A Futures Market is a financial marketplace where participants can buy and sell contracts for the delivery of assets at a future date. These contracts, known as futures contracts, specify the price and quantity of the asset, which can include commodities like oil or wheat, as well as financial instruments like currencies or stock indices. The primary purpose of this market is to hedge against price fluctuations or to speculate on future price movements.
In the Futures Market, traders can take long or short positions, depending on whether they expect prices to rise or fall. This market plays a crucial role in price discovery and risk management, allowing producers and consumers to lock in prices and reduce uncertainty. Major exchanges, such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), facilitate these transactions, providing a platform for buyers and sellers to interact.