Options Hedging

Definition ∞ Options hedging involves using options contracts to offset potential losses in an investment portfolio. These derivative instruments provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified price. They are employed to manage risk exposure to price fluctuations.
Context ∞ The application of options hedging strategies in cryptocurrency markets is a subject of considerable analysis, particularly concerning Bitcoin and Ethereum derivatives. Discussions often revolve around the sophistication of available hedging tools, their effectiveness during periods of high market stress, and their accessibility to retail versus institutional investors. A critical future development to watch is the increasing institutional participation in crypto derivatives markets and the potential for more complex hedging products.