What is a futures market?

Today, the majority of trading of futures markets occurs electronically, with examples including the CME and ICE. Unlike most stock markets, futures markets can trade 24 hours a day. In order to understand fully what a futures market is, it’s important to understand the basics of futures contracts, the assets traded in these markets.

How long does a futures contract last?

The duration of the contract may vary depending on the underlying asset. For example, commodity futures are traded within 3 months while interest rate futures are traded within 30 days only. The prices of stock futures and currency futures may differ from prices of their underlying assets and can be either higher or lower.

How are futures markets regulated?

In the U.S., futures markets are largely regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), with futures contracts standardized by exchanges. Today, the majority of trading of futures markets occurs electronically, with examples including the CME and ICE. Unlike most stock markets, futures markets can trade 24 hours a day.

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