What is a Derivative?
November 18th, 2008
Derivative is a product whose value is derived from the value of one or more
basic variables, called underlying. The underlying asset can be equity, index,
foreign exchange (forex), commodity or any other asset.
Derivative products initially emerged as hedging devices against fluctuations
in commodity prices and commodity-linked derivatives remained the sole
form of such products for almost three hundred years. The financial
derivatives came into spotlight in post-1970 period due to growing instability
in the financial markets. However, since their emergence, these products
have become very popular and by 1990s, they accounted for about twothirds
of total transactions in derivative products.