Who uses futures contracts?

Futures contracts are used by two categories of market participants: hedgers and speculators. Producers or purchasers of an underlying asset hedge or guarantee the price at which the commodity is sold or purchased. They use futures contracts to ensure that they have a buyer and a satisfactory price, hedging against any changes in the market.

Is a futures contract a derivative?

The asset transacted is usually a commodity or financial instrument. The predetermined price of the contract is known as the forward price. The specified time in the future when delivery and payment occur is known as the delivery date. Because it derives its value from the value of the underlying asset, a futures contract is a derivative .

What is the difference between futures and options?

Futures are also compared to options, as both contract types enable you to buy and sell an underlying asset for a specific price on a future date. However, unlike futures, options contracts, give the buyer the right to leave the contract to expire worthless – they are not obliged to fulfil the contract at expiry.

How do ICE Brent futures work?

A futures contract might also opt to settle against an index based on trade in a related spot market. ICE Brent futures use this method. Expiry (or Expiration in the U.S.) is the time and the day that a particular delivery month of a futures contract stops trading, as well as the final settlement price for that contract.