Intro to derivatives
Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their value from an underlying asset, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or currencies. They allow traders to hedge risks, speculate on market movements, and leverage positions with minimal capital. From options and futures to swaps and forwards, derivatives offer diverse strategies to maximize returns and navigate market volatility.
In short, thanks to derivatives, you can TRADE on other assets without actually OWNING them.
So, a derivative is a contract to buy or sell a REAL asset at some point in the future. Its value is the same as that of that real UNDERLYING asset – that’s the share or commodity we’re thinking of buying. If we bought a derivative based on the price of Microsoft shares on Monday, they’ll be worth the same as the share itself. Let’s say £100. And on Tuesday, even though the share value has risen by £20, the seller must still sell us the share at 100. We can then turn around and sell that share immediately for £120. That’s an easy profit.
Now, derivative contracts include futures, forwards and options. The LATEST to hit the market is the Contract for Difference. THAT one allows us to trade on an asset’s CHANGE IN VALUE, whether it goes up or down.
The CFD appeared in response to a market need. Companies wanting to take over one another without paying taxes, for example. But things are changing really fast, nowadays, and you can be sure that there’ll be new derivatives invented as new challenges rise.
Meanwhile, you can be sure that it’s exciting. Trading derivatives is just as exciting as trading in the assets themselves. Maybe more. Also – and here’s the most important point – you can invest in an asset LOSING value as well as gaining it. We can short the product. We’ll be talking about that later on.
Look, it’s no secret that the world is getting smaller. Things are changing all around us and nowadays, there aren’t that many secrets. That can be a pain, but it can also be amazing. It means opportunities opening up for everyone. No matter WHERE they’re from. Today, ANYONE can read the news or government announcements as soon as they come out. Traders can then speculate on currency values, gauge how much oil or wheat we’ll be needing, and even guess if there’s room for yet another streaming service.
You SHOULD be a part of that.