Also: hedging transaction. Countertrade or covering transaction designed to offset an existing or potential risk position by eliminating or diminishing the element of risk, in particular price, interest rate or exchange rate risks. Risk compensation is achieved by incurring a similar yet countercurrent risk to that entailed by the position to be hedged. Futures transactions are classic examples of hedging instruments. Securities portfolios can be hedged with financial derivatives. See also hedging, financial future, option.