What Are Financial Derivatives?
What is a derivative? A financial instrument based on another asset is known as a derivative. Stock options and commodities futures are two of the most common examples of derivatives, and you've definitely heard of them but aren't sure how they operate. Derivatives allow consumers the option — but not the duty — to acquire or sell an underlying asset at a later date. The underlying asset and the period until the contract expires determine the derivative's value. How Financial Derivatives Work Financial derivatives are financial products whose value is determined by one or more underlying financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, or interest rates. Investors engage in contracts with stated terms, such as the period of the contract and the consequent values and definitions of the underlying assets, to purchase and sell derivatives. Futures, options, swaps, and forwards are examples of financial derivatives. Futures and options are often traded on the...