Explain the difference between forward contracts and futures contracts?
Forwards Contract:
A forward contract is the simplest of the Derivative products.
It is a mutual agreement between two parties, in which the buyer
agrees to buy a quantity of an asset at a specific price from the
seller at a future date. The Price of the contract does not change
before delivery. These type of contracts are binding, which means
both the buyer and seller must stay committed to the contract. This
means they are bound to deliver or take delivery of the product on
which the forward contract was agreed upon. Forwards contracts are
very useful in hedging
Futures Contract:
A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell an asset at a
certain time in the future at a specific price. The Contractual
terms of the futures contracts are very clear. The Futures market
was designed to solve the shortcomings in the forwards contracts.
Unlike forwards, futures are traded in organized exchanges. They
also use a clearing house that provides the necessary protection to
both the buyer and the seller. The price of the futures contract
can change prior to delivery. Hence, both participants must settle
daily price changes as per the contract values.
Difference:
Futures are traded in Organized Exchanges while Forwards are
Over-The-Counter (OTC) traded