Financial Derivatives Fundamentals: A Practical Guide to Options, Futures, Forwards, and Basic Pricing Models

By James Preston and Hayden Van Der Post

Reactive Publishing

Unlock the essential building blocks of modern finance with Financial Derivatives Fundamentals.

This clear and practical guide delivers a solid foundation in the core derivative instruments that drive today's global markets: options, futures, and forwards. Written for students, early-career professionals, and self-directed investors, the book walks you through the mechanics, real-world applications, and basic pricing models of these powerful financial tools, without unnecessary complexity or heavy mathematics.

What You'll Learn: The fundamental differences between options, futures, and forwards - and when each is used in practiceHow derivatives are priced using foundational models (including intuitive explanations of the binomial model and Black-Scholes framework)Key concepts such as hedging, speculation, arbitrage, margin requirements, and contract specificationsPractical examples drawn from equities, commodities, and interest ratesRisk management principles and the role derivatives play in institutional portfolios

Whether you're preparing for finance exams, starting a career in trading or risk management, or simply want to understand the instruments behind the headlines, this book gives you the confidence to navigate derivatives with clarity and precision.

Perfect for:

Finance students and MBA candidatesJunior analysts and tradersIndividual investors seeking a deeper market edgeProfessionals transitioning into quantitative or risk roles

Clear. Practical. Focused on fundamentals.

Start mastering the language of derivatives today.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H4NTS2GD
• ISBN13: 9798180896629
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 378 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"