The optimal choice of hedging instruments in futures and option markets is analyzed for a risk averse exporting firm that maximizes expected utility. Assuming unbiased futures and options prices, optimal output and hedging decisions are derived. It is shown that futures will unequivocally be preferred to options. This preference for futures continues even if their price is adversely biased, provided the bias is not too strong. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A, All rights reserved.