What is futures and option?

Answer 1

• First of all, we need to distinguish between Futures and Options. Both are derivative instruments but futures are futures, options are options, they are not the same thing. Futures contracts are contracts that investors go into that agrees to trade the underlying asset for a fixed price in the future. Options contracts are contracts that gives the buyer of the contract the right but not the obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset at a fixed price. Both are very different and have their own characteristics. I would suggest you read about the differences between futures and options.

• Three popular derivatives are forwards, futures and options. A futures contract is an agreement to purchase a certain amount of a commodity for a price on a certain date. Say...100,000 bushels of wheat on August 1 for $5 per bushel. The very similar forwards contract is an agreement to purchase a commodity for a price on a certain date. The difference is the forwards contract doesn't say how much of it you're getting...a very important thing when you can't be sure just how big your crop will be. If Farmer Brown sells a futures contract for 100,000 bushels of wheat and harvests 90,000 bushels, he's got to come up with 10,000 bushels right away. Similarly, if he sells 100k and harvests 110k, he's got to contend with the vagaries of the open market for the rest of the crop. But by entering into a forwards contract he can deliver what he grew and not have many worries. Selling stock futures is really risky because if you sell a big futures position in Acme and the price does something you don't like, you'll lose money. Stock options are much better because if you bought the contract and you'll lose money by exercising it, you just let it expire.
• F&O stand for futures and options and though clubbed together, they don't mean the same thing. Future refers to a standardized contract that requires the delivery of an underlying asset, which could be a commodity, bond, currency, or a stock index, for a specified price at a predetermined date in the future. Options, on the other hand, are contracts that give the holder the right to buy or sell the underlying assets for a specified price during a specified period of time. The element of obligation, which is present in futures trading, is not there in the case of options. F&O trading can be very profitable for investors provided they are cued in to the stock markets. If you're a newbie F&O investor, it makes sense to consult a professional broker to get you started.