The reality of derivatives trading

Derivatives are often being referred to as weapons of mass wealth destruction. It’s like a leverage trade. 

How do derivatives work?

When you buy derivatives, it helps you ride a position which is sometimes 10x bigger, 20x bigger. 

How do traders make money

And in a rising market, or when your betting gets right, what happens is, by putting in Rs 5, you’re able to ride a trade on Rs 100 ownership.

Why are traders prone to losing money

So if Rs 100 becomes Rs 105, it feels like you invested Rs 5, you have a gain of Rs 5, which is a 100% gain. But the reverse also is just as true.

A case of absolute losses

What happens is you put Rs 5 or Rs 10, and you’re riding a trade of Rs 100, and Rs 100 becomes Rs 90, your Rs 10 becomes 0.

Trading is a double edged sword

Because now, if you square up your transaction, your Rs 10 is gone. Understand this, a leverage trade works both ways and that is what derivative trading is.

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