As I understand it, derivatives grew out of agricultural hedging - pork bellies, corn for delivery in 6 months, etc. Which was under the purview of the Agriculture committees. It's not totally senseless for it to be there.

http://www.rollcall....news/45481-1.html

A derivative is a financial product in which investors bet on the future price of commodities or other financial products. Derivatives are often used by companies who want to try to lock down lower prices for commodities, such as oil or agricultural goods.

In recent years, the derivatives market that bases its futures on financial products has ballooned. For example, investors can bet on future changes in interest rates or on the credit risks associated with loans or other financial instruments.


Yes, it probably should be rationalized and put with the rest of the Finance stuff now.

Cheers,
Scott.