Credit default swaps are a type of financial derivative that provides protection against the risk of default on a loan or debt instrument. They are essentially insurance contracts between two parties, where one party pays a fee in exchange for the other party's promise to cover any losses in the event of a default.

Credit default swaps (CDS) are a type of financial derivative instrument that provides protection against the risk of default on a loan or other financial obligation. They are a form of insurance that can be used to hedge against the risk of default on a loan or other financial obligation.
A CDS is a contract between two parties, the buyer and the seller, in which the buyer pays a fee to the seller in exchange for protection against the risk of default on a loan or other financial obligation. The buyer pays a fee to the seller in exchange for the right to receive a payment if the loan or other financial obligation defaults. The seller agrees to pay the buyer the amount of the loan or other financial obligation if it defaults.
The buyer of a CDS is typically an investor who is looking to hedge against the risk of default on a loan or other financial obligation. The seller of a CDS is typically a financial institution that is willing to take on the risk of default in exchange for a fee.
The CDS market has grown significantly in recent years, and is now a major part of the global financial system. CDSs are used by investors to hedge against the risk of default on a loan or other financial obligation, and by financial institutions to manage their exposure to the risk of default.
CDSs can be used to protect against the risk of default on a loan or other financial obligation, but they can also be used to speculate on the likelihood of default. Speculators can buy CDSs to bet on the likelihood of default on a loan or other financial obligation.
CDSs are a complex financial instrument, and they can be risky if not used properly. Investors should understand the risks associated with CDSs before entering into a CDS contract.