Define the Term “Underlying Asset” in a Derivatives Contract.

The underlying asset is the specific financial instrument, commodity, currency, or index on which a derivative contract's value is based. In the context of Bitcoin futures, the underlying asset is Bitcoin itself.

The price movements of the derivative are directly tied to the price movements of this underlying asset.

How Does the Regulatory Classification of a Derivative (E.g. Security Vs. Commodity) Affect Custody Requirements?
How Does the Cost of Carry for a Commodity Differ from That of a Cryptocurrency, and How Does This Impact Option Style?
What Specific Regulatory Framework Governs Commodity Derivatives in the US?
How Does the Volatility of the Underlying Asset Affect the Price of an Option Contract?
Why Is the Cost of Carry for a Financial Derivative like a Stock Index Futures Different from a Commodity?
How Does the Classification of Bitcoin as a ‘Commodity’ Affect Its Futures Regulation?
What Is the Difference between a Physical Commodity and a Commodity Derivative?
What Is the Difference between an Underlying Asset and a Reference Rate?

Glossar