The main fundamental difference
between options and futures lies in the obligations they put on their buyers
and sellers. An option gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation
to buy (or sell) a certain asset at a specific price at any time during the
life of the contract. A futures contract gives the buyer the obligation
to purchase a specific asset, and the seller to sell and deliver that asset at
a specific future date, unless the holder's position is closed prior to
expiration.
Another key difference between options and futures is the size of the underlying position. Generally, the underlying position is much larger for futures contracts, and the obligation to buy or sell this certain amount at a given price makes futures more risky for the inexperienced investor.
2. A future trading has open risk. The risk in option is limited.
3. The size of the underlying stock is usually huge in future trading. Option trading is of normal size.
4. Futures need no advance payment. Options have the advance payment system of premiums
Another key difference between options and futures is the size of the underlying position. Generally, the underlying position is much larger for futures contracts, and the obligation to buy or sell this certain amount at a given price makes futures more risky for the inexperienced investor.
The difference between futures and options as financial
instruments depict different profit pictures for parties. The gain in the
option trading can be obtained in certain different manners. On the contrary,
the gain in the future trading is automatically linked to the daily
fluctuations in the market. This is to say that the value of profit positions
for investors is dependent upon the market position at the close of the trading
every day. Therefore, every investor should have a prior knowledge of both
futures and options before they enter the financial market operations.
1. A future is a contract which is governed by a pre-determined
price for selling and buying at a future period. In options, there is the right
to sell or purchase of underlying assets without any obligation.2. A future trading has open risk. The risk in option is limited.
3. The size of the underlying stock is usually huge in future trading. Option trading is of normal size.
4. Futures need no advance payment. Options have the advance payment system of premiums