Investopedia

Continue to Site »

Long The Basis

Filed Under » ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Long The Basis'

An individual or company that owns or has purchased a commodity such as oil, gold or lumber and then hedges its position by selling futures contracts on the commodity owned. This gives commodity holders a guaranteed price that they can sell their commodities at if the market price moves against their underlying position.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Long The Basis'

By definition, a gold-mining company maintains a significant position in the precious metal. However, because the price of gold is susceptible to market pressures and may fluctuate wildly at times, the company may choose to hedge its position (through the sale of futures contracts) and thus lock in a guaranteed range of value. An individual or company that does this (owns the physical commodity and hedges their position) is said to be "long the basis".

Articles Of Interest

  1.

    A Beginner's Guide To Hedging

    Learn how investors use strategies to reduce the impact of negative events on investments.

  2. What is the difference between hedging and speculation?

    Hedging involves taking an offsetting position in a derivative in order to balance any gains and losses to the underlying asset. Hedging attempts to eliminate the volatility associated with the ...

  3. How are futures used to hedge a position?

    Futures contracts are one of the most common derivatives used to hedge risk. A futures contract is as an arrangement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a particular time in the future ...

  4. What is a basis point (BPS)?

    A basis point is a unit of measure used in finance to describe the percentage change in the value or rate of a financial instrument. One basis point is equivalent to 0.01% (1/100th of a percent) ...

  5. Uncovering Oil And Gas Futures

    Find out how to stay on top of data reports that could cause volatility in oil and gas markets.

  6. Trading Is Timing

    Learn how to make gains even if you don't get in at the right time.

  7. Leading Economic Indicators Predict Market Trends

    Leading indicators help investors to predict and react to where the market is headed.

  8. Exploring Non-Dollar Currencies For Forex Trading

    Learn how investments in foreign currencies can diversify your portfolio.

  9. Candlestick Charting: What Is It?

    Discover the components and basic patterns of this ancient technical analysis technique.

  10. Financial Solutions For Young Women

    Break through the stereotypes and find out how to manage your life to meet your needs.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Validation Period

    The amount of time necessary for the premium on an insurance policy to cover the commissions, the cost of investigation, medical exams and other expenses associated with the issuance of the policy.

  2. Winner's Curse

    Because of incomplete information, emotions or any other number of factors regarding the item being auctioned, bidders can have a difficult time determining the item's intrinsic value. As a result, the largest overestimation of an item's value ends up winning the auction.

  3. Glocalization

    A combination of the words "globalization" and "localization" used to describe a product or service that is developed and distributed globally, but is also fashioned to accommodate the user or consumer in a local market.

  4. Disaster Loss

    A special type of tax-deductible loss, similar to a casualty loss, where a loss has been incurred by taxpayers who reside in an area that has been designated as a federal disaster area by the President.

  5. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.

  6. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
Trading Center