Futures and options, or F&O, are like the foundation of our financial strategy. They give our traders the tools they need to deal with the complex world of price changes in various assets. But, it's important to realise that becoming a pro at F&O trading takes more than just a surface-level understanding.
The futures and options (F&O) market is a complex and risky market, and it is no surprise that 9 out of 10 traders lose money in it. There are many reasons for this, but some of the most common include:
- Lack of knowledge: Many traders enter the F&O market without a good understanding of how it works. They may not understand the risks involved, or they may not have a trading strategy.
- Emotional trading: When traders make decisions based on emotion rather than logic, they are more likely to make mistakes. This is especially true when the market is volatile.
- Poor risk management: Traders who do not properly manage their risk are more likely to suffer large losses. This is because they may not use stop losses or they may not take profits when they are available.
- Overtrading: Traders who overtrade are more likely to make mistakes. This is because they are not giving themselves enough time to analyse the market and make informed decisions.
- Pursuing losses: Traders who attempt to recover their losses by increasing their trading activity often find themselves in a precarious situation, often resulting in even greater losses.
A study by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) found that 89% of individual traders in the equity F&O segment lost money in FY22. The average loss for these traders was Rs. 1.1 lakh. The study also found that 90% of the active traders in the equity F&O segment lost money.
In plain terms, it's vital to grasp that a staggering 9 out of every 10 traders who venture into Futures and Options (F&Os) end up losing money. This fact highlights the considerable difficulties faced by most people in this financial arena. To succeed here, it's not just about making money; it's about mastering risk management and smart strategies, which set apart the 1 in 10 who come out as winners.
If you are considering trading in F&Os, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. You should also take the time to learn about the market and develop a trading strategy that suits your risk tolerance. And most importantly, you should always practise good risk management.
Talking about risk management, Samco's #AndekhaSach feature offers a comprehensive toolkit for traders and investors. It delves into your personal trading experiences, analyzes your past trades, revealing hidden insights. This feature was built with the objective of empowering our users with the information leading to better risk planning.
If you are serious about trading in F&Os, I recommend that you seek out a reputable trading mentor or coach. They can help you develop a trading strategy that is right for you and they can also provide guidance and support as you start trading.
Trading in F&Os can be a profitable venture, but it is important to remember that it is also a risky one. By being aware of the risks and taking the necessary precautions, you can increase your chances of success.
Conclusion
The world of Futures and Options (F&Os) is intricate and fraught with risks, but it holds the potential for profitability for those who are willing to invest time and effort in thorough research and prudent measures. If you find yourself contemplating entry into the F&O market, I strongly emphasise the importance of acquiring a deep understanding of its intricacies. Additionally, it's imperative to craft a trading strategy tailored to your unique risk tolerance.
Above all else, I cannot stress enough the significance of unwavering commitment to sound risk management practices. Happy to hear your experience/ thoughts on this in the comment section.
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FAQs
In plain terms, it's vital to grasp that a staggering 9 out of every 10 traders who venture into Futures and Options (F&Os) end up losing money. This fact highlights the considerable difficulties faced by most people in this financial arena.
What is the average loss in F&O? ›
Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a report, stating that 9 out of 10 individual traders in the equity F&O segment incurred an average loss of Rs 1.1 lakh during FY22, with most of them operating in the options segment.
Why 90% of traders lose money? ›
Intraday Trading can help you churn out huge profits, however, one should also remember that it is a highly risky task. It is said that almost 90% of people lose money in intraday trading. Most of the intraday traders lose money because they fail to understand the market movements and end up taking the wrong decisions.
Did Sebi say 90% traders lose money? ›
His agency, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, known as Sebi, says 90% of active retail traders lose money trading options and other derivative contracts. In the year ended March 2022, the latest for which figures are available, investors lost $5.4 billion.
Why most traders lose money in F&O? ›
The emotional aspect of trading often leads to irrational decisions like panic selling. When the market moves unfavourably, many traders, especially those who are inexperienced, tend to panic and exit their positions hastily. This panic selling often occurs at the worst possible time, leading to significant losses.
What percentage of options traders lose money? ›
The futures and options (F&O) market is a complex and risky market, and it is no surprise that 9 out of 10 traders lose money in it. There are many reasons for this, but some of the most common include: Lack of knowledge: Many traders enter the F&O market without a good understanding of how it works.
What percent of options traders lose? ›
The statistic that 90% of option traders lose money is often cited, but it's essential to understand the factors that contribute to this high failure rate: 1. Lack of Education and Experience: Many individuals dive into options trading without a solid understanding of how options work and the complexities involved.
What is the 90% rule in trading? ›
It is a high-stakes game where many are lured by the promise of quick riches but ultimately face harsh realities. One of the harsh realities of trading is the “Rule of 90,” which suggests that 90% of new traders lose 90% of their starting capital within 90 days of their first trade.
Do 90% of traders fail? ›
According to various studies and reports, between 70% to 90% of retail traders lose money every quarter. This article will discuss the main reasons retail traders lose money and how they can enhance their performance and profitability.
Do 80% of day traders lose money? ›
It is estimated that nearly 80-85% of intraday traders end up losing money in the stock markets. Normally, 70% of the intraday traders do not last beyond the first year and 90% do not last beyond the third year. What is the reason for this phenomenon and why do intraday traders lose money so consistently?
Futures and Options (F&O) trading offers significant opportunities for profits but also carries substantial risks. So, traders must have strong risk management in F&O trading to manage their capital.
What is the success rate of F&O? ›
Out of the 45.24 lakh individual traders in futures and options (F&O) in the financial year 2021-22, only 11% made profit, shows a report by Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).
What is No 1 rule of trading? ›
Rule 1: Always Use a Trading Plan
You need a trading plan because it can assist you with making coherent trading decisions and define the boundaries of your optimal trade. A decent trading plan will assist you with avoiding making passionate decisions without giving it much thought.
How many people make money in F&O? ›
According to a study by Sebi, in FY22 only 11 percent of individual traders in the equity F&O segment made profits, with an average profit of Rs 1.5 lakh.
Why do most options traders fail? ›
Lack of a clear strategy: Options trading requires a well-defined strategy. If options buyers do not have a clear plan, exit strategy or risk management in place, they may make impulsive decisions that lead to losses.
How do you never lose in option trading? ›
The option sellers stand a greater risk of losses when there is heavy movement in the market. So, if you have sold options, then always try to hedge your position to avoid such losses. For example, if you have sold at the money calls/puts, then try to buy far out of the money calls/puts to hedge your position.
What is the maximum loss on options on futures? ›
Your maximum loss is the strike price (multiplied by the size of the contract), less the premium received, because the price of the futures contract cannot fall below zero.
What is maximum loss in futures? ›
To analyze the maximum loss let us consider NIFTY50 index. Considering the worst-case if the NIFTY is either up or down 200pts the next day, the price is 10407.20 or 10007.20 respectively. For futures: The loss is unlimited for futures if u r holding wrong side of it…
What is the maximum loss in option buying? ›
The maximum loss of the call option buyer is the maximum profit of the call option seller. Likewise, the call option buyer has unlimited profit potential, mirroring this the call option seller has maximum loss potential. We have placed the payoff of Call Option (buy) and Put Option (sell) next to each other.
