What is a futures contract?

A futures contract is specifically defined as an agreement to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price at a specified date in the future. This legally binding arrangement helps market participants hedge against price fluctuations or to speculate on the future price of an asset. The essence of a futures contract lies in its future delivery aspect, which distinguishes it from other types of agreements that might involve current market prices or other characteristics.

In contrast, agreements that involve current market prices do not have the same structured terms associated with delivery in the future. The option regarding a type of insurance policy does not fit the definition, as insurance focuses on risk management rather than asset exchange. Additionally, contracts that guarantee returns on investments pertain to different financial instruments and are not categorized as futures contracts, which focus more on the price of underlying assets at a future date rather than guaranteed returns. Understanding this framework helps grasp how futures contracts function within financial markets.