Notional value shows the total value of a contract based on its underlying asset. It is mainly used in derivatives trading to measure exposure, not the actual money paid by the investor. It is common in futures, options, and swap contracts. It helps calculate margins and risk but does not reflect real profit or loss.
Market value is the current price of an asset in the open market. It tells how much the asset is worth today if it is bought or sold. This value changes daily due to demand and supply. It shows real gains or losses.
Market value is affected by demand and supply and indicates the true gains or losses realised, while the notional value indicates the risk of the contract. Both values help investors understand pricing, risk, and position size clearly.
What is Notional Value?
Notional value is the total value of a financial contract based on its underlying asset. It shows the contract size and exposure, not the actual money paid by the investor. It is commonly used in derivatives like futures, options, and swaps.
This value helps traders understand risk, margin needs, and position size clearly. It does not change daily like prices. It is mainly a reference number used for calculations and risk control, not for measuring real profit or loss.
Additional Read: What is Face Value in Share Markets?
Example of Notional Value
Suppose you buy a futures contract of 100 shares priced at ₹200 each. The notional value is ₹20,000, even though you only pay a margin amount.
This value shows your total market exposure. It helps exchanges calculate margins and manage risk, not the actual cash invested by the trader.
What is Market Value?
Market value is the current price of an asset in the open market. It shows how much the asset is worth if it is bought or sold today. This value changes daily based on demand, supply, news, and market conditions.
It reflects real-time investor interest and price movement. It is used to measure actual profit or loss. When prices rise or fall, market value updates immediately, showing the true worth of holdings.
Example of Market Value
The market value of a stock is determined by the trading price per share. When a stock price opens at ₹500, the market value of the stock is determined to be ₹500 as well.
When the stock price increases to ₹520, the market value increases immediately as well. This change in market value affects whether there has been a real gain or loss for an investor. The market value of a stock reflects the most recent trading price available on the stock market.
Differences Between Notional Value and Market Value
Factor
| Notional Value
| Market Value
|
Meaning
| Total value of a contract based on the underlying asset.
| Current price of an asset in the open market.
|
Purpose
| Used to measure exposure and calculate margins.
| Used to know the real worth of an asset today.
|
Where Used
| Mostly used in derivatives like futures and options.
| Used for shares, bonds, and all tradable assets.
|
Money Involved
| Does not show actual money invested or paid.
| Shows the actual price at which assets trade.
|
Price Changes
| Usually stays fixed for a contract.
| Changes daily based on demand and supply.
|
Profit or Loss
| Does not show real profit or loss.
| Directly reflects profit or loss.
|
Risk Use
| Helps assess risk and position size.
| Helps track value and performance of investments.
|
How To Measure The Notional Value and Market Value?
Examples of Notional Value and Market Value
Let us have a look at a couple of examples of both notional and market values:
The Value
| Examples
|
Market Value
| Suppose you invest in the S&P BSE Sensex Index futures contract. Now, a single contract has 250 units and a market value of ₹3000 each.
Here the market value of a single unit is ₹275.
|
Notional Value
| In the same example, the notional value of the index futures contract can be calculated as ₹3000 x 270 units = ₹8,25,000.
|
Additional Read: What is GIFT Nifty?
Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.
This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
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