Glossary
Arbitrage
Arbitrage involves taking advantage of price differences among various markets. In the realm of foreign exchange (FX) trading, this often involves purchasing foreign currency or its derivatives, like options or forwards, in one market, then selling it for a profit in another market.
What is arbitrage?
Arbitrage is a financial strategy aimed at capitalizing on price differences of assets, securities, or financial instruments across various markets. The practice involves purchasing an asset at a lower price in one market and promptly selling it at a higher price in another market, exploiting temporary pricing discrepancies to secure risk-free profits.
Key features
- Price Discrepancies: Arbitrage hinges on the identification and utilization of differences in asset prices between markets, aiming to profit from these pricing inefficiencies.
- Simultaneous Buying and Selling: The strategy involves the swift and simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset or its derivatives in separate markets to secure gains.
Types of arbitrage
- Spatial Arbitrage: Capitalizing on pricing disparities of the same asset across different geographical markets or locations.
- Statistical Arbitrage: Using statistical models and analysis to pinpoint pricing inconsistencies among related financial instruments.
- Risk Arbitrage (Merger Arbitrage): Trading securities of companies involved in mergers or acquisitions to benefit from the difference between current market prices and expected acquisition prices.
Arbitrage strategies
- Efficiency and Market Corrections: Arbitrage activities contribute to market efficiency by quickly aligning prices across different markets and minimizing pricing differences.
- Temporary Opportunities: These opportunities are usually short-lived due to market efficiency, as price differentials tend to be swiftly corrected.
Importance in finance
Arbitrage strategies play a role in balancing asset prices and enhancing market efficiency. However, successful arbitrage requires swift execution, continuous monitoring, and accurate timing to capitalize on fleeting opportunities.
