What are futures?

What are 'Futures'. Futures are financial contracts obligating the buyer to purchase an asset or the seller to sell an asset, such as a physical commodity or a financial instrument, at a predetermined future date and price. Futures contracts detail the quality and quantity of the underlying asset; they are standardized to facilitate trading on...

Can you trade futures contracts for profit?

Trading Futures Contracts. Futures contracts can be traded purely for profit, as long as the trade is closed before expiration. Many futures contracts expire on the third Friday of the month, but contracts do vary so check the contract specifications of any and all contracts before trading them.

What is the difference between options and futures?

It's important to note the distinction between options and futures. Options contracts give the holder the right to buy or sell the underlying asset at expiration, while the holder of a futures contract is obligated to fulfill the terms of the contract.

What are the different types of futures contracts?

However, there are many types of futures contracts available for trading including: Commodity futures such as in crude oil, natural gas, corn, and wheat. Stock index futures such as the S&P 500 Index. Currency futures including those for the euro and the British pound. Precious metal futures for gold and silver.