What is a Derivative?
A derivative is a financial contract that derives its value from an underlying asset, such as a stock, commodity, currency, or index. Derivatives are used to manage risk or speculate on the future price movements of the underlying asset. They allow investors to hedge against the risk of adverse price movements or to take advantage of potential price gains.
The most common type of derivatives are futures and options. Futures are contracts that obligate the buyer to purchase an underlying asset at a predetermined price and date in the future. Options are contracts that give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price before a specified date.
Derivatives can also be created using a combination of underlying assets, such as swaps, which involve exchanging one set of cash flows for another.
Derivatives play an important role in the financial markets by allowing investors to manage risk and speculate on the future movements of asset prices. However, they can also be complex and risky, and it is important for investors to understand the underlying mechanics and potential risks of these instruments.
In summary, a derivative is a financial contract that derives its value from an underlying asset. Derivatives allow investors to manage risk or speculate on the future price movements of the underlying asset, and come in various forms, such as futures, options, and swaps. Derivatives play an important role in the financial markets, but can also be complex and risky, and it is important for investors to understand the underlying mechanics and potential risks of these instruments.
Simplified Example
A derivative in finance is like a bet you make with your friends about what will happen in the future. For example, you and your friends might bet on who will win a race, or what the weather will be like tomorrow.
In finance, a derivative is a financial instrument that derives its value from an underlying asset, such as a stock, commodity, or currency. Just like how your bet with your friends is based on what will happen in the future, a derivative's value is based on the future performance of an underlying asset. This allows people to make bets or take positions on future market movements without actually owning the underlying asset.
For example, you and your friends might bet on the price of a stock in the future, without actually buying the stock. The value of your bet will be determined by what happens to the stock in the future. This is similar to how a financial derivative works, except that it is done in a more sophisticated and regulated way
History of the Term Derivatives
The concept of derivatives can be traced back to ancient times when farmers utilized agreements to sell future harvests at predetermined prices, mitigating the risks associated with uncertain crop yields. However, the formalized use of derivatives in financial markets emerged in the early 17th century with the trading of options contracts in Amsterdam.
The modern derivative market took shape in the 20th century, gaining traction after the establishment of standardized futures contracts in commodities and later expanding to financial assets. The term "derivative" gained prominence during this period, encompassing a broad range of financial instruments whose values derive from an underlying asset, index, or reference rate. Over time, derivatives have evolved into complex financial tools, including options, futures, swaps, and forwards, serving various purposes from risk management to speculation, and becoming integral components of global financial markets.
Examples
Futures Contracts: Futures contracts are derivatives that allow traders to agree to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price and date in the future. Futures contracts are commonly used in commodities markets, such as for agricultural products, energy, and metals.
For example, a farmer might sell a futures contract for corn, agreeing to deliver a specific quantity of corn to the buyer at a predetermined price in the future. The buyer of the futures contract can use the contract as a hedge against price volatility in the corn market, locking in a price for the commodity and reducing the risk of price fluctuations.
Options Contracts: Options contracts are derivatives that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specified time frame. Options contracts are commonly used in stock markets.
For example, an investor might purchase a call option on a stock, giving them the right to buy the stock at a predetermined price within a specific time frame. If the stock price rises above the predetermined price, the investor can exercise the option and buy the stock at the lower price, realizing a profit. If the stock price does not rise above the predetermined price, the investor can choose not to exercise the option and simply let it expire.
Swaps: Swaps are derivatives that allow traders to exchange one set of cash flows for another. Swaps are commonly used in interest rate markets and currency markets.
For example, a company might enter into an interest rate swap, agreeing to exchange a fixed rate interest payment for a floating rate interest payment on a loan. The company is able to reduce the risk of interest rate fluctuations, as the floating rate interest payment will adjust to changes in market interest rates, while the fixed rate payment remains constant. Swaps can also be used for currency risk management, allowing traders to exchange the cash flows of one currency for another, reducing the risk of currency fluctuations.
Related terms
Derivatives Market: A derivatives market is a financial market where derivative instruments are traded.
Security: A security is a financial instrument that represents ownership in an asset, such as stocks, bonds, or real estate investment trusts (REITs).