key hedge issue in accounting for derivatives is determining whether a derivative
provides a "highly effective" hedge. If a company can demonstrate this, then the
changes in the value of the derivative can be matched with the underlying spot
position.' This more accurately captures the company's situation since hedging is intended
to reduce volatility associated with changing values for inventory, financial instruments,
and other business exposures. By reducing such risk exposures, management is free to
focus on the business at hand rather than being preoccupied with tangential risks.