Futures

Futures - An introduction

Level: Beginner / Length: 13 minutes

This module is all about futures trading, what futures contracts actually are, how they work in the marketplace and why you might want to start trading them. Though not a preferred instrument for risk-averse investors, the futures market is extremely liquid and is therefore highly attractive to the more enterprising trader.


You’ll see an example of a futures trade outlined simply in a video. What is the process involved?

With a series of videos you’ll learn about what the key phrases associated with futures mean and what to look out for.


The simple definition of a futures contract is that it’s an agreement between a buyer and a seller. It’s an agreement to buy or sell a specific asset – such as a commodity or a financial instrument - at an agreed price at a date in the future. futures are traded on exchanges all over the world. Most futures traders don’t engage to take delivery of the asset – bushels of corn for example – instead they speculate on price movements, similar to stock investments. In this course you’ll learn about:

  • The workings of a futures contract
  • Hedgers and speculators and their roles
  • The key terminology used in futures trading
  • How futures might work for your trading

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Shanghai Commercial Bank Tower
12 Queen’s Road Central
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Hong Kong S.A.R

Saxo Capital Markets HK is a company authorised and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. Saxo Capital Markets HK Limited holds a Type 1 Regulated Activity (Dealing in securities); Type 2 Regulated Activity (Dealing in Futures Contract); Type 3 Regulated Activity (Leveraged foreign exchange trading); Type 4 Regulated Activity (Advising on securities) and Type 9 Regulated Activity (Asset Management) licenses (CE No. AVD061). Registered address: 19th Floor, Shanghai Commercial Bank Tower, 12 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong

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