Definition

Noun: A futures market is a centralized, regulated financial exchange where participants can buy and sell futures contracts. These contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a specific asset (like commodities, currencies, or financial instruments) at a predetermined price on a specified future date.

Usage

The term "futures market" is used to refer to the entire marketplace or exchange system dedicated to this type of trading. * Investors use the futures market to hedge against price fluctuations in agricultural products. * Trading volume on the futures market was exceptionally high today. * He studies trends in the futures market to inform his investment strategy.

Advanced Usage

• "to be active in the futures market": to regularly participate in trading futures contracts.
  • Our firm is very active in the energy futures market.
• "futures market volatility": refers to the degree of variation in futures contract prices over time.
  • The report analyzed the causes of recent futures market volatility.

Variants and Related Words

• Futures Exchange (n): A synonym for a futures market; the specific organizational entity that operates the market (e.g., the Chicago Mercantile Exchange).
• Forward Market (n): A related but distinct market for over-the-counter (OTC) forward contracts, which are similar to futures but are not standardized or traded on an exchange.
• Futures Contract (n): The specific, standardized agreement that is traded on a futures market.

Synonyms

• Commodity Futures Exchange
• Futures Exchange

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Spot Market (n): A market for the immediate delivery of and payment for a commodity or asset, contrasted with the futures market for deferred delivery.
• Derivatives Market (n): A broader category of financial markets that includes futures markets, as well as markets for options, swaps, and other derivatives.

Noun

1. a commodity exchange where futures contracts are traded