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Again, here’s the standard definition: A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is linked to, or derived from, some other security, such as a stock or bond. For example, you could buy IBM stock; alternatively, you could buy a “call option” on IBM stock, which gives you the right to buy IBM stock at a certain time and price. A call option is a derivative because the value of the call option is “derived” from the value of the underlying IBM stock. If the price of IBM stock goes up, the value of the call option goes up, and vice versa. Most
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