Buy Futures Contract Example May 2026

Every contract specifies the exact quantity and quality of the asset (e.g., one crude oil contract covers 1,000 barrels).

The manufacturer buys one corn futures contract (covering 5,000 bushels) at the current futures price of $5.00 per bushel .

A futures contract is a legally binding agreement to buy or sell a specific asset—such as a commodity, currency, or financial index—at a predetermined price on a set future date. When you "buy" a futures contract, you enter a , committing to purchase the underlying asset at the expiration date, regardless of the then-current market price. The Mechanics of Buying Futures buy futures contract example

Imagine a cereal manufacturer that needs 5,000 bushels of corn in three months. They fear corn prices will rise, which would hurt their profit margins.

Because you control a large asset with a small deposit, small price changes can lead to significant gains or losses that may exceed your initial investment. Buying Example: The Cereal Manufacturer (Hedging) Every contract specifies the exact quantity and quality

Profits and losses are calculated and settled in your account at the end of every trading day.

A speculator with no interest in owning actual oil believes prices will rise due to geopolitical tension. What Are Futures? How Futures Contracts Work When you "buy" a futures contract, you enter

Buying a futures contract does not require paying the full value of the asset upfront. Instead, you post a , which is a small fraction (typically 3–12%) of the contract's total "notional" value.