Futuuripörssit

Futuuripörssit, also known as futures exchanges, are financial markets where traders buy and sell standardized contracts for the future delivery of an underlying asset. These assets can range from commodities like oil and gold to financial instruments such as stock indices and currencies. The key feature of a futures contract is that it specifies the price, quantity, and date of delivery. This allows parties to hedge against price fluctuations or speculate on future market movements.

Participants in a futures exchange include hedgers, who use futures to mitigate risk, and speculators, who aim to profit from price changes. The exchange itself acts as an intermediary, ensuring the smooth execution of trades and providing price transparency. Margin requirements are a common feature, meaning traders only need to deposit a fraction of the contract's value to open a position. This leverage can amplify both gains and losses. The prices of futures contracts are constantly updated based on supply and demand, investor sentiment, and news affecting the underlying asset. Major futures exchanges operate globally, facilitating international trade and investment.