategies

Futures traders can trade long or short. The four most often used futures trading methods are as follows:

➔      Long Trades

Long trades are used when the trader believes the derivative will increase in value over time and they are willing to accept risk. Long strategies can involve buying futures contracts at a lower price and then selling them later when prices have increased. This type of trading strategy is popular among investors who expect the derivative's value to appreciate over time.

➔      Short Trades

Short trades are used when the trader believes the derivative will decrease in value over time and they are willing to take on the risk associated with it. Short strategies can involve selling futures contracts at a higher price and then buying them back later when prices have decreased.

➔      Bull Calendar Spread

This derivative trading strategy involves buying and selling two derivatives based on the same asset but with different expiration dates. The derivative with the shorter expiration date is bought, while the derivative with the longer expiration date is sold. This allows traders to benefit from a price difference in two derivatives at different points in time. However, this derivative strategy can be risky because of potential changes in volatility or other market conditions.

➔      Bear Calendar Spread

When compared to a bull calendar spread, a bear calendar spread is the other. A trader uses this futures trading approach by shorting the short-term contract and buying the long-term contract. Investors that use this technique anticipate the spread to expand in their favor so they may benefit more.

The Bottom Line

Derivative trading strategies can be complex, but with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can create a derivative strategy that works for their needs. With the proper research, you can develop your derivative trading strategy and increase your chances of success. Ultimately, derivatives trading is all about understanding the available options and making smart financial decisions.

Chandresh Khona
Team Espresso

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