The bull is an icon of market positivity purely because it represents rising market prices and consequently periods of growth and economic prosperity. The bear on the other hand is its equal and opposite representing declining market prices. Traders can use a Bull Spread, a form of derivatives trading to input a profit model based on rising market prices.
Prior to rationalizing the possibility of trading and learning Bull Spreads, it is important to comprehend an assessment of the risks involved. Although trading institutions put mechanisms in place to reduce significant levels of loss, Bull Spreads are subject to incurring losses as well as profit. A wise trader will observe the risks involved in trading before embarking on any knowledge quests.
The payout from this type of spread is subject to multiple factors and as a consequence potential profit or loss can never be 100% predicted. Nevertheless this sense of variability is often a key highlight or attraction to quality traders. A Bull Spread can function as a less risky trading derivative if the feature of reduced market exposure is successfully implemented.
As a derivative product spreads are heavily intertwined with the financial asset they are connected to. This asset can take the shape of many traditional trading forms from a currency pair on the foreign exchange and physical stock right through to Gold. Yet the derivative application has a slightly more ethereal physical presence, bound by its connection to the underlying asset. A financial product such as a spread can be used to trade on the directions of the asset, think of it as a second layer. As a result the pricing structure of the derivative, in this case Bull Spreads is unique.
Categorizing the pricing structure of the asset to be traded upon, such as Gold with the financial product is a natural temptation. However on top of this sense of cohesion lies division each is also capable of formulating its own trading direction. A Bull Spread may seem tempting in relation to Gold volatility but this relationship is not presumed and is open to trading decisions such as the level of range applied and the expiry timings placed on a Bull Spread contract.
The ceiling, as discussed previously is the highest point for contract settlement and the floor the lowest. A trader can map these potential points to gage the level of space between. The size of this space matched with how close the contract is to expiry all impact how closely matched the spread and market value pricing structures are.