Futures contracts as a means of hedging market risks

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15649/2346030X.3185

Keywords:

futures contracts, hedging, market risks, derivatives markets, financial instruments

Abstract

This academic article examines derivative instruments, their role in financial markets, and the associated risks. Derivatives, such as options, forward contracts, and futures, have gained increasing popularity due to their potential for hedging, market efficiency, and investment opportunities. The article discusses the reasons behind the growth of derivative usage, including economies of scale and the interdependence between futures, spot, and options markets. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of derivatives in investment decisions, risk reduction, and speculation for companies and investors. The concept of derivatives is defined, highlighting their dependence on the value of underlying assets. The article further explores different types of risks, including systematic and unsystematic risks, and emphasizes the need for risk management strategies in derivatives trading. It also delves into futures contracts, explaining their historical development and the standardized elements they encompass. The roles of different market participants, such as hedgers, speculators, and arbitrageurs, are examined, along with the crucial function of clearing houses in facilitating derivatives transactions. The article concludes by discussing price calculation methods for futures contracts, considering factors such as storage costs, interest rates, and convenience yields. The research methodology involves a theoretical analysis of derivative instruments, their markets, and risks, supplemented by practical examples. Overall, this article provides valuable insights into the theoretical framework surrounding derivatives, enhancing our understanding of their significance in modern financial systems.

Author Biographies

Andrés Jerónimo Arenas-Falótico, Universidad Nebrija - Madrid, España

Doctor in Management, Master in Business Administration, Master in Education. Lawyer and Journalist. Senior Fellow in the Higher Education Academy (UK). Private Pilot, Certified Coach and Family Therapist, Ham Radio Licensed. Invited to United Nations as a speaker. Financial Comptroller and a degree in research methodology.

• Management of large platforms of information systems, development processes and implementation in large scale projects with a high level of interlocution. Manager of distribution, commercial and corporate processes. Extensive knowledge in project management.

• Postgraduate university professor (Senior Lecturer) with excellent teaching techniques and good quality content. I have developed a high level andragogic teaching system simple and easy for students. Certified by the Higher Education Academy as Senior Fellow for my high teaching standards using a Student Centre based approach.


• He was Director of Master's programs in Management, Electronic Government, Information Technology, Finance, and MBA, former member of the doctoral council of the UNEFA, head of studies and administrator of online courses under the Moddle platform both online and in-person. Registration and assignment of courses to teachers. Creation of my own courses and integral management of the tool. Evaluations, video conferences, blogs, etc.

• Community Manager, Expert with extensive experience in Social Networks since the 80s when they were handled via voice using ham radio equipment. Creator of a Social Network 2.0 concept on Twitter with specific strategies to position people or public and private institutions. Management and promotion of social networks Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Google +. Management of AdWords campaigns and Yahoo Bing Network. Trend monitoring, Big Data and audience analysis

• Nationally and internationally awarded. One of them the "Day of Andres Arenas" by the City of Miami in the United States. 

• Venezuelan, North American and Italian Citizen, Bilingual Spanish-English (high level)

Eliza Scudiero, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos - Madrid, España

Internacional Economic Relacion Analyst, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.

References

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Published

2023-09-01

How to Cite

[1]
A. J. Arenas-Falótico and E. Scudiero, “Futures contracts as a means of hedging market risks”, AiBi Revista de Investigación, Administración e Ingeniería, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 42–51, Sep. 2023.

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Research Articles

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