1. Derivatives valuation relies on the no-arbitrage rule which states that derivatives prices must equal the price of synthetic replicating portfolios to avoid arbitrage opportunities. 2. There are two approaches to hedging derivatives positions to eliminate risk: static hedging using a riskless portfolio and dynamic hedging which requires constant rebalancing. 3. Futures prices are determined by the cost-of-carry model which equals the spot price plus the net costs of storing/financing the underlying asset over time.