What are Derivatives and Their Purpose

The financial world is vast, and for many investors, terms like “derivatives” can sound like complex buzzwords reserved for Wall Street elites. However, derivatives are fundamental tools that, when understood, can help manage risk and uncover new opportunities in global markets. Whether you are looking to hedge your business exposure or speculate on future price movements, understanding derivatives is the first step toward a more sophisticated investment strategy.

At PhillipCapital DIFC, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge. In this guide, we break down what derivatives are, how they work, and why they serve a critical purpose in the global financial ecosystem.

What exactly is a "Derivative"?

At its core, a derivative is a financial contract between two or more parties. As the name suggests, it derives its value from an underlying asset, group of assets, or benchmark.

Think of it as a side agreement about the future price of something else. This “underlying” asset can be almost anything:

Stocks (like Apple or Reliance Industries)
Commodities (like Gold, Crude Oil, or Wheat)
Currencies (like USD/AED or EUR/USD)
Indices (like the S&P 500 or NIFTY 50)

The derivative itself has no intrinsic value; its worth is entirely dependent on the fluctuations of that underlying asset. If the price of gold goes up, the value of a gold derivative will change accordingly, depending on the type of contract you hold.

What are the main types of derivatives available?

While there are many complex variations, the most common derivatives accessible to investors fall into three main categories:

Futures Contracts: These are standardized agreements to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price at a specific time in the future. They are traded on exchanges like the DGCX (Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange).
- Example: You buy a crude oil future contract expecting the price to rise next month.
Options: These contracts give you the right, but not the obligation, to buy (Call Option) or sell (Put Option) an asset at a specific price. This is great for traders who want to limit their downside risk while keeping the upside open.
CFDs (Contracts for Difference): A popular choice for retail traders. Instead of buying the physical asset, you enter a contract with a broker to exchange the difference in the price of an asset from the point the contract is opened to when it is closed.

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What is the primary purpose of derivatives?

Derivatives generally serve three main purposes in the financial market: Hedging, Speculation, and Arbitrage.

Hedging (Risk Management)

This is the original purpose of derivatives. It acts like an insurance policy.

Scenario: Imagine you are a jewelry business owner in Dubai holding a large inventory of gold. You are worried the price of gold might drop next week, devaluing your stock. You can “hedge” this risk by selling gold futures contracts. If the market price drops, your inventory loses value, but your short position in the futures market makes a profit, balancing out the loss.

2. Speculation (Profit Generation)

Traders often use derivatives to bet on the future direction of prices. Because derivatives often allow for leverage (trading with borrowed funds), small price movements can result in significant profits (or losses).

Scenario: You believe the US Tech sector will rally. Instead of buying expensive shares of every tech company, you buy a Futures contract on the Nasdaq index, gaining exposure to the whole sector with a smaller upfront capital outlay.

Arbitrage (Market Efficiency)

This involves profiting from small price differences for the same asset in different markets.

Scenario: If a stock is trading at $100 in New York but the equivalent derivative is priced implying $102 in London, traders can buy the cheaper one and sell the expensive one, locking in a risk-free profit and correcting the price difference.

How does leverage work in derivatives trading?

Leverage is a double-edged sword that attracts many to derivatives. It allows you to control a large contract value with a relatively small amount of capital, known as “margin.”

For example, to buy $10,000 worth of physical stock, you typically need $10,000. However, with a derivative like a CFD, you might only need 5% or 10% of that value ($500 – $1,000) to open the position.

The Benefit: It amplifies your buying power and potential returns.
The Risk: It also amplifies your potential losses. If the market moves against you, you can lose more than your initial deposit.

Why trade derivatives with a regulated broker like PhillipCapital DIFC?

The derivatives market moves fast, and trust is paramount. Trading with a regulated entity ensures your interests are protected.

Regulation: PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited is regulated by the DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority). This guarantees we adhere to strict capital requirements and conduct of business rules.
Global Access: We provide a gateway to global markets, allowing you to trade Indian Derivatives (for NRIs), US Options, and local DGCX futures all from one platform.
Expertise: With decades of experience, we offer the educational support and “high-touch” service that automated apps often lack.

Derivatives are powerful instruments that grease the wheels of the global economy. They allow farmers to secure prices for their crops, airlines to lock in fuel costs, and individual investors to diversify their portfolios beyond simple “buy and hold” strategies. However, they require respect and knowledge.

Whether you are a hedger looking for stability or a speculator seeking growth, understanding the mechanics of these instruments is your key to navigating the markets effectively.

Disclaimer:

Trading foreign exchange and/or contracts for difference on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors as you could sustain losses in excess of deposits. The products are intended for retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. Before deciding to trade any products offered by PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited you should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. The content of the Website must not be construed as personal advice. For retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. Before deciding to trade any products offered by PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited you should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin.

Rolling Spot Contracts and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 78% of our retail client accounts lose money while trading with us. You should consider whether you understand how Rolling Spot Contracts and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.