derivatívákat

Derivatívák, often translated as derivatives, are financial contracts whose value is derived from an underlying asset, group of assets, or benchmark. This underlying asset can be a stock, bond, commodity, currency, interest rate, or market index. Derivativák themselves are not assets but rather agreements between parties to buy or sell an asset at a future date at a predetermined price.

The primary purpose of derivativák is to manage risk, allowing investors and businesses to hedge against potential adverse price movements in the underlying asset. For example, a farmer might use a futures contract (a type of derivative) to lock in a selling price for their crop, protecting them from a potential drop in market prices. Conversely, derivativák can also be used for speculation, where traders bet on the future direction of asset prices.

Common types of derivativák include futures, forwards, options, and swaps. Futures and forwards are agreements to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on a future date. Options give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a certain price before or on a specific date. Swaps involve the exchange of cash flows between two parties, often based on different interest rates or currencies.

The trading of derivativák can occur on organized exchanges or in over-the-counter (OTC) markets. While derivativák offer valuable risk management and investment opportunities, their complexity and leverage can also amplify losses, making them subject to significant regulatory scrutiny.