Futures Contract

/ˈfjuːtʃərz ˈkɒntrækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A standardized legal agreement to buy or sell a specified asset at a predetermined price at a specified time in the future on a futures exchange.
    The trader entered into a futures contract to purchase 1,000 barrels of oil in three months.

Forms

  • futures contracts

Commentary

Futures contracts differ from forward contracts by being standardized and exchange-traded, which reduces counterparty risk.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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Amicus Docs | Futures Contract Definition