What are futures markets?

Futures markets are also called futures exchanges. Traders use futures exchanges to hedge against price volatility and speculate on the future prices of stock indexes, currencies, commodities, interest rates and other assets. A futures contract is a contract to exchange a particular security at a specific price on a specific future date.

Why do investors look at Futures?

Some investors look at futures for clues about what direction a stock index might move in when the market opens on a particular day. Futures track stock prices around the clock, while stocks only trade and track prices during the hours of operation of the exchange they trade on.

What is the difference between futures and stocks?

Futures track stock prices around the clock, while stocks only trade and track prices during the hours of operation of the exchange they trade on. However, futures aren't always a reliable indicator of which way stocks will actually move. They represent more of a bet that a stock or index will move in a particular direction.

Where can I find a stock market futures quote?

Before it's here, it's on the Bloomberg Terminal. Get the latest data from stocks futures of major world indexes. Find updated quotes on top stock market index futures.