Notional Value

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Notional Value'

The total value of a leveraged position's assets. This term is commonly used in the options, futures and currency markets because a very small amount of invested money can control a large position (and have a large consequence for the trader).
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Notional Value'

For example, one S&P 500 Index futures contract obligates the buyer to 250 units of the S&P 500 Index. If the index is trading at $1,000, then the single futures contract is similar to investing $250,000 (250 x $1,000). Therefore, $250,000 is the notional value underlying the futures contract.

Related Definitions

  • Derivative

    A security whose price is dependent upon or derived from one or more underlying assets. The derivative itself is merely a contract between two or more parties. Its value is determined by ...
    Read More »
  • Futures

    A financial contract obligating the buyer to purchase an asset (or the seller to sell an asset), such as a physical commodity or a financial instrument, at a predetermined future date ...
    Read More »
  • Notional Principal Amount

    In an interest rate swap, the predetermined dollar amount on which the exchanged interest payments are based.
    Read More »
    • Open Interest

      1. The total number of options and/or futures contracts that are not closed or delivered on a particular day.2. The number of buy market orders before the stock market opens.
      Read More »
    • Leverage

      1. The use of various financial instruments or borrowed capital, such as margin, to increase the potential return of an investment. 2. The amount of debt used to finance a firm's assets. ...
      Read More »
    • Short Hedge

      An investment strategy that is focused on mitigating a risk that has already been taken. The "short" portion of the term refers to the act of shorting a security, usually a derivatives ...
      Read More »

Articles Of Interest

Partner Links