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What is Directional Trading Strategy

stock market
25 Nov 20216 mins readBy MOFSL

If you’re looking to get into the world of online stock trading, it is extremely crucial to get to know the various trading strategies that need to be employed. This way, you can not only make more informed trading decisions, but also increase your chances of making profits. One such trading strategy that many traders like to use frequently is the directional trading strategy. Wondering what it is? Here’s an overview of what it is and how it can be used. 

  • What is the directional trading strategy

Any trading strategy that bets on the market movement is known as a directional strategy. Since a trader basically bets on the market moving in one direction, be it up or down, such a strategy is referred to as a directional trading strategy. Here’s an example to help you understand better. 

Let’s say that a trader firmly believes that the market would move upward in the near future. And so, the trader takes a long position on a stock. This long position that the trader employed on the stock is what is known as a directional trading strategy. 

Generally, when dealing with directional trading strategies, traders tend to use options. This allows them to create spreads, which can effectively lower the losses in the event of the market not following through with the trader’s prediction. 

  • Are there different types of directional trading strategies?

Of course there are. Depending on the trader’s view of the future market movement, they can employ any one of the several directional trading strategies. Let’s take a look at a few of the most commonly used strategies. 

1. Bull Call 

The bull call strategy is often used by traders when they are of the opinion that the market or a stock would turn bullish in the near future. This directional strategy involves selling a call option with a higher strike price compared to the spot price and purchasing a call option with a lower strike price. 

2. Bull Put

As with the bull call, the bull put is also used when traders believe that the market would turn bullish in the near future. However, in this directional trading strategy, traders sell a put option with a higher strike price and purchase a put option with a lower strike price.

3. Bear Call

The bear call is the inverse of a bull call. It is used only when traders feel that the market is about to turn bearish. This directional trading strategy involves purchasing a call option with a higher strike price and selling a call option with a lower strike price.

4. Bear Put 

The bear put is very similar to the bear call. The only difference is that it uses put options. To execute a bear put, traders purchase a put option with a higher strike price and sell a put option with a lower strike price. 

Conclusion 

Now that you’re aware of directional trading, why don’t you give it a go? If you don’t already have an online stock trading account and a demat account, don’t worry. You can open one instantly with the help of Motilal Oswal. Visit the website now to open one for free. 

Related Articles: How to Open a Demat Account Without a Broker | Factors to Keep in Mind While Opening a Demat account | Factors to Consider When Opening a Demat Account | 10 Points to Remember When Operating your Demat Account | Types Of Demat Account & Trading Account

Disclaimer: The stocks, companies, or financial instruments mentioned in this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment recommendations. It is advised to consult with your financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Investment in securities markets are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. Investors are strongly encouraged to carefully read the risk disclosure documents prior to participating in market-related investments or trading activities. Due to the volatile nature of financial markets, no guarantees can be made regarding investment returns. Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. does not offer any assured returns on market-linked securities. Please note that past performance of stocks or indices is not indicative of future results.
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