FX option implied volatility - why low isn't cheap
July 16 (Reuters) -Foreign exchange implied volatility is close to long term lows in many of the most commonly traded currency pairs, but that doesn't mean FX options are cheap.
FX volatility is an unknown yet key part of an option premium, so implied volatility is used as a substitute. Any disparity between FX implied and realised volatility over the life of a particular FX option therefore creates a trading opportunity.
Historic volatility is actual/realised volatility over certain periods in the past and can provide a fair value measure for implied volatility over those same periods in the future. Historic volatility is currently below implied volatility across many currency pairs and maturity dates.
Low implied volatility therefore reflects expectations of low FX realised volatility and deters buyers who may struggle to recover their option premiums, let alone break-even, or profit.
Shorter dated expiry implied volatility will typically increase before a key event to highlight the additional FX volatility that traders expect that event to generate (risk premium). Such examples were seen on Tuesday in NZD and GBP overnight expiry option implied volatility that now includes Wednesday's New Zealand and UK CPI data. nL1N3J808O nL1N3J807D
For more click on FXBUZ
EUR/USD FXO 1-month implied volatility vs 1-month historic volatility https://tmsnrt.rs/3xYv5OA
(Richard Pace is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)
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