Commodity Derivatives

Definition ∞ Commodity derivatives are financial instruments whose value is derived from underlying physical goods such as oil, gold, or agricultural products. These instruments permit market participants to hedge against price fluctuations or to speculate on future price movements without owning the physical asset. Examples include futures contracts, options, and swaps tied to raw materials. Their pricing and performance are directly linked to the supply and demand dynamics of the associated commodities.
Context ∞ The crypto news cycle frequently discusses commodity derivatives in relation to digital assets like Bitcoin, which some regulators consider a commodity. A key debate involves classifying various digital tokens and applying existing commodity regulations to them. Market participants watch for regulatory clarity on how digital commodity derivatives will be structured and supervised, particularly regarding exchanges offering such products and their impact on market integrity and investor protection.