If you want to trade options in the UK, there are a few things you need to know. This guide will look at what options are, how they work, and where you can trade them.
Options in trading are financial derivatives that allow the holder to trade the underlying asset at a predetermined price. The asset can be anything from shares and commodities to currencies and indexes.
When you buy an option, you’re essentially betting that the underlying asset’s price will go up (if you’re a call option) or down (if you’re a put option) over a certain period. If your prediction is correct, you will undoubtedly make a profit from your investment.
The two main types of options
There are two main options available in the UK: cash-settled and physically settled.
Cash-settled options
Cash-settled options are usually traded over the counter, meaning that they’re not listed on an exchange and have to be arranged privately between buyers and sellers.
Physically settled options
On the other hand, physically settled options are listed on stock exchanges like the London Stock Exchange (LSE), where you can buy or sell them as quickly as any other type of equity.
How to trade options in the UK?
To get started with cash-settled options trading in the UK, you’ll need to find a broker that offers this service. Make sure you do thorough research to find a reputable firm with good customer reviews and positive feedback from other traders.
If you want to trade physically settled options, you’ll need to open an account with a stockbroker that offers this service. Once again, make sure to shop around and compare different firms before deciding.
When you’ve chosen a broker, you’ll need to deposit some money into your account to start trading. The total amount you need to get started will depend on the broker, but it’s usually a minimum of £500.
Once you’ve made your initial trading deposit, you can start placing trades. You’ll need to put in an order through your broker to buy or sell an option. You’ll need to specify the type of option (call or put), the underlying asset, the expiry date, and the strike price.
The strike price is when the underlying asset can be bought or sold, and the expiry date is the exact date on which the option expires.
Once you’ve placed your trade, all you need to do is wait and see how the price of the underlying asset moves. If it goes in the direction you predicted, you’ll make a profit. If not, you’ll lose money.
It’s important to remember that options are a risky investment, and you can lose all of your capital if things go against you. That’s why it’s essential only to invest money that you can afford to lose.
Where to trade options in the UK?
There are a few different exchanges where you can trade options in the UK:
The London Stock Exchange (LSE)
The LSE is the leading stock exchange in the UK, and it’s where most companies are listed. It’s also home to several derivative markets, including options. You can trade options on the LSE through a broker that offers this service.
The London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE)
LIFFE is a derivatives exchange that the LSE owns. It’s where many professional traders trade options and other financial instruments. To trade on LIFFE, you’ll need to open an account with a broker that offers this service.
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME)
The CME is one of the world’s biggest options exchanges and has an office in London. If you’re looking to trade options professionally, it might be worth considering opening an account with a broker that offers this service.
The bottom line
Options trading is becoming very popular in the UK among traders of all levels, so there are many places where you can get started locally. Do your research first and choose a reputable firm like Saxo Bank with good customer reviews and positive feedback from other traders. With the right tools, knowledge, and research, you could start making consistent profits from trading options today.
