Delivery Instrument
Definition of 'Delivery Instrument'A document given to the holder of a futures contact that may be exchanged for the underlying asset when the future contract expires. In simple terms, a delivery instrument is a receipt. Because many futures contracts involve produce and other items of bulk, delivery instruments are generally preferred to the actual asset. |
|
Investopedia explains 'Delivery Instrument'In addition to the problems associated with shipping bulk items, delivery instruments can also save money for the parties involved. This is because many futures contacts are sold before they expire. Of course, if the seller also possessed the underlying assets, he or she would need to make arrangements to ship them to the new buyer, costing the shipper money that could have been saved had the assets not been physically held in the first place.Delivery instruments can include warehouse receipts, shipping certificates and vault receipts. These all are more transferable than physical commodities and provide investors with a more efficient method of settlement. |
Related Definitions
Articles Of Interest
-
Getting Started In Foreign Exchange Futures
Learn how these futures are used for hedging and speculating, and how they are different from traditional futures. -
Interpreting Volume For The Futures Market
Learn how to read the volume reports, look at the relation to liquidity and interpret volume using open interest. -
Options On Futures: A World Of Potential Profit
There's one simple hurdle in the transition from stock to futures options: learning about product specifications. -
Futures Fundamentals
For those who are new to futures but want a solid understanding of them, this tutorial explains what futures contracts are, how they work and why investors use them. -
Is The Gold Pain Over?
After falling more than 13%, gold has staged a rebound but is that for fundamental reasons or the work of value investors? Will gold reward investors who didn't give up or is there more pain ... -
Uncovering Oil And Gas Futures
Find out how to stay on top of data reports that could cause volatility in oil and gas markets. -
Trading Is Timing
Learn how to make gains even if you don't get in at the right time. -
Leading Economic Indicators Predict Market Trends
Leading indicators help investors to predict and react to where the market is headed. -
What Is Wrong With Gold?
Despite its historic and symbolic appeal, this metal is simply a commodity. Here we explore its meaning as an investment. -
Exploring Non-Dollar Currencies For Forex Trading
Learn how investments in foreign currencies can diversify your portfolio.
Free Annual Reports