Position Rolling
Position rolling is a trading strategy where an investor closes an existing position that is nearing maturity and simultaneously opens a new position in a similar instrument with a later expiration date. This allows the trader to maintain their exposure to the underlying asset without being forced to settle or close the trade at the current expiration.
Rolling is commonly used by long-term investors to avoid the impact of time decay or to extend a profitable trend. In derivatives markets, this is often done by selling the near-term contract and buying the next-term contract, a process known as a calendar spread.
The cost of rolling depends on the price difference between the two contracts, which is influenced by market expectations and interest rates. It is a tactical move that keeps a portfolio active over long periods.
Effectively, it resets the clock on the investment.