Futures & options are derivatives for buying or selling assets at predetermined prices. Futures require a transaction on a set date; options offer a flexible right to transact.
Futures are contracts requiring the buyer to purchase and the seller to sell an asset at a set future date and price, used for hedging or speculation on asset movements.
Options trading involves contracts granting the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price before a certain date.
Futures require execution by both parties at a predetermined date and price, whereas options give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to execute the trade.
Futures entail potentially unlimited risk as both parties must fulfill contract terms, whereas options limit risk to the premium paid, offering more controlled exposure.
Futures are less flexible, as terms are set at contract initiation, whereas options provide more flexibility, allowing the buyer to choose whether to execute based on market conditions.
Futures are used for hedging and speculating with full exposure to market movements, whereas options are primarily used for hedging and speculating with controlled risk.
Futures require a margin deposit to initiate a contract, whereas options require the payment of a premium upfront to acquire the right to trade.