Derivatives are contracts whose values are derived from other underlying assets such as stocks, commodities, currencies, indexes, bonds, or interest rates. Each type of derivative, whether futures, options or swaps serves a different purpose, and each investor buys or sells them for various reasons. Some of the reasons investors trade derivatives are to hedge themself against the volatility of the underlying asset, speculate on the directional movement of the underlying asset, or leverage their holdings. Derivatives are extremely risky, and one must be equipped with strong financial knowledge and strategies when trading them.