At the end of the day I think they are all variations of the standard options. That’s what I got from your reply. The problem is most or all of what you mentioned don’t really trade in the real word(or at retail).How many do you want? There are nearly limitless possibilities when it comes to nonlinear payoffs.
Rainbow Options, Knock Ins/Outs, Cliquets, Spread Options....
IMO you can create any payoff construct you want with options by using multiple legs and/or using qty ratios.
You say "risk is capped". But this is true only with some options, not all!
You have to think also about the payoffs of short options.
Well, can I really construct any payoff I want? Take for example: I think it would still be impossible to construct a lookback option(fixed strike) using different ratios of calls/puts, No?IMO you can create any payoff construct you want with options by using multiple legs and/or using qty ratios.
You say "risk is capped". But this is true only with some options, not all!
You have to think also about the payoffs of short options.
There are 2 more tools in the arsenal to combine with Call and Put options: Stock (long/short), as well Cash that just sits there w/o changing its value; but serves an important purpose for some constructs.Well, can I really construct any payoff I want? Take for example: I think it would still be impossible to construct a lookback option(fixed strike) using different ratios of calls/puts, No?
That’s true I forgot about cash. Also yeah, exotics are very advanced topics.There are 2 more in the arsenal: stock (long/short), as well cash that just sits there w/o changing its value; but serves an important purpose for some constructs.
I must admit I don't have much experience with lookback options. I just know they already exist, but don't know how they are constructed. Maybe an option expert can answer your IMO very advanced option question.
Options are the only derivative instruments I know of that have an asymmetric payoff(risk is capped). Other derivatives and asset classes I know of typically have theoretical unlimited gain/loss potential(payoffs are typically a straight line).
Is there any other derivative or asset with a unique or non linear payoff?
Ok, but do you know of any structured note that embeds an exotic option(e.g like a lookback option) and is available at retail?Many Structured notes. They actually very much tangent retail in many jurisdictions.
Ok, but do you know of any structured note that embeds an exotic option(e.g like a lookback option) and is available at retail?