Futures - Risk levels.
Risk management is essential for those holding assets that fluctuate in value, such as shares, gold, currency, and commodities.
Derivatives can help mitigate these risks, but many individuals use them speculatively, hoping to make significant profits. This approach has led to financial ruin for many, and the misuse of derivatives was a significant contributor to the 2008 global financial crisis.
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Unscrupulous advisory firms often lure unsuspecting investors into derivatives trading with false promises of high success rates. This not only increases market volatility but also leads to unexpected fluctuations and scams that can wipe out wealth.
While speculation is inherent in markets and cannot be eliminated, it is essential for market liquidity. However, derivatives should only be used with a legitimate purpose, such as hedging or arbitrage, rather than for speculative gain. When used properly, derivatives can protect portfolios from price fluctuations and provide substantial gains. However, using them to get rich quickly is risky and likely to result in significant losses. Only experienced professionals like arbitrageurs, spreaders, and hedgers should engage in derivative trading, while amateurs and speculators rely on luck.
Key points:
Derivatives are instruments for transferring risk, used for managing financial risk.
Only those with risky asset positions need risk management.
Derivatives can be used to hedge against price fluctuations, reducing risk and providing liquidity.
Speculation is inherent in markets and not necessarily harmful, but excessive speculation can lead to market volatility.
Misuse of derivatives can be dangerous, as seen in the 2008 financial crisis.
Advisory firms often lure investors with false promises, contributing to the problem.
Derivatives should only be used with a legitimate purpose, such as hedging or arbitrage, not for speculation or getting rich quickly.
Derivatives can be valuable tools for managing risk, but their misuse can lead to significant losses. It's essential to approach derivatives with caution and a clear understanding of their proper use.