Table:
|  | July 27, 2019 | July 28, 2018 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: |  |  |
| Foreign currency derivatives—cash flow hedges | $663 | $147 |
| Interest rate derivatives | 4,500 | 6,750 |
| Net investment hedging instruments | 309 | 250 |
| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: |  |  |
| Foreign currency derivatives | 2,708 | 2,298 |
| Total return swaps—deferred compensation | 574 | 566 |
| Total | $8,754 | $10,011 |
Paragraphs:
12. Derivative Instruments
(a) Summary of Derivative Instruments
We use derivative instruments primarily to manage exposures to foreign currency exchange rate, interest rate, and equity price risks. Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity prices. Our derivatives expose us to credit risk to the extent that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreement. We do, however, seek to mitigate such risks by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions. In addition, the potential risk of loss with any one counterparty resulting from this type of credit risk is monitored. Management does not expect material losses as a result of defaults by counterparties.
The notional amounts of our outstanding derivatives are summarized as follows (in millions):
Question:
How does the company mitigate credit risk associated with derivatives?
Answer: by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions. In addition, the potential risk of loss with any one counterparty resulting from this type of credit risk is monitored