What does the options market imply that spot traders should know?
FX options prices encode what the market expects for volatility, direction and event risk — information spot traders can read without trading a single option.
Do you watch it?
- the options signals you follow (implied vol, risk reversals)
- how they sharpen your read of upcoming events
- the signal that proved right or wrong for you
The ATR guide covers the spot-side volatility view the options market complements.
Background: Average true range (ATR): measuring volatility and setting stops
ATR shows how far a pair typically moves in a period. Here is how true range is calculated, and how traders use ATR to place stops and size positions.
How is ATR calculated?
True range for each period is the largest of high minus low, high minus the previous close, and low minus the previous close, ignoring signs. ATR averages true range, typically over 14 periods with Wilder's smoothing.
What ATR multiple should I use for a stop-loss?
Many traders use 1.5 to 2 times ATR, but there is no correct number. Wider stops are hit less often and need a smaller position to keep the same amount of money at risk.
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