As binary options markets have grown, so too have the demands and requirements of traders. Experienced clients were requesting options that were similar to traditional Rise/Fall binary options, but allowed trading on volume and market volatility. Brokers were also keen to offer a product that could be traded in both flat and highly volatile markets. From here the “Touch / No Touch” options were born, which enable limited risk trades on volume and volatility.
Touch Options Explained
The ‘binary’ element of the One Touch option remains, as does the limited risk. In order for a “Touch” option to finish in the money; the asset value must touch, or go beyond, the barrier (or ‘target’) level at least once prior to the expiry of the option.
A “No Touch” option represents the opposite – the asset value will not touch the barrier (or ‘target’) level at any point before the expiry.
In most cases, the barrier level is set by the broker. At certain brokers however, the trader can set the barrier. It could be higher than the current asset value, or it could be lower. The distance between the current asset value and the target price will generally dictate the payout structure. These images represent successful Touch and No Touch trades;
One significant difference with the Touch option, is that it can finish “in the money”, before the expiry time. If the Touch target is met, the option pays out immediately, regardless of what happens to the asset value afterwards.
Broker differences
Traders looking to utilise Touch options need to pay particular attention to their choice of trader. Firstly, some brokers do not offer them at all. Touch options at certain other brokers are not particularly flexible. Nor are the target levels. There are however, some brokers which offer a huge amount of flexibility. Here, traders can set their own target levels (payouts adjust accordingly). This offers tremendous opportunity to use advanced trading techniques. Setting Touch options at a range of intervals in order to control risk and return can ensure a trading edge. Traders can also set targets above and below the current value, creating “tunnel” options.
When to use Touch options
Advanced traders will be able to use One Touch options successfully throughout their trading day, others may specialise. For example, volume and market volatility might be expected to change significantly after a particular data release or event. Likewise a market may run flat for a period running up to an announcement – and be volatile after. If a trader feels that trading volume will be particularly low, or particularly high, then the Touch option allows them to take a position on that view.