Trading listed options, or derivatives, on the UAE stock markets, has become increasingly popular over recent years.
Options are contracts between two parties that grant the buyer the entitlement to buy (or sell) a security at a set price within a specific period. It allows investors to speculate and hedge against market volatility while allowing them to benefit from leverage and increased liquidity in their investments.
Despite these advantages, some potential risks associated with trading listed options in the UAE should be considered before entering into contracts. This article will discuss the pros and cons of trading listed options in the UAE and provide an overview of potential pitfalls for traders considering taking advantage of these opportunities.
Pros
There are numerous advantages to trading listed options in the UAE. It offers investors the significant potential for return on investment and increased liquidity and flexibility in their portfolios. At the same time, by hedging against market volatility, traders can significantly reduce their risks.
Leverage
One of the main advantages of trading listed options in the UAE is that it gives investors access to significant leverage. As options are contracts between two parties, traders can buy and sell shares on margin, meaning they can purchase more than their actual capital balance. It allows them to increase their potential returns by investing more significant amounts than possible. It can be beneficial for traders who are looking to achieve higher returns in a shorter period.
Increased liquidity
Another benefit of trading listed options in the UAE is that they provide investors with increased liquidity. As the market is highly liquid, investors can easily buy and sell options at any time and often find suitable options to invest in. This high liquidity also minimises the risk of slippage when traders cannot take advantage of favourable market movements due to a lack of available options. Furthermore, it allows one to exit positions quickly and efficiently when needed.
Hedging against volatility
Trading listed options in the UAE also allows investors to hedge against market volatility. By taking out a put option, traders can limit their losses if the market moves against them and protect their portfolios from sudden drops in value.
Options also offer greater flexibility than traditional stock trading, as traders can customise their risk levels for each trade, giving them more control over how much money they are willing to risk. If you need help, a Saxo broker in Saudi Arabia can advise you on what to do.
Cons
Trading listed options in the UAE also has some risks and implications that should be considered. Options can offer high rewards but come with increased risk levels, so understanding these potential pitfalls is essential for any trader hoping to succeed in this market.
Cost of entry
One of the main disadvantages of trading listed options in the UAE is the cost of entry. These contracts are typically expensive and have high transaction costs, meaning traders may need to invest more significant amounts than usual to get started. It could make it difficult for those with smaller budgets to enter the market. Furthermore, due to the complex nature of these contracts, traders may need to seek professional advice before entering into any agreements, leading to further costs.
Volatility
Another potential risk of trading listed options in the UAE is the market’s volatility. Options are often based on short-term price movements and can be difficult to predict accurately due to the market’s unpredictability. Therefore, traders must be alert and prepared for sudden price changes, which could easily result in significant losses. Furthermore, the lack of liquidity can mean that traders may not be able to exit their positions quickly enough when needed, resulting in further losses.
Time decay
Options also suffer from time decay, meaning their value decreases over time because as the expiration date approaches, the option’s value depreciates and is eventually worthless. As a result, investors must be aware of this potential risk and ensure that their positions are managed carefully to potentially maximise returns. Moreover, traders should also be aware of any potential changes in the market that could affect their positions.