One of the ways to hedge a FOREX transaction is with what is called a currency option. A currency option gives the holder the right to buy or sell a specified currency during a specific time period, but the holder is not obligated to buy or sell.
Call options and Put options are the two types of currency options. With a call option the holder has the right to buy currency. A Put option gives the holder the right to sell.
The worth of a call or put option at time of expiration is equal to the value realized by the holder in exercising the option. If the holder gains nothing, the option is worthless. The intrinsic value of the option is the value when the option is bought or sold.
Strike priced is what drives the intrinsic value of an option. A call option has an intrinsic value if the current price is above the strike price while a put option has intrinsic value if the spot price is below the strike price.
The spot and time value are taken into account when figuring out an option price. Time value is measured using the expected market conditions and the difference in interest rate between the two currencies. The price charged for options must be kept low enough to attract buyers and high enough to attract writers.
FOREX markets use currency options to minimize risks against moves in the market. When you purchase an option any losses are limited to the cost of the option. There are many types of options available to be used as hedges. To ward against loss from fluctuations in foreign exchange markets some companies use these.
A Digital option pays at expiration of the option. Traders generally use this option after much consideration regarding market movement and payoff amount.
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