Exchange-Traded Products

Definition ∞ Exchange-traded products are financial instruments that are listed and traded on stock exchanges, similar to traditional stocks. These products typically derive their value from an underlying asset, index, or strategy. They offer investors a convenient way to gain exposure to various asset classes without directly holding the underlying assets. Their structure facilitates liquidity and price discovery within regulated market environments.
Context ∞ The current context for exchange-traded products, particularly those linked to digital assets, involves significant institutional interest and ongoing regulatory review. Discussions often focus on the criteria for approval, the potential impact on market liquidity, and the diversification benefits they offer to traditional portfolios. A critical future development to watch for is the expansion of ETP offerings to a broader array of digital assets and the refinement of custodial arrangements for underlying holdings.