framtíðarsamningum

Framtíðarsamningar are financial contracts that obligate the buyer to purchase an asset, or the seller to sell an asset, at a predetermined future date and at a specified price. These contracts are standardized and traded on exchanges, making them distinct from forward contracts which are private agreements. The primary purpose of these instruments is to hedge against price volatility or to speculate on future price movements.

The underlying assets for framtíðarsamningar can be diverse, including commodities like oil and grain, financial instruments such as stocks and bonds, and currencies. The standardization of these contracts ensures liquidity and transparency in the market. Margins are typically required for both buyers and sellers, acting as a performance bond to cover potential losses.

Framtíðarsamningar are settled daily through a process called marking-to-market. This means that profits and losses are calculated and transferred between accounts each day, based on the closing price of the contract. This mechanism helps to reduce counterparty risk. While they offer valuable risk management tools, framtíðarsamningar also carry significant risks, especially for speculators, due to the potential for leveraged losses. Understanding the terms, the underlying asset, and the market dynamics is crucial for anyone engaging in these complex financial instruments.