Knock-out options definition

Knock-out options

A knock-out option is a type of option that expires or “knocks out” if the asset surpasses or falls below a certain price. The knock-out options contract is active until the predetermined price is hit.

 Knock-out options are one example of barrier options: options contracts with earnings dependent on whether the underlying asset reaches a specific price level, referred to as the barrier price.

Until the asset reaches the barrier price or expires, the knock-out options contract is active. If the barrier price is reached, the options contract expires prematurely. There are two types of knock-out options:

  • Down-and-out options are active until the asset dips to or below a predetermined barrier price.
  • Up-and-out options give the holder the right to buy or sell an asset at a specific price if the option does not rise to or past a specific barrier price.

Knock-out options are mainly used in commodity and currency markets and can be traded over-the-counter. Premiums on these options are usually cheaper than regular options, but buyers run the risk of not realizing any profits if the price target is hit.

Example of a knock-out option

An investor buys short and purchases a call option for an asset trading at $80, with a strike price of $70 and a barrier of $60. If the asset trades below $60 at any time before the call option is bought or expires, then the option is “knocked out” and expires early.

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