Which of the following describes a derivative instrument?

A derivative instrument is defined by its nature of depending on the performance or value of another asset, known as the underlying asset. This underlying asset can be a financial security, an index, a commodity, or even a currency. The key characteristic of derivatives is that their value is derived from the fluctuations in the value of this other asset.

For example, options and futures contracts are common types of derivatives; their values rise and fall based on the price movement of the underlying asset, such as stocks or commodities. In contrast, options give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the underlying asset at a predetermined price before a specified date, and their value depends significantly on the performance of that asset.

While liquidity, government-issued securities, and investment vehicles may describe various financial instruments, they do not capture the fundamental nature of derivatives. Liquidity concerns how easily an asset can be bought or sold in the market; government-issued securities refer specifically to bonds or notes created by governments; and investment vehicles represent broader categories that can include stocks, mutual funds, and more. None of these adequately describe the defining characteristic of a derivative.