What is a futures contract?

Futures contracts are financial derivatives that oblige the buyer to purchase some underlying asset (or the seller to sell that asset) at a predetermined future price and date. A futures contract allows an investor to speculate on the direction of a security, commodity, or financial instrument, either long or short, using leverage.

Who is obligated to deliver a futures contract?

Buyers of futures contracts are obligated to take delivery of the underlying asset when the contract expires, and sellers are obligated to deliver. Some contracts require the delivery of a physical asset, while others are cash-settled. Futures track a wide range of commodities and financial assets.

Is a futures contract a derivative?

The asset transacted is usually a commodity or financial instrument. The predetermined price of the contract is known as the forward price. The specified time in the future when delivery and payment occur is known as the delivery date. Because it derives its value from the value of the underlying asset, a futures contract is a derivative .

What is the difference between a future and a forward contract?

While futures and forward contracts are both contracts to deliver an asset on a future date at a prearranged price, they are different in two main respects: Futures are exchange-traded, while forwards are traded over-the-counter. Thus futures are standardized and face an exchange, while forwards are customized and face a non-exchange counterparty.