Buying a futures contract does not require paying the full value of the asset upfront. Instead, you post a , which is a small fraction (typically 3–12%) of the contract's total "notional" value.
A futures contract is a legally binding agreement to buy or sell a specific asset—such as a commodity, currency, or financial index—at a predetermined price on a set future date. When you "buy" a futures contract, you enter a , committing to purchase the underlying asset at the expiration date, regardless of the then-current market price. The Mechanics of Buying Futures buy futures contract example
A speculator with no interest in owning actual oil believes prices will rise due to geopolitical tension. What Are Futures? How Futures Contracts Work Buying a futures contract does not require paying
By harvest, corn hits $6.00 in the open market. The manufacturer's contract allows them to buy at $5.00, effectively saving $5,000. When you "buy" a futures contract, you enter