• Value is depends directly on, or is derived from, the value of another security or commodity, called the underlying asset
• Forward and Futures contracts are agreements between two parties - the buyer agrees to purchase an asset from the seller at a specific date at a price agreed to now
terms, and are not liquid • Subject to credit risk or default risk • No payments until expiration • Agreement may be illiquid
Futures Contracts
• Standardized terms • Central market (futures exchange) • More liquidity • Less liquidity risk - initial margin • Settlement price - daily “marking to market”
Questions to be answered:
• What distinguishes a derivative security such as a forward, futures, or option contract, from more fundamental securities, such as stocks and bonds?