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What are Futures Contracts?

A futures contract might sound tricky, but it’s simple once you get it. Let’s take an example. Imagine you plan to fly to the US on 1st January.

That’s about two months away. You set aside a budget for the trip, including flights. You decide you’ll pay ₹40,000 for the ticket.

You believe the ticket price will rise later. So, you want to lock in ₹40,000 now. The airline agrees. You sign a contract to pay that amount. The airline thinks prices may fall, so they also want the deal.

 

Definition of a Futures Contract

A futures contract is an agreement between two people or businesses to buy or sell something at a predetermined price on a future date. The price is fixed today, even though the actual transaction happens later. 

These contracts can be based on goods, stock market, currencies, or market indices. Traders and businesses use them for two main reasons: to hedge against potential price changes and protect their costs, or to speculate and earn profits from price movements. By locking in prices in advance, futures contracts help manage financial risk while offering opportunities for gain.

Attributes of a Futures Contract

Attribute

Description

Underlying Asset

The item, currency, index, or commodity on which the contract is based.

Lot Size

The standard quantity of the asset traded in the contract.

Expiry Date

The day when the contract ends and must be settled.

Price

The agreed rate at which the asset will be traded later.

Margin

The money you must deposit to trade the contract.

Settlement

How the contract is completed — by actual delivery or cash.

Example of a Futures Contract

Suppose you own a coffee shop and expect coffee bean prices to rise in the coming months. To protect your business from higher costs, you agree today to buy beans at ₹200 per kilo, with delivery in three months. 

If, by then, prices increase to ₹250, you still pay only ₹200, saving money and ensuring stable expenses. However, if prices fall to ₹150, you lose the chance to buy beans at a lower rate. Entering such agreements helps manage the risk of fluctuating prices, giving you cost certainty, though it may limit potential savings.

Trading of Futures Contracts

You can trade futures contracts on specialized exchanges designed for such financial instruments. To start, you place an order through a registered broker who facilitates the transaction on your behalf. 

Once the order is executed, you are required to pay an initial margin, which acts as a security deposit. After this, you monitor and manage your position carefully until the contract reaches its expiry date or is settled. Understanding the process is key to trading futures effectively.

Conclusion

In a futures contract, two parties agree to trade an asset at a set price on a specific future date. One major advantage is that traders don’t need to pay the full price upfront, which makes it attractive to many investors. However, trading futures carries significant risks, as prices can fluctuate widely before the contract expires. 

Therefore, anyone interested in futures must have a clear understanding of how these contracts work, the mechanics of the futures market, and the potential gains and losses involved. Proper knowledge is essential for safe and effective trading.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Disclaimer :

The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

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