Definition of Futures
Futures contracts are financial agreements that obligate the parties involved to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified price on a future date specified in advance.
Futures markets
Futures are traded on organized markets, such as stock exchanges or commodity exchanges, where the standard terms of each contract are established, including the underlying asset, contract size, expiration date and settlement method.
Leverage
Futures trading allows investors to trade with relatively small initial capital compared to the total value of the contract, which means they can control a significant amount of assets with a minimal investment.
Hedging
Futures are commonly used as a hedging tool to protect against financial risks, such as market volatility or fluctuations in commodity prices.
Speculation
In addition to hedging, futures are also used by speculators who seek to profit by taking advantage of price fluctuations in the financial markets.
Settlement
Futures contracts can be settled in two ways: by physical delivery of the underlying asset on the maturity date or through cash settlement, where the difference between the purchase price and the sale price of the contract is exchanged.
Margin
Investors trading in the futures market must deposit an initial margin as collateral to cover possible losses. Margin is a portion of the total contract value and can vary depending on the underlying asset and market conditions.
Risks
Futures trading involves significant risks, including the possibility of substantial losses due to market volatility, leverage and unforeseen events that may affect the price of the underlying asset.
Research and Analysis
Before trading in the futures market, it is important to conduct thorough research and perform technical and fundamental analysis to make informed decisions about which assets to trade and when to enter or exit a position.
Risk Management
Proper risk management is critical in futures trading. This includes setting loss limits, diversifying the investment portfolio, and using stop-loss orders to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements.