From traditional asset trading to derivatives: how to amplify returns with derivatives

When you repeatedly perform simple buy and sell operations in the trading market—whether it’s stocks, cryptocurrencies, or commodities—many people will think of one question: is there a way to achieve higher returns with the same capital? The answer lies in the tool of derivados financieros.

Compared to traditional trading, derivatives can help traders achieve greater profit potential while keeping risks manageable. They can be used to diversify portfolios, lock in profits, hedge risks, and even profit during market downturns. Understanding the logic behind derivados financieros is the key to unlocking advanced trading worlds.

What are derivados financieros? The principle is simpler than you think

Derivados financieros are essentially financial contracts that track the price of an underlying asset, but you don’t need to actually own that asset. These tools depend entirely on broker participation—they use their own funds as collateral, allowing you to trade with leverage.

Compared to traditional investments, derivatives are more speculative. Traders choose derivatives mainly for three reasons:

• Lower fees (especially for CFD trading)
• Higher potential returns (particularly futures)
• More flexible risk management (advantages of options contracts)

The four main types of derivados financieros: choose the right tool for you

CFDs: The closest to traditional trading derivatives

CFD (Contract for Difference) looks like traditional buy and sell operations, but it’s actually a contract. This means you don’t actually hold the asset—you’re just trading the price difference with the broker.

Advantages of CFDs: low fees, quick execution, high liquidity

Practical example: You open a long position on Bitcoin at $30,000 and close at $35,000. You earn a $5,000 difference per coin. On most trading platforms, your buy and sell operations are conducted via CFDs.

Futures: Lock in future prices, bigger bets

Futures contracts require the buyer to purchase the asset at a specified price on a specified date. It’s a binding agreement—you must complete the transaction at the agreed time and price.

Futures are attractive because they offer better prices, but at the cost of higher risk. The further out the date, the cheaper the price, but the harder it is to predict.

Practical example: You agree to buy Microsoft stock at $300 per share in three months. If at expiration the price is $320, you earn $20 per share; if it drops to $250, you lose $50 per share.

Options: The right to choose, not obligation

Unlike futures, options give you a “choice” rather than an “obligation.” You pay a premium (called the “option premium”) to gain the right to buy or sell at a specific price on a certain date—but you can choose not to exercise.

Call options: Bet on asset price rising

• Agree to buy Apple stock at $180/share in three months
• If the price rises to $200, exercise the option and earn $20/share
• If the price falls to $150, abandon the trade, only losing the premium

Put options: Bet on asset price falling

• Agree to sell Santander stock at €3/share in three months
• If the price drops to €2.5, exercise and earn €0.5/share
• If it rises to €3.5, abandon the trade, only losing the premium

Swaps: The game of institutional investors

Swaps are agreements between two entities to exchange cash flows, mainly used to hedge interest rate risks. For retail traders, this tool is rarely used.

Applications of derivados financieros across different assets

Stock derivatives: Fundamental analysis is key

If you have in-depth knowledge of a company’s operations, stock futures and options make sense. Traders are usually active during:

• Dividend payout periods
• Before new product launches
• When industry demand is expected to grow

Popular targets: AMD, Microsoft, Apple, and other tech giants

Forex derivatives: Application from a macroeconomic perspective

Geopolitical and macroeconomic data greatly influence forex derivatives. Traders forecast currency appreciation or depreciation based on global economic conditions, betting via futures or options.

Popular currency pairs: EUR/GBP and other major pairs

Commodity derivatives: The game of supply and demand

Oil and natural gas futures are especially active because fluctuations in supply and demand cause sharp price swings. Correctly predicting these swings can bring huge profits, but risks are equally high.

Popular commodities: Gold, crude oil, natural gas

Cryptocurrency derivatives: Opportunities in emerging markets

Futures and options for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other crypto assets are becoming increasingly popular. Traders can go long on futures during bullish markets or hedge spot positions with options.

Popular coins: BTC, ETH, SHIB, etc.

Advantages and risks of derivados financieros: weigh your decisions

Advantages

✔ Potential returns far higher than traditional trading
✔ Options can hedge risks at lower costs
✔ Usually cheaper fees

Risks

✖ Higher volatility risk
✖ Steep learning curve, complexity far beyond traditional trading
✖ Leverage can amplify losses

Practical strategies: how to use derivados financieros to protect and amplify gains

Hedging strategies: using derivatives as “insurance”

If you hold an asset, you can buy inverse futures or options. For example, if you hold Bitcoin spot but worry about a short-term decline, you can sell Bitcoin futures or buy put options:

• If the price rises, you profit from the spot position
• If the price falls, you profit from the derivatives

Both sides are protected.

Portfolio strategies: linking multiple derivatives

Traders often use multiple options or futures positions simultaneously to create complex payoff structures. For example:

• Buy a call + sell a higher strike call = limited risk bullish position
• Buy a put + sell a lower strike put = limited risk bearish position

Trend trading strategies: leveraging derivatives to amplify returns

If you are confident about a long-term trend (e.g., BTC will break new highs in 6 months), you can buy long-term futures or options to magnify gains. Forward contracts are cheaper but require strong fundamental analysis.

Five trading tips: reduce risks, increase returns

1. Use derivatives for hedging, not just speculation
The safest way is to protect your existing positions with derivatives. If you hold an asset, use inverse futures or options for defense.

2. Prefer options over futures
Options have more controllable risk (limited to the premium), while futures theoretically have unlimited risk. For beginners, options are a better choice.

3. Focus on fundamentals, especially for long-term derivatives
The further out the derivative’s expiration, the less technical analysis matters and the more fundamental analysis counts. Deeply research market trends before buying long-term futures or options.

4. Always set stop-losses
Derivatives are highly volatile. No matter how confident you are, set stop-loss points. Many platforms offer real-time margin alerts and trailing stops.

5. Start small and learn
Don’t use all your funds to trade derivatives. Use small positions to learn, and only increase your investment once you truly master these tools.

Summary: choose the right path of derivados financieros for you

Derivados financieros are not for everyone, but for traders seeking higher returns, futures and options are powerful tools.

Futures are more aggressive, locking in better prices but with higher risks. Options are more conservative, with risks limited to the premium but offering lower potential gains.

Whichever you choose, the key is to combine derivatives trading with your spot trading. When markets fluctuate, profits from one side can offset losses from the other. Many successful traders achieve significant growth through this “derivatives + spot” combined strategy, controlling risks while maximizing returns.

Start small, gain experience gradually, and the world of derivatives will open new possibilities for you.