Tools & Calculators
By Shishta Dutta | Updated at: May 15, 2025 05:17 PM IST
Heding techniques protect investments from sudden price movements in the volatile markets. Some common strategies under this umbrella include the protective put, collar, straddle, and strangle. The aim of these techniques is to help investors manage risks, maintain the value of their portfolio, and protect themselves from market shifts.
Mastering how to apply advanced portfolio hedging techniques can help investors shield their investments, while they stay open to profit-making opportunities. You can think of each technique as a protective layer. Whereas strategic planning helps balance risk and returns.
Let us now explore advanced portfolio hedging techniques and learn how to use these risk management tools effectively.
The protective put is a very common technique. Here, investors buy a put option on a stock they already own. For example – you hold a company’s shares but anticipate a decline. So, you purchase a put option, which sets a “floor” price. This “floor” price is where you can sell your shares. This helps ensure minimal losses and helps effectively manage risks.
With the collar strategy, you will be able to manage risk while limiting the stock’s upside and downside potential. When you buy a put option and sell a call option simultaneously on a stock, you are protected against losses in case of a price drop. On the other hand, you are agreeing to sell if the price increases beyond a certain point. Generally, investors use this strategy in a moderately fluctuating market. After all, a collar strategy helps protect and strategy position investments.
The straddle strategy is another popular technique. When one expects large market fluctuations but is unsure of the direction, the straddle strategy can help. Suppose you buy both a call and a put option with the same strike price on a stock and the same expiration date. Irrespective of the direction the stock moves, you can make a profit in the case of substantial movement. So, the straddle strategy is best for market periods where you expect volatility.
In the strangle strategy, potential price swings may help investors gain . Here, investors buy stock options at different strike prices. A call option is placed above the current strike price, and a put option is placed below the current strike price. With this technique, they benefit from significant positive and negative movements.
The strategy of ratio spread combines both buying and selling options for managing risk. In this approach, you sell several options at a single strike price while purchasing one option at another strike price which is nearer. So, you can profit from limited price movement.
Knowing how to use high-level portfolio hedging methods help keep control during unpredictable markets. These hedging tactics help manage a portfolio. They also safeguard assets and boost stability. You can also leverage derivative instruments protecting against potential losses.
Assess your investment goals, risk tolerance, and market outlook. This will help you choose the best hedging strategy. You can also consult a financial expert to understand which advanced hedging techniques are right for you.
You need to consider the portfolio size, asset types, and risk appetite to select an ideal hedging strategy. Evaluate market trends and volatility before you implement advanced hedging techniques.
No, there is no strict minimum. However, advanced hedging techniques might be more effective for larger portfolios. You should also use different hedging strategies for balance.