What is Futures Trading & How to Trade Futures?

Futures are financial contracts that obligate the buyer to purchase an underlying asset, such as a commodity, currency, or stock index, at a predetermined price and date in the future. They are used as a tool for hedging against price fluctuations, speculating on market movements, and managing risk. Futures contracts are standardised and traded on regulated exchanges – known as the futures market – allowing for easy transfer of obligations between parties.

Futures investments are like a high-speed race in which traders try to predict the future movements of a commodity, stock, or index and make a profit. It is like driving a car at a high velocity where you need to have quick reflexes and make split-second decisions based on the road ahead. Just like a race, futures trading is not for the faint-hearted; it involves high risks and requires expertise and knowledge.

To elaborate on ‘what is futures trading’, it is a game of probabilities where traders analyse market trends, study economic indicators, and use technical analysis to make informed decisions about buying and selling futures contracts.

What is Futures Trading?

The goal of futures investments is to generate a profit by buying low and selling high or selling high and buying low. But the markets are volatile and can change rapidly, so traders need to be prepared for the unexpected and be able to adjust their strategies accordingly.

Therefore, futures trading is a fast-paced game that requires traders to have nerves of steel

and the ability to make quick decisions based on analysis and expertise. It’s a world full of risks, rewards, and uncertainties. Thus, constant adaptation and evolution are vital for

success.

Futures work by allowing investors to lock in a price for an asset that they expect to buy or sell in the future. The buyer of a futures contract agrees to purchase the underlying asset at a predetermined price (the ‘strike price’) on a specified future date, while the seller of the contract agrees to deliver the asset at the strike price.

How does Future Trading work?

It is imperative to know the working of the futures market along with what is futures trading. The futures market works by allowing traders to buy and sell contracts for the purchase or sale of a particular commodity or financial instrument at a predetermined price and date in the future. These contracts are traded on organized exchanges, such as the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).

• When a trader buys a futures contract, they are essentially buying the right to purchase a specific commodity or financial instrument at a certain price at a future date. Similarly, when a trader sells a futures contract, they are selling the right to sell a commodity or financial instrument at a certain price at a future date.

• The pricing of futures contracts is determined by supply and demand in the market. It can fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including weather conditions, geopolitical events, and changes in economic conditions. The price of the contract at the time of purchase is known as the initial margin.

• As the expiration date of the contract approaches, the price of the contract will change as the underlying asset's price changes. If the price of the underlying asset has gone up, the holder of the contract will make a profit, while if the price has gone down, the holder will incur a loss.

• Traders can choose to either take delivery of the underlying asset when the contract expires or close their position by taking an opposing position in the market before the expiration date.

Types of Futures Traders

There are two types of futures traders – hedgers and speculators. Let’s take a look at each type:

Hedgers

Hedgers are usually wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers or companies that use futures contracts to secure themselves against future price volatility. Hedging is suitable for investors who want to physically own or require the commodity. Therefore, hedgers are risk averse in nature and aim for protection against price risk. In hedging, there is negligible profit potential. The only upside is that the hedgers might reduce the risk associated with price fluctuations.

Speculators

A speculator is an experienced investors who does not actually seek to own the underlying asset. Rather, they enter the market seeking profits by offsetting rising and declining prices. This is achieved through buying and selling of contracts. Thus, speculators are risk-takers who want to maximise their profits by leveraging the volatility in prices. In addition, speculators are seasoned traders who are well versed with technical analysis and fundamental analysis. Speculation has immense profit potential but is also associated with an equally big potential losses.

Advantages of Futures Trading

• Hedging: Futures trading provides a mechanism for hedging against price volatility. Participants can use futures contracts to offset potential losses in the underlying asset.

• Price Discovery: Futures markets facilitate the process of price discovery by providing a platform for buyers and sellers to express their future price expectations.

• Leverage: Futures contracts typically require a smaller initial margin compared to the actual value of the underlying asset. This allows traders to control a larger position with a smaller investment, thereby magnifying potential returns. However, it is important to note that leverage also amplifies risks, and traders should exercise caution.

• Liquidity: Futures markets in India, such as the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), are highly liquid, with a large number of participants and high trading volumes. This ensures that traders can easily enter or exit positions without significant price impact.

• Speculation: Futures markets provide opportunities for traders to profit from short-term price movements without the need for physical ownership of the underlying asset.

• Flexibility: Futures contracts have standardised terms and expiry dates, making them easily tradable. Additionally, the availability of different contract sizes and maturities provides flexibility for participants to tailor their trading strategies according to their specific needs.

How to Start Futures Trading in India?

• Create a trading account – To start trading in futures and options the first step is to open a trading account with a registered broker.

• Log in to your account – Log in to the broker's trading portal or mobile app and explore the options available for futures and options trading.

• Do your research – It is essential to conduct thorough research before placing any trades. Familiarise yourself with the various contracts available in the market and determine which ones align with your objectives and risk tolerance.

• Check the Spot Price – The spot price represents the current market price of an asset, such as a currency or commodity. It serves as the immediate basis for buying or selling of the underlying asset.

• Place an order – Input the necessary order details and proceed to purchase the futures or options contracts at the specified strike price.

Futures trading FAQs

What are futures contracts?

Futures contracts is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price and date in the future.

How does futures trading work?

In futures trading, buyers and sellers enter into a contract called a futures contract. The contract specifies the quantity, quality, and delivery date of the underlying asset. The parties agree on a price, and the trade is executed through a regulated exchange.

What are the risks involved in futures trading?

Futures trading carries risks such as market volatility, leverage magnifying losses, counterparty risk, and the potential for unexpected events affecting the market.

How can I start futures trading in India?

To start futures trading in India, you need to open a trading account with a registered broker. You should complete the necessary documentation, provide required identification, and fulfil the account funding requirements. Once your account is set up, you can place orders for futures contracts through the broker's trading platform.

Can I trade futures on any asset?

Futures contracts are available on various assets, including commodities (such as gold, crude oil, and agricultural products), equity indices (like Nifty 50), currencies, and interest rates. However, the availability of specific futures contracts may vary depending on the exchange and broker.

What is the tax implication on futures trading?

Futures trading is subject to income tax, where profits are treated as business income and taxed at the applicable income tax slab rates. Expenses can be deducted, and losses can be set off against speculative gains. Transaction taxes like STT and CTT may also apply.

How do you place a futures buy/sell order?

With the help of your trading account, you can place an order by selecting the desired futures contract and its quantity. Once you choose the order type, you will have to enter the price. Lastly, set the validity of the contract and confirm the order.

Disclaimer: ICICI Securities Ltd. (I-Sec). Registered office of I-Sec is at ICICI Securities Ltd. - ICICI Venture House, Appasaheb Marathe Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 400 025, India, Tel No : 022 - 6807 7100. I-Sec is a Member of National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (Member Code :07730), BSE Ltd (Member Code :103) and Member of Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. (Member Code: 56250) and having SEBI registration no. INZ000183631. AMFI Regn. No.: ARN-0845. We are distributors for Mutual funds. Mutual Fund Investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. Name of the Compliance officer (broking): Ms. Mamta Shetty, Contact number: 022-40701022, E-mail address: complianceofficer@icicisecurities.com. Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. The contents herein above shall not be considered as an invitation or persuasion to trade or invest.  I-Sec and affiliates accept no liabilities for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of any actions taken in reliance thereon. The contents herein above are solely for informational purpose and may not be used or considered as an offer document or solicitation of offer to buy or sell or subscribe for securities or other financial instruments or any other product. Investors should consult their financial advisers whether the product is suitable for them before taking any decision. The contents herein mentioned are solely for informational and educational purpose.