
New to trading and have no idea what the difference between futures and options is? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we will break down the fundamentals of both futures and options, and explore the main differences between them.
What are Futures?
A futures contract is an enforceable legal contract to purchase or sell the underlying asset on a future date at a pre-agreed price. Futures contracts are standardized and exchanged on a regulated exchange.
Consider futures an obligation. You're under contract to buy or sell something on a future date at a definite price. If you purchase a futures contract, you're committing yourself to buy the underlying instrument at the promised price. When you sell a futures contract, you're under obligation to sell the underlying commodity at the specified price.
What are Options?
An options contract grants the buyer the right, but not the requirement, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified price (strike price) on or prior to a specified date (expiration date).
Think of options as an option. You're providing yourself an option to purchase or sell something at a certain price, yet you're granting yourself the freedom not to.
Key Differences between Futures and Options
1. Obligation: Futures contracts are binding contracts, whereas options contracts are not.
2. Risk: Futures contracts have unlimited risk, whereas options contracts have limited risk to the amount of premium paid.
3. Flexibility: Options contracts are more flexible than futures contracts.
4. Premium: Options contracts have paying a premium to the seller, whereas futures contracts do not.
When to Use Futures or Options?
Use futures if:
- You want to speculate in price movement
- You must hedge against possible losses
- You do not protest taking unlimited risk
Use options when:
- You wish to control risk and cap possible losses
- You require flexibility in your trading approach
- You are willing to pay a premium for the right to buy or sell
In brief, both options and futures are beneficial trading instruments, but they function differently. Futures contracts are binding and possess unlimited risk, whereas options contracts are not binding and have limited risk to the premium. By learning the main differences between futures and options, you will be able to make wise trading decisions and attain your financial objectives.
What do you know about futures and options? Share your experience in the comments below!
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