The nature of derivatives a derivative is an instrument whose value depends on the values of other more basic underlying variables Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives, 5th edition C 2002 by John C. Hull
Consumption vs Investment Assets Investment assets are assets held by significant numbers of people purely for investment purposes (Examples: gold, silver) Consumption assets are assets held primarily for consumption(Examples: copper, oil)
Models to be Considered Constant elasticity of variance (CEV) Jump diffusion Stochastic volatility Implied volatility function (IVF) Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives