handelsinstrument

A handelsinstrument, or financial instrument, is a tradable asset of any kind. These instruments can be cash, or a contractual right to receive or deliver cash or another financial instrument. They are used by investors and traders to manage risk, speculate on market movements, or raise capital.

There are two main categories of financial instruments: debt instruments and equity instruments. Debt instruments represent a loan made by an investor to a borrower, such as bonds or notes. The borrower promises to repay the principal amount along with interest over a specified period. Equity instruments represent ownership in a company, such as stocks. Holders of equity instruments have a claim on the company's assets and earnings.

Further classifications exist, including derivatives, which are contracts whose value is derived from an underlying asset, and hybrid instruments, which combine features of both debt and equity. Examples of financial instruments are stocks, bonds, options, futures, currencies, and commodities. They are traded on organized exchanges or over-the-counter markets. The development and availability of various handelsinstrumente are crucial for the functioning of modern financial markets, enabling efficient capital allocation and risk management.