What is the primary objective of hedging in investment strategies?

The primary objective of hedging in investment strategies is to offset potential losses from investments. Hedging involves taking a position in a related asset or investment that is expected to move in the opposite direction of the original investment. By using various financial instruments such as options, futures, or other derivatives, an investor can protect against adverse price movements.

For instance, if an investor holds a stock that they believe may decline in value, they might purchase put options for that stock to secure a selling price, thereby reducing the potential loss. This strategy aims to provide a safety net and reduce overall risk without necessarily aiming to maximize profits or enhance market performance.

The focus of hedging is more about risk management rather than increasing returns, which is why other options like maximizing profits by increasing exposure or improving overall market performance do not align with the primary objective of hedging. Similarly, while diversification is also a risk management strategy, it seeks to spread investments across different asset classes to reduce risk rather than directly offset potential losses from a specific investment.