At the Money Forward
At the money forward refers to the strike price that would make an option at the money if it were priced using the forward price of the underlying asset rather than the current spot price. The forward price accounts for the cost of carry, which includes factors like interest rates and potential dividends.
In crypto, where funding rates on perpetual swaps act as a proxy for the cost of carry, this concept is essential for accurate pricing. Traders use the at the money forward to better align their options with the actual market expectation for the expiration date.
It helps in identifying the true neutral point for an option strategy. This is particularly important for longer-dated options where the difference between spot and forward prices can be significant.