What a futures contract is
A future is a standardised contract to buy or sell an underlying at a set price on a future date. Both sides are obligated to settle. Futures are used to hedge existing exposure or to take a leveraged directional view.
Margins & mark-to-market
You do not pay the full contract value — you post margin (SPAN + exposure). Each day, profits and losses are settled in cash against your account through mark-to-market (MTM). If losses erode your margin, you get a margin call to top up.
Expiry, rollover & basis
- Expiry — Indian index and stock futures expire monthly (indices also have the monthly cycle); positions are cash-settled or rolled.
- Rollover — closing a near-month contract and opening the next month to keep a position alive.
- Basis — the gap between the futures price and the spot price; it converges to zero as expiry nears.
- Cost of carry — why futures usually trade a little above spot: financing cost minus any dividend.
Contango describes futures above spot; backwardation describes futures below spot. In commodities these states carry real information about supply and storage.
Hedging vs speculation
The original purpose of futures is hedging — a portfolio holder can sell index futures to offset a fall, locking in a level. The same instrument used without an underlying exposure is speculation, which is where leverage becomes dangerous.
Key terms
Lot size
The fixed quantity in one contract; you trade in whole lots, not single shares.
SPAN margin
The exchange's risk-based margin covering likely one-day moves.
Open interest
The number of contracts currently outstanding — a gauge of participation.
Cash settlement
Settling the profit or loss in cash rather than delivering the underlying.
Test yourself
1. In a futures contract, the buyer and seller are…
Unlike options, futures obligate both sides.
2. Mark-to-market means…
MTM settles gains and losses against your account each day.
3. Leverage in futures means…
Leverage magnifies outcomes relative to the margin posted.
FAQs
No — you post margin (SPAN + exposure), a fraction of the value. That is exactly what creates leverage, and why losses can exceed your initial outlay if the market moves against you and you don't manage risk.
Rollover is closing an expiring near-month contract and opening the next month to keep a position going. It is a normal part of holding futures beyond one expiry, and carries transaction costs.
No. Their original purpose is hedging — for example, selling index futures to protect a portfolio. Used without an underlying exposure, they become leveraged speculation, which is far riskier.
No. PCJ provides execution, margin tools and data. It does not provide tips, targets or advice. Please read the derivatives risk disclosures in the footer before trading.
Educational content for general awareness only — not investment, trading or tax advice, and not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. PCJ Holdings does not provide research or advisory services. Examples and calculator outputs are hypothetical and illustrative. Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks; read all related documents carefully. Figures are indicative for FY 2025-26 and may change.