Futures

The base market contract for S&P 500 futures trading is the standard-sized contract. It is valued by increasing the value of the S&P 500 by $250. For example, if the S&P 500 is at 2,500, a futures contract’s market value is 2,500 x $250 (or $625,000). Is it possible to trade S&P 500 futures? S&P […]

An oil futures contract is a contract to buy or sell a specific quantity of barrels of oil at a specific price on a specific date. When buying futures, the buyer and seller execute a contract that is secured by a margin payment that covers a percentage of the contract’s entire value. What is the

Market bubbles are frequently blamed on speculators. They raise asset values until they burst, profit from negative bets on the way down, and then switch their bets when the market bottoms. Oil speculators are frequently blamed for the current price volatility. Oil speculators have continued to migrate in and out of the market in quest

The contract’s value is equal to $50 times the value of the S&P 500 index. Most traders are concerned with the minimal price fluctuation and tick value, as these are the factors that decide whether the contract will benefit or lose money. The E-mini is traded in 0.25 point increments, with each increment equating to

Stock index futures, such as the S&P 500 E-mini Futures (ES), reflect expectations for a stock index’s price at a later date, based on dividends and interest rates. Index futures are two-party agreements that are considered a zero-sum game because when one party wins, the other loses, and there is no net wealth transfer. While

Futures trading allows investors to speculate or hedge on the price movement of a securities, commodity, or financial instrument. Traders do this by purchasing a futures contract, which is a legally binding agreement to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price at a future date. Grain growers could sell their wheat for forward

Rolling futures contracts refer to extending a position’s expiration or maturity by closing the previous contract and starting a new longer-term contract for the same underlying asset at the current market price. Because futures contracts have defined expiration dates, a roll allows a trader to maintain the same risk position beyond the contract’s initial expiration.

Futures and options are similar trading instruments that allow investors to make money while also hedging their present investments. A buyer has the right, but not the responsibility, to buy (or sell) an asset at a defined price at any point throughout the contract’s duration. Unless the holder’s position is closed prior to expiration, a

Stock index futures, such as the S&P 500 E-mini Futures (ES), reflect expectations for a stock index’s price at a later date, based on dividends and interest rates. Index futures are two-party agreements that are considered a zero-sum game because when one party wins, the other loses, and there is no net wealth transfer. While

Each contract for crude oil ends on the third business day before the 25th calendar day of the month preceding the delivery month. Trading ceases on the third business day previous to the business day before the 25th calendar day if the 25th calendar day is a non-business day. When do futures contracts come to