Example: Buy Futures Contract

The manufacturer buys one corn futures contract (covering 5,000 bushels) at the current futures price of $5.00 per bushel .

A futures contract is a legally binding agreement to buy or sell a specific asset—such as a commodity, currency, or financial index—at a predetermined price on a set future date. When you "buy" a futures contract, you enter a , committing to purchase the underlying asset at the expiration date, regardless of the then-current market price. The Mechanics of Buying Futures buy futures contract example

Because you control a large asset with a small deposit, small price changes can lead to significant gains or losses that may exceed your initial investment. Buying Example: The Cereal Manufacturer (Hedging) The manufacturer buys one corn futures contract (covering

Buying a futures contract does not require paying the full value of the asset upfront. Instead, you post a , which is a small fraction (typically 3–12%) of the contract's total "notional" value. The Mechanics of Buying Futures Because you control

Profits and losses are calculated and settled in your account at the end of every trading day.

A speculator with no interest in owning actual oil believes prices will rise due to geopolitical tension. What Are Futures? How Futures Contracts Work

Every contract specifies the exact quantity and quality of the asset (e.g., one crude oil contract covers 1,000 barrels).