What does hedging typically involve?

Hedging typically involves strategies designed to reduce the risk of price movements in an asset. The primary purpose of hedging is to protect against potential losses resulting from fluctuations in market prices. For instance, an investor might use financial instruments such as options, futures, or other derivatives to offset the risk associated with price changes in an underlying asset. By doing so, they can stabilize their investment returns and safeguard against adverse market movements. This is especially crucial in volatile markets where price swings can significantly impact profits or capital.

In contrast, other options do not accurately characterize the concept of hedging. Investing solely in real estate omits the broader range of financial instruments used in hedging strategies. Strategies that increase risk exposure are antithetical to the core of hedging, which aims to mitigate risk. Lastly, merely taking on additional investment opportunities does not encompass the risk management aspect that hedging is fundamentally designed to provide.