Does it make sense to raise leverage if a trading strategy is low volatility?

Once again, leverage is a "two-edged sword".

 

That goes without saying. There are no free lunches

 

I should clarify... I'm not advocating using leverage to gamble...I'm suggesting using leverage to achieve the exposure you desire in less volatile contracts

 

Fine until one day a random news event causes the market to massively gap against you.

 

Seems some have forgotten the recent Swiss Franc revaluation...

 

I could also get hit by a bus crossing the street...That doesn't mean I shouldn't do it if the risks are understood

 

CL is not pegged to a currency hard out like EURCHF was. Shitty example. CL is not going to gap 1000 ticks without your stop taking you out (perhaps with huge slippage but you're still out).

 

I think you're emphasizing the wrong point.

On big leverage, a small move can do you big damage... whether you "understand/accept the risk" or not.

 

That is an obvious statement. Just as my statement that you have to take on risk to make money is.

Does anyone here trade futures or currency without the use of leverage?

 

Probably nearly all do... likely have no choice. That is, they don't have enough money to cover the face value of a contract.

"Must take on risk to make money".... well, yes. But you don't need to take on leveraged risk to make money.... unless of course you desire to make "big money, fast". Risk of wiping out goes with that.