{ "vars": { "gtag_id": "AW-11132954046", "config": { "AW-11132954046": { "groups": "default" } } }, "triggers": { } }

Understanding Leverage in Options Trading

Intermediate Articles

Bear Call Spread
3 year(s) ago
19 minutes Read
Buy Iron Condor
3 year(s) ago
14 minutes Read
Bear Put Spread
3 year(s) ago
17 minutes Read
Bull Call Spread
3 year(s) ago
7 minutes Read
Bull Put Spread
3 year(s) ago
8 minutes Read
Sell Iron Condor
3 year(s) ago
11 minutes Read
Short Straddle
3 year(s) ago
16 minutes Read
A Complete Guide to Mastering the Short Strangle
3 year(s) ago
16 minutes Read
Long Straddle
3 year(s) ago
14 minutes Read
Long Strangle
3 year(s) ago
18 minutes Read
Calendar Spread
3 year(s) ago
14 minutes Read
Options Volatility
3 year(s) ago
7 minutes Read
Options Leverage
3 year(s) ago
6 minutes Read
Selling Call Options
3 year(s) ago
8 minutes Read
Selling Put Options
3 year(s) ago
13 minutes Read
Options Margin
3 year(s) ago
14 minutes Read

What is Leverage in Options Trading?

Leverage, also known as gearing, can be very powerful when it comes to investing in your portfolio because by using this method it’s possible to use relatively small amounts of capital to control a much larger amount of the underlying asset.

Leverage is a way of amplifying the power of your investment. 

With instruments such as stocks, you have to commit a large amount of capital in order to gain exposure, as stocks are fully paid instruments. Consider an investment of 5,000 shares in XYZ Plc at 405p.Total cost £20,250 before costs. If XYZ rises to 455p you will make £2,500 before costs. (£22,750-£20,250)

Options offer a way of using leverage to your advantage. This is because the cost of options contracts is typically much lower than the cost of their underlying asset, allowing you to multiply the power of your starting capital and yet still benefit from price movements in the underlying asset in the same way.

 

Why Leverage is Attractive to Traders

With instruments such as stocks, you have to commit a large amount of capital in order to gain exposure, as stocks are fully paid instruments. Consider an investment of 5,000 shares in XYZ Plc at 405p. The total cost is £20,250 before brokerage fees. If XYZ rises to 455p you will make £2,500 before net of fees. (£22,750-£20,250), a return of just over 12%.

Options offer a way of using leverage to your advantage. This is because the cost of options contracts is typically much lower than the cost of their underlying asset, allowing you to multiply the power of your starting capital and yet still benefit from price movements in the underlying asset in the same way.

 

The Mechanics of Leverage

Options are leveraged instruments because they enable traders to amplify their exposure to a financial asset’s price movements. For example, purchasing a call option gives you the right to buy the underlying asset at a fixed price. If the asset’s price rises, the option’s value can increase many times over, providing substantial returns compared to the initial investment.

 

Profit Amplification

Leverage can significantly amplify profits. A trader can control large amounts of stock for a relatively small cost, and if the stock price moves favourably, the profit percentage can be significant.

 

Risk Magnification

Conversely, leverage also magnifies potential losses. The leverage ratio in options trading can lead to substantial losses if the stock price moves against the trader’s expectations.

 

Effect on Investment Strategy

The strategic implications of leverage cannot be overstated. Understanding leverage allows traders to structure their investment strategies optimally. The ability to control large positions with a smaller investment can lead to diversified and robust portfolios.

 

Example of Leverage in Options

Now think of an option on XYZ Plc (1,000 shares per contract). 

If you buy 25 XYZ Plc 410 call options at 24p the total cost will be 25×1,000×0.24 = £6,000 before costs, less than the outright purchase of the 5,000 shares considered above, but having an economic interest in 25,000 shares. 

If XYZ rises to 455p the 410 call options will be worth at least 45p as this is the intrinsic value. Your profit would be 25 × 1,000 x (0.45-0.24) = £5,250 before costs. So roughly double the profit for roughly a third of the initial outlay, or a return of over 87%. Of course, the downside of buying call options is they can expire worthless and you lose all of the premium you paid. 

Leverage can also be very risky when dealing with short options as initial and variation margins as well as potential losses can escalate very rapidly causing severe margin calls. Always understand the ultimate risk when considering selling or shorting options and fully understand the effects that leverage (gearing) can have on your positions. It is possible to lose more than your initial account deposit when using short options. Always seek financial advice.

Options Leverage FAQs

What is leverage in the context of options trading?

Leverage, in options trading, refers to the use of a small amount of capital to control a large position. This amplifies both potential profits and potential losses.

How is the leverage ratio calculated in options trading?

The leverage ratio in options trading is calculated by dividing the stock price by the option premium. This ratio indicates the magnitude of the leveraged position compared to the actual stock position.

What are the implications of leverage for options traders?

Leverage can significantly amplify profits as well as losses. It allows options traders to take an economic interest in large amounts of stock for a small cost, leading to significant profit if the stock price moves favourably. However, it can also lead to substantial losses if the stock price moves against the trader’s expectations.

How can options traders manage the risks associated with leverage?

Options traders can manage leverage risks by maintaining a robust risk management plan, using stop-loss orders, diversifying their portfolio, and regularly monitoring their investments.

What are stop-loss orders and how do they help in managing leverage risks?

Stop-loss orders are a type of order that closes a position once the price of the asset reaches a pre-determined level. They help cap potential losses, which is particularly important when dealing with the amplified risks associated with leverage in options trading.

Important information: Derivative products are considerably higher risk and more complex than more conventional investments, come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage and are not, therefore, suitable for everyone. Our website offers information about trading in derivative products, but not personal advice. If you’re not sure whether trading in derivative products is right for you, you should contact an independent financial adviser. For more information, please read our Important Derivative Product Trading Notes.

Hide
Important Notice - Show
window.addEventListener('load', function() { if(window.location.href.indexOf('/contact')!=-1) { var timeInt = setInterval(function(){ if (jQuery('.nf-response-msg p:contains("successfully")').is(":visible")) { gtag('event', 'conversion', {'send_to': 'AW-11132954046/gR-uCIO8zvsYEL7Lzbwp'}); clearInterval(timeInt); } },3000); } if(window.location.href.indexOf('/cme-crude-oil')!=-1) { var timeInt1 = setInterval(function(){ if (jQuery('.nf-response-msg p:contains("successfully")').is(":visible")) { gtag('event', 'conversion', {'send_to': 'AW-11132954046/RkuxCIa8zvsYEL7Lzbwp'}); clearInterval(timeInt1); } },3000); } });