Asset Classes - Part 3 - For beginners
Today we prepared for you 3rd part of our paper on asset classes for beginners. Purpose of this paper is to concisely detail futures contracts, forwards, swaps and options.
Asset Classes - Part 1 and 2 - For beginners
Feel welcome to read part 1 and part 2 if you have not yet.
Derivative
Derivative is a type of financial asset which derives its value from an underlying asset or group of assets, or benchmark. Underlying assets for derivative contracts can be, for example, stocks, commodities, currencies, bonds, etc. Derivatives are traded on a stock market exchange or over-the-counter (OTC). They can be used as investment vehicles, speculative vehicles and even as hedge against the risk. Additionally, derivatives often allow for use of leverage. Most common derivatives are futures contracts, options, forwards and swaps.
Illustration 1.01
Illustration 1.01 shows the daily graph of gold in USD.
Futures contracts
Futures contract is a standardized derivative that is publicly traded on a stock market exchange. It binds two parties together which are obligated to exchange an asset at a predetermined future date and price (without regard to current value). Expiration date is used to differentiate between particular futures contracts. For example, there may be a corn futures contract with expiration in April and then another corn futures contract with expiration in May. On a day of expiry, also called delivery, the exchange of an asset between the two parties is enforced. Underlying assets for futures contracts can be stocks, commodities, indexes, etc.
Forwards
Forward contract is a derivative contract between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on a future date. Unlike futures contracts, forward contracts are not standardized. They are customizable and traded over-the-counter rather than at a stock market exchange.
Illustration 1.02
Illustration above depicts the daily graph of continuous futures for gold. It is clearly visible that the gold chart in USD and gold continuous futures chart are resemblant.
Swaps
Swap is another form of derivative contract that binds two parties to exchange cash flows. There are currency swaps and interest rate swaps. Currency swap is defined as the exchange of an amount in one currency for the same amount in another currency. Interest rate swaps are defined by exchange of interest rate payments.
Illustration 1.03
Picture above shows daily graph of S&P500 continuous futures.
Options
Option is a type of financial asset that gives a buyer the right to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price and date. Options differ from futures contracts in that they do not oblige parties to exchange an underlying asset. There are European-style options and American-style options. European-style options can be exercised only on a date of expiry while American-style options can be exercised at any time before this date. Options that give a buyer the right to buy an underlying asset are called call options. Contrary to that, the put options give a buyer the right to sell the underlying asset. Options are very complex as they involve option risk metrics, so called greeks.
DISCLAIMER: This content serves solely educational purposes.
Asset Classes - Part 1 and 2 - For beginners
Derivative
Derivative is a type of financial asset which derives its value from an underlying asset or group of assets, or benchmark. Underlying assets for derivative contracts can be, for example, stocks, commodities, currencies, bonds, etc. Derivatives are traded on a stock market exchange or over-the-counter (OTC). They can be used as investment vehicles, speculative vehicles and even as hedge against the risk. Additionally, derivatives often allow for use of leverage. Most common derivatives are futures contracts, options, forwards and swaps.
Illustration 1.01
Futures contracts
Futures contract is a standardized derivative that is publicly traded on a stock market exchange. It binds two parties together which are obligated to exchange an asset at a predetermined future date and price (without regard to current value). Expiration date is used to differentiate between particular futures contracts. For example, there may be a corn futures contract with expiration in April and then another corn futures contract with expiration in May. On a day of expiry, also called delivery, the exchange of an asset between the two parties is enforced. Underlying assets for futures contracts can be stocks, commodities, indexes, etc.
Forwards
Forward contract is a derivative contract between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on a future date. Unlike futures contracts, forward contracts are not standardized. They are customizable and traded over-the-counter rather than at a stock market exchange.
Illustration 1.02
Swaps
Swap is another form of derivative contract that binds two parties to exchange cash flows. There are currency swaps and interest rate swaps. Currency swap is defined as the exchange of an amount in one currency for the same amount in another currency. Interest rate swaps are defined by exchange of interest rate payments.
Illustration 1.03
Options
Option is a type of financial asset that gives a buyer the right to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price and date. Options differ from futures contracts in that they do not oblige parties to exchange an underlying asset. There are European-style options and American-style options. European-style options can be exercised only on a date of expiry while American-style options can be exercised at any time before this date. Options that give a buyer the right to buy an underlying asset are called call options. Contrary to that, the put options give a buyer the right to sell the underlying asset. Options are very complex as they involve option risk metrics, so called greeks.
DISCLAIMER: This content serves solely educational purposes.
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