Binary Options
intermediateOptions with only two outcomes — a fixed payout or nothing. Used in structured deposits for enhanced yield through one-touch and range products.
Parameters
Binary Payoff Structure
Scenario Analysis
Understanding Binary Options
One-Touch Options
A one-touch option pays out a specific yield as long as the price level is touched at any point, regardless of where the price ends at expiry.
Your client holds a bearish view about EUR/USD. The bank takes the interest earned from the money market deposit to invest in a one-touch option.
Spot: EUR/USD 1.08, Strike: 1.04, Max Yield: 10% p.a., Min Yield: 1%, Money Market: 2%
Client sacrifices 1% (2% - 1%) for the possibility of a 10% return.
Range Currency Deposits (Double No-Touch)
As long as the currency pair stays within a certain range, the client receives a better yield. If the currency breaches either end, the client gets a lower yield.
Range Accrual
Some clients prefer an accrual approach where interest accrues daily — earning the higher rate on days within the range, and the lower rate on days outside.
Key Concept
A range accrual option is more expensive than a double no-touch binary. Hence in practice, either the yield will drop or the barrier (range) will narrow compared to the binary version.