No they are not.
Sure they are. I can buy (or sell) a derivative based on wheat, beef, oil, US Treasury rates, the S&P 500 and many more.
They are math formulas using other things like interest rates.
And wheat, beef, oil, etc.
BTW calling an interest rate a real thing is funny. Do me a favor find me a physical interest rate.
Interest rates aren't real? Are they imaginary? That's funny.
And no I do not trade in derivatives. I don't invest in things that can't be described in a simple single sentence.
I can find you plenty of derivatives that can be described in a sentence or two.
Many of those same guys are telling me derivatives are the way to go right now.
Really? What are they telling you to trade?
I agree with you, you definitely shouldn't trade derivatives.
Yeah I can buy Gold certificates OR I can buy Gold.
Why do I need a derivative on US treasury rates when I can just buy a US Treasury Bond?
Gold certificates aren't real gold, Treasury Bond derivatives aren't real Treasury Bonds they are vapor.
"Interest rates aren't real?"
OK give me the physical dimensions of one how much does it weigh how many inches long etc.
Derivatives are basically a way for the institutions in the financial sector to create wealth for themselves by creating a math formula instead of buying and selling an actual stock etc.