Savvy traders, who understand the term structures of futures markets, often use the butterfly futures spread to isolate certain contracts in which they feel demand or supply will be the strongest or weakest.
Strategies
Basic Mechanics of Agricultural Options
Learn about Agricultural Options!
Deep Out-Of-The-Money Options: A Calculated Risk
The trading strategy of purchasing a deep out-of-the-money call or put option has been referenced as purchasing a “lottery ticket”. Both present an opportunity for profits but with a low rate of success. Depending on how far out-of-the-money the strike price and time remaining until expiration, it would take a considerable move in the underlying futures market to profit.
The Collar: The Bread and Butter Option Strategy for Hedgers
Many believe that we are in a golden age of farming in this country. Since the summer of 2006, we have seen grain prices move in a big range, both up and down. These price fluctuations combined with below trend yields, new markets (such as China) becoming more willing buyers, and other policy factors have… Read more.
Does Back Testing Work?
I often speak with traders that want to back test their strategy and trading ideas before going live. They spend days and weeks pouring over data attempting to simulate every market condition to see how their “program” works. The goal is to find the ideal situation where a trader’s ideas compare with past market conditions… Read more.
What’s Your Margin to Equity Ratio?
Margin Requirements Are Not Recommendations Many consider the leverage involved with futures to be a blessing and a curse. There are few investing environments that will give an individual investor as much leverage as they can receive from an FCM and exchange — those responsible for setting margins. For example, one clearing firm we work… Read more.
Credit Spreads: A Way to Collect Premium with a Defined Risk
Many traders are familiar with collecting premium by selling options, and it has proved to be a profitable strategy. However, the unlimited risk that comes with selling options has kept many on the sidelines, even if they have a strong option on where a market won’t go. Credit spreads offer you the ability to collect… Read more.
Eliminate Report Risk: Use Weekly Options to Hedge Short Term
A few months back, the CME Group launched weekly grain options for corn, wheat, and soybeans. On Sunday, September 25th, the CME Group will introduce Live Cattle and Soybean Oil/Meal weekly options. These options, short term in nature, will trade just like the monthly options that we all know. Each weekly option will have a… Read more.
Futures Options Spreads: Why Should You Use Debit or Credit Spreads?
One of the main questions I receive as a broker after presenting a futures option spread to a client is, “Why?” Traders want to know why they should be entering an option spread as opposed to purchasing or selling an option outright. This article will help to explain the Why behind entering an option spread.… Read more.
Is Option Selling the “Write” Strategy for You?
Options, by definition, are a wasting asset. Many first-time option investors learn this fact the hard way by watching their option contracts expire worthless.