Framtíðarverðsamningarnir

Framtíðarverðsamningarnir, often referred to as futures contracts, are legally binding agreements to buy or sell a specific asset at a predetermined price on a future date. These contracts are standardized and traded on organized exchanges, making them a popular tool for hedging against price fluctuations and for speculation.

The underlying assets in futures contracts can vary widely, including commodities like oil, gold, and agricultural products, as well as financial instruments such as currencies, stock indices, and interest rates. The standardization of futures contracts ensures that all parties involved understand the terms and conditions, facilitating smooth trading.

One primary use of futures contracts is hedging. For example, a farmer might sell futures contracts for their crops to lock in a selling price, protecting them from potential price drops before harvest. Conversely, a manufacturer that uses a particular commodity as a raw material might buy futures contracts to secure a future supply at a known cost.

Futures contracts are also widely used for speculation. Traders who believe the price of an asset will rise may buy futures contracts, while those who anticipate a price decline may sell them. The leverage inherent in futures trading means that even small price movements can result in significant profits or losses.

The settlement of futures contracts can occur in two ways: physical delivery of the underlying asset or cash settlement, where the difference in price is paid in cash. The maturity date of a futures contract is the last day on which trading can occur and the contract must be settled.