What is a futures contract?

In finance, a futures contract (sometimes called futures) is a standardized legal contract to buy or sell something at a predetermined price for delivery at a specified time in the future, between parties not yet known to each other. The asset transacted is usually a commodity or financial instrument.

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 a future and a forward contract?

While futures and forward contracts are both contracts to deliver an asset on a future date at a prearranged price, they are different in two main respects: Futures are exchange-traded, while forwards are traded over-the-counter. Thus futures are standardized and face an exchange, while forwards are customized and face a non-exchange counterparty.

Why do oil producers use futures contracts?

They use futures contracts to ensure that they have a buyer and a satisfactory price, hedging against any changes in the market. An oil producer needs to sell its oil. They may use futures contracts to lock in a price they will sell at, and then deliver the oil to the buyer when the futures contract expires.