What Is Basis Risk in a Hedging Strategy?

Basis risk is the risk that the price of the asset being hedged (the spot asset) and the price of the derivative used to hedge it (the futures or forward contract) will not move perfectly in tandem. The 'basis' is the difference between the two prices.

If the basis widens or narrows unexpectedly, the hedge will not perfectly offset the risk, leading to a loss on the combined position. This risk is inherent when the derivative does not exactly match the underlying exposure.

What Is “Basis Risk” in Derivatives Trading?
What Is the Concept of “Basis Risk” in Futures Contracts?
What Is the Concept of “Basis Risk” When Hedging Crypto with Futures?
What Is the Concept of Basis Risk in Hedging with Derivatives?
Explain the Concept of ‘Basis Risk’ in Financial Derivatives
What Is “Basis Risk” When Using Futures Contracts to Hedge Cryptocurrency Revenue?
Does Basis Risk Increase or Decrease with the Correlation between the Derivative and Its Underlying Asset?
What Is the Term ‘Basis Risk’ in the Context of Hedging?

Glossar