Strategies for Effective Hedging

Expert-defined terms from the Certified Professional Course in Hedging Techniques in Energy Markets course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.

Strategies for Effective Hedging

Strategies for Effective Hedging #

1. Basis Risk #

- **Explanation:** Basis risk arises when the hedging instrument used does not p… #

This can lead to potential losses if the basis between the two changes unexpectedly.

2. Call Options #

- **Explanation:** A call option gives the holder the right, but not the obligat… #

Call options can be used in hedging to protect against price increases.

3. Collar Strategy #

- **Explanation:** A collar strategy involves simultaneously buying a protective… #

This strategy limits both potential losses and gains, providing a range within which the asset's price is expected to fluctuate.

4. Commodity Futures #

- **Explanation:** Commodity futures are standardized contracts that obligate th… #

They are commonly used in hedging to manage price risk.

5. Cross #

Hedging:

- **Explanation:** Cross-hedging involves using a financial instrument that is n… #

This strategy is used when a perfect hedge is not available or feasible.

6. Currency Exchange Risk #

- **Explanation:** Currency exchange risk refers to the potential for losses due… #

Hedging against currency exchange risk involves using financial instruments to protect against adverse movements in exchange rates.

7. Derivatives #

- **Explanation:** Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is derived… #

Common types of derivatives used in hedging include futures, options, and swaps.

8. Forward Contracts #

- **Explanation:** Forward contracts are agreements between two parties to buy o… #

These contracts are used for hedging to lock in prices and mitigate risk.

9. Hedging #

- **Explanation:** Hedging is a strategy used to reduce or eliminate the risk of… #

It involves taking offsetting positions in related instruments to protect against losses.

10. Interest Rate Risk #

- **Explanation:** Interest rate risk refers to the potential for losses due to… #

Hedging against interest rate risk involves using financial instruments to protect against fluctuations in interest rates.

11. Long Hedge #

- **Explanation:** A long hedge involves taking a position in a financial instru… #

This strategy is used by producers or buyers to lock in prices.

12. Options Strategies #

- **Explanation:** Options strategies involve using combinations of call and put… #

These strategies can be used in hedging to protect against price fluctuations.

13. Put Options #

- **Explanation:** A put option gives the holder the right, but not the obligati… #

Put options can be used in hedging to protect against price decreases.

14. Short Hedge #

- **Explanation:** A short hedge involves taking a position in a financial instr… #

This strategy is used by producers or sellers to lock in prices.

15. Spread Strategy #

- **Explanation:** A spread strategy involves taking offsetting positions in rel… #

This strategy can be used in hedging to mitigate risk and capture arbitrage opportunities.

16. Swaps #

- **Explanation:** Swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flo… #

Common types of swaps used in hedging include interest rate swaps and currency swaps.

17. Synthetic Hedge #

- **Explanation:** A synthetic hedge is a strategy that replicates the risk prof… #

This strategy is used when direct hedging is not possible or cost-effective.

18. Tail Risk #

- **Explanation:** Tail risk refers to the risk of extreme or rare events that c… #

Hedging against tail risk involves using strategies to protect against catastrophic losses.

19. Time Spread #

- **Explanation:** A time spread involves taking offsetting positions in futures… #

This strategy can be used in hedging to capitalize on differences in time value.

20. Volatility Risk #

- **Explanation:** Volatility risk refers to the potential for losses due to flu… #

Hedging against volatility risk involves using financial instruments to protect against unexpected price movements.

21. Zero #

Cost Collar:

- **Explanation:** A zero-cost collar is a collar strategy where the premium pai… #

This strategy allows for downside protection at no net cost.

May 2026 intake · open enrolment
from £90 GBP
Enrol