Derivative Instrument and Derivative Market Features

50 questions available

Derivative Markets: ETD vs. OTC5 min
The fundamental distinction in derivative markets lies between exchange-traded and over-the-counter environments. Exchange-Traded Derivatives (ETDs) operate within formal exchanges where contracts are standardized regarding size, expiration, and settlement. This standardization facilitates liquidity and price transparency. Crucially, a clearinghouse stands between buyers and sellers, guaranteeing trade performance. In contrast, Over-the-Counter (OTC) markets are decentralized and dealer-driven. Contracts are bilateral agreements that can be tailored to precise requirements (e.g., exact dates or quantities). While flexible, OTC markets historically lacked the transparency of exchanges and exposed participants to the risk that the counterparty might default. Regulatory responses to financial crises have introduced Central Counterparties (CCPs) to the OTC space to improve stability.

Key Points

  • ETDs are standardized, transparent, and backed by a clearinghouse.
  • OTC derivatives are customized, private, and traded via dealer networks.
  • OTC markets carry higher counterparty risk compared to ETDs, though CCPs are mitigating this.
  • ETD examples: Futures, Options. OTC examples: Forwards, Swaps, Options.
Derivative Underlyings and Uses5 min
Derivatives are categorized by the nature of their underlying assets. Equity derivatives utilize individual stocks or indices and are frequently employed for speculation or granting stock options as compensation. Fixed-income derivatives, based on bonds or interest rates, are essential for hedging interest rate volatility and adjusting the duration of bond portfolios. Currency derivatives allow multinational entities to hedge against exchange rate fluctuations. Commodity derivatives enable producers and consumers to lock in prices for hard (metals, energy) and soft (agricultural) goods. Credit derivatives, like Credit Default Swaps (CDS), function like insurance against borrower default. An emerging category of 'Other' derivatives addresses risks related to weather events, cryptocurrencies, and even demographic factors like longevity.

Key Points

  • Equities: Used for speculation, hedging, and compensation.
  • Fixed-Income: Manage interest rate risk and duration.
  • Currencies: Hedge FX risk or speculate on rates.
  • Credit: Manage default risk (e.g., CDS).
  • Commodities: Hedge price risk for raw materials.

Questions

Question 1

What is the primary definition of a derivative instrument?

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Question 2

Which of the following best describes Exchange-Traded Derivatives (ETD)?

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Question 3

Which feature is characteristic of Over-the-Counter (OTC) derivatives?

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Question 4

In the context of derivative markets, what does CCP stand for?

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Question 5

Which instrument is cited as an example of an Exchange-Traded Derivative?

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Question 6

Which instrument is typically an Over-the-Counter (OTC) derivative?

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Question 7

How does transparency generally compare between ETD and OTC markets?

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Question 8

What is the primary risk associated with OTC derivatives that ETDs largely mitigate?

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Question 9

Which derivative underlying is commonly used for managing portfolio duration?

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Question 10

Employee stock options are an example of a use case for which underlying asset?

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Question 11

What is the primary purpose of a Credit Default Swap (CDS)?

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Question 12

Which derivative underlying category includes 'soft' and 'hard' types?

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Question 13

What does liquidity generally look like in OTC markets compared to ETD markets?

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Question 14

Which entity is responsible for managing clearing and settlement in an ETD market?

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Question 15

What was a key regulatory response regarding OTC markets after the 2008 crisis?

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Question 16

Which of the following is considered an 'Other' type of derivative underlying?

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Question 17

In an OTC market, contracts are primarily:

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Question 18

Which participants are typical for the OTC derivative market?

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Question 19

Why might an investor use currency derivatives?

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Question 20

Which statement regarding settlement in OTC markets is correct?

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Question 21

What is a characteristic of Exchange-Traded Derivatives regarding customization?

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Question 22

What type of derivative underlying deals with 'Issuer default risk'?

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Question 23

Which organization type characterizes the OTC market?

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Question 24

Cryptocurrency derivatives fall under which underlying category?

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Question 25

Longevity risk is managed using derivatives in which underlying category?

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Question 26

Which derivative allows for 'hedging price risk' of raw materials?

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Question 27

Are options traded on exchanges or over-the-counter?

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Question 28

Swaps are primarily traded in which market?

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Question 29

Which of the following creates 'Counterparty Credit Risk'?

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Question 30

What is the nature of 'Regulatory Response' for ETDs?

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Question 31

Which market aims to 'Maintain OTC flexibility with CCP'?

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Question 32

What is the primary characteristic of liquidity in ETD markets?

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Question 33

If a company wants to hedge a very specific, non-standard amount of foreign currency for a specific date, which market would they likely use?

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Question 34

Who acts as the counterparty to every trade in an ETD market?

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Question 35

In the context of OTC derivatives, what does 'unregulated' imply in the text?

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Question 36

Which derivative underlying is used to change portfolio exposure to default risk?

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Question 37

Which of the following is a 'Soft' commodity?

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Question 38

Which market participant type is explicitly associated with ETD in the text?

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Question 39

Post-2008 crisis, what is the goal of regulatory response regarding transparency?

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Question 40

What is the key benefit of the Central Counterparty (CCP) regarding liquidity?

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Question 41

Which derivative type is mentioned as an example for BOTH Equities and Fixed-Income underlyings?

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Question 42

In the OTC market, what happens to 'Counterparty Risk' compared to ETD?

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Question 43

Which feature corresponds to 'Nature' in the ETD market?

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Question 44

What is the 'Purpose/Use' of Fixed-Income derivatives related to interest rates?

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Question 45

Which of the following derivatives is NOT typically exchange-traded?

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Question 46

Central Clearing aims to address which specific type of risk mentioned in the 'Regulatory Response' section?

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Question 47

Under which underlying category would a 'stock index' derivative fall?

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Question 48

What does 'Credit risk transferred to CCP' imply for an investor in the ETD market?

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Question 49

Which of the following is a potential use for Commodity derivatives?

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Question 50

In the comparison table, which market is described as having 'Full transaction information'?

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