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Futures Basics

Definition

A futures contract obliges BOTH sides to transact at a set price on a set date — leveraged exposure, symmetric risk.

Psychology

Futures move almost 1:1 with the underlying, and margin makes gains AND losses bigger. There's no premium — but no capped risk either.

Real-life analogy

💡 A futures contract is a pre-order with a deposit: both you and the shop are locked in, whatever the price does later.

Key takeaways

  • Both sides are obliged — unlike options.
  • Daily mark-to-market: losses hit your account every day.
  • Leverage cuts both ways; size small.

Memory tip

🧠 Futures = a see-saw with no seatbelt — balance (margin) is everything.

Quick quiz — did you understand?

1. Which best describes Futures Basics?

2. Memory tip for Futures Basics:

Educational and probability-based analysis only. This is not financial advice and not a prediction of real market outcomes.