OTC Derivatives Trading
Summary: XAG is outperforming as the dollar continue to trade weaker. XAGUSD spot is up 8% on the week and closing in on the November highs. Vols are marked higher and XADUSD vols are the most expensive among the currencies we are tracking. We like to sell into the pickup in vol and keep a short vol position over the holidays.
Saxo Bank publishes two weekly FX Options Market Update reports covering changes and updates on the FX Options and FX Volatility market. They describe changes in FX volatility levels, risk premium and ideas how to trade based on these.
USD continue to trade weaker after the FED decision yesterday with the dollar index trading down below 90. Commodity and EM currencies continue to benefit from the weaker dollar and lower real rates.
XAG is the out performer over the last days, up 8% since the start of the week. Spot is quickly closing in on the highs from the start of November and the top of the range it been trading in for the last 3 months.
Vols are trading higher after the sharp move higher in spot, 1 month is up 3.5 vol over the week to currently trading around 37 vol. XAG risk premium has increased with the higher implied vol and the risk premium is currently the highest among the currency pairs we are tracking. 1 month risk premium is trading at 5.5 vol, see bottom left graph. Risk reversal is marked higher as well with spot higher, 1 month risk reversal trades at 5.5 up 1.0 on the week.
We prefer to sell into the higher vol and keep a short vol position over the holidays. Either sell XAG calls, selling outright or as covered calls depending if you think the 26.00 resistance will hold or not, or buy ratio call spread for a break above 26.00.
Sell 1 month 28.00 XAGUSD call
Receive 3700 pips
Alternative
Buy1 month 26.50 XAGUSD in 1 unit
Sell 1 month 29.50 XAGUSD in 2 unit
Cost 4600 pips
Spot ref. 25.70
You should be aware that in purchasing Foreign Exchange Options, your potential loss will be the amount of the premium paid for the option, plus any fees or transaction charges that are applicable, should the option not achieve its strike price on the expiry date
If you write an option, the risk involved is considerably higher than buying an option. You may be liable for margin to maintain your position and a loss may be sustained well in excess of the premium received.
By writing an option, you accept a legal obligation to purchase or sell the underlying asset if the option is exercised against you; however far the market price has moved away from the strike. If you already own the underlying asset that you have contracted to sell, your risk will be limited.
If you do not own the underlying asset the risk can be unlimited. Only experienced persons should contemplate writing uncovered options, then only after securing full detail of the applicable conditions and potential risk exposure.
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