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What is Futures Trading?

Futures trading refers to a contract where the trader agrees to buy or sell an asset at a price set for a future date such as stocks. For example, you buy a futures contract for 100 shares at ₹100 each with expiry date on January 1st. If the share price rises to ₹120 you can exercise the contract and sell at this price whereby you make a profit of ₹20 per share.

If the share price drops to ₹90 you incur this loss and it is deducted from your trading account. The distinguishing feature of futures is that you can speculate on price movements without actually owning the asset. Both the buyer and seller have to honour the contract, which makes futures a binding agreement.

Understanding Futures Trading in Stock Market

Futures attract various market participants — traders, investors, and companies — who use these contracts either for hedging risks or for speculation on price movements. For instance, a food processor might buy bean futures to lock in costs against possible price increases, while stock investors may use futures to manage volatility. Futures require only an initial margin, a fraction of the contract value, making them accessible but also introducing significant risk.

How Does Futures Trading Work?

The futures market enables investors, speculators, and businesses to trade contracts that fix the price of an asset at a future date, thereby reducing uncertainty and managing risk. Hedgers, like a food processor nervous about price rises, can lock in prices with futures. Traders in stock markets use futures on shares or indices to leverage positions with an upfront margin, making trading more accessible via apps.

How to Start Futures Trading?

  • Understand the Basics: Learn about margin, leverage, expiry dates, and contract size. Use a demo account initially to become comfortable with risks.
  • Choose a Broker: Select a reliable futures broker with transparent fees and good research support.
  • Develop a Strategy: Define your goals—whether to speculate, hedge, or trade spreads—and manage risks accordingly.
  • Start Trading: Begin with small positions, use stop-loss orders, and monitor trades closely, noting futures have specific trading hours.

What Is the Futures Market and Types of Futures?

The futures market is an exchange platform where standardized contracts to buy or sell assets at a future date are traded. Various types include:

  • Grains: Contracts on wheat, corn, soybeans for farmers and food manufacturers.
  • Currency: Contracts exchanging one currency for another, used by exporters and forex traders.
  • Livestock: Cattle and hogs contracts to lock costs for farmers and processors.
  • Financial: Based on indices, bonds, or interest rates, mainly for institutional hedging or speculation.
  • Metals: Gold, silver, copper, aluminum contracts for manufacturers and investors.
  • Fruits & Fiber: Coffee, cocoa, sugar, cotton contracts to hedge demand shifts.
  • Energy: Oil, natural gas, petrol contracts critical for businesses exposed to energy price volatility.

Advantages of Futures Trading

  • No risk of default due to clearing corporation's counter-guarantee.
  • Margin requirements reduce risk by ensuring parties maintain sufficient funds.
  • Ability to take large positions through margin instead of full contract value.

Disadvantages of Futures Trading

  • High complexity compared to regular stock trading requiring more knowledge.
  • Leverage can amplify both gains and losses significantly.
  • Daily mark-to-market settlements require sufficient capital, challenging for small investors.

Difference Between Options and Futures

FeatureFuturesOptions
Contract TypeBinding obligationRight, not obligation
Risk ExposureUnlimitedLimited to premium paid
PaymentMargin requiredPremium paid upfront
Suitable ForHedgers, institutionsRetail traders
SettlementMust settleMay expire worthless

Few Things to Keep in Mind While Trading Futures

  • Leverage: Trading requires only margin payment, but leverage magnifies both profits and losses.
  • Stop-Loss Orders: Set clear exit points to minimize losses.
  • Market Analysis: Build decisions on informed analysis rather than guesswork.

Conclusion

Futures trading is a potent tool for hedging risk and profiting from price movements across asset classes like stocks, metals, and energy. While it offers high return potential due to leverage, it also carries correspondingly high risk. Beginners should start cautiously, learning margin and leverage concepts, and always use risk controls like stop-loss orders. With discipline, futures trading can become a valuable component of investment strategy.

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Published Date : 10 Nov 2025

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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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