Difference Between Futures and Options
What is the difference between options and futures? Well, they may be seen as branches of an identical tree. Essentially, they may be referred to as operators. There are many orders concerning a variety of interest-goods (stock/gold/currency/bond). Each respective order refers to a common settlement. Both orders involve an expiry point, leverage, etc.
However, being unwary of key distinctions may result in a significant loss. This article aims to clarify any ambiguity by providing a comprehendible picture of the difference between futures and options with examples.
Definition of Futures
Futures is a common consensus regarding the interchange of interest-goods. The deadline and value is already marked by the involved individuals. It must be understood that this is speculated interchange of interest-goods. No items are owned. This exchange is authoritative and cannot be declined.
This example will help show a critical difference between options and futures. Supposedly, Person X will sell 10,000 bushels of corn in four months’ time for 710$/bushel. Unfortunately, a natural disaster results, and the value of corn rises to 800$/bushel. Due to the obligatory nature of the order, a total of 900,000$ discrepancy results.
Definition of Options
Options, just like the former order, this too is a common consensus. What is the difference between futures and options then? Well, as implied in the name, it is not obligatory in nature. This results in it possessing limited-risk. It comes in two flavors. Call/buy and put/sell. Considering our previous scenario. Person X puts a contract for 10,000 bushels of corn for 710$/bushel at four months’ time.
Unfortunately, a natural disaster results, and the value of corn drives up to 800$/bushel. However, since this is an options order, person X has no obligatory action to take not until a price-point of 710$/bushel is available. This limits the discrepancy experienced.
Futures vs Options Comparison Table
This will facilitate as well as better clarify the difference between futures and options.
| Basis of Comparison | Future | Options |
| Meaning | A common consensus regarding the interchange of interest-goods with predetermined conditions and obligatory in nature | A common consensus regarding the interchange of interest-goods which includes privileges and is not obligatory in nature |
| Buyer Obligation | Yes, under all circumstances | None; privileges exclude individuals of any bindings |
| Risk | Infinite; varies with circumstances | Limited; accordance to unified consensus |
| Advance | None required | Yes, as per common consensus |
| Profit/Loss | No limit | Limited; based on unified consensus |
Conclusion of the Main Difference Between Futures vs Options
These orders possess numerous applications, from predicting upcoming price-point, maximizing beneficial output in deals to monetarizing the interchange of interest-goods. The key idea here is to be completely aware of when and where is each order applied to obtain maximum benefit.
This isn’t an overnight process, and there is no single best order. An adept operator is well-versed with respect to the utilization of each as well as timing. Patience is priceless quality in this field. Hopefully, now, the difference between option and future is clarified.
