What are the different types of futures contracts?

There are several different types of futures contracts, including:

1. Commodity futures contracts: These contracts involve the delivery of a specific quantity and quality of a commodity, such as oil, gold, or wheat, at a predetermined future date.

2. Financial futures contracts: These contracts are based on financial instruments, such as currencies, interest rates, stock indices, or bonds. They allow investors to speculate on the future value of these assets or hedge against potential price fluctuations.

3. Equity futures contracts: These contracts are based on individual stocks or stock indices, such as the S&P 500 or Dow Jones Industrial Average. They allow investors to speculate on the future price movements of these stocks or indices.

4. Currency futures contracts: These contracts involve the exchange of one currency for another at a predetermined future date and price. They are commonly used by businesses and investors to hedge against currency exchange rate fluctuations.

5. Interest rate futures contracts: These contracts are based on the future interest rates of various financial instruments, such as government bonds or Treasury bills. They are used by investors to manage interest rate risk or speculate on future interest rate movements.

6. Index futures contracts: These contracts are based on a specific stock market index, such as the NASDAQ or FTSE 100. They allow investors to speculate on the future direction of the overall market or hedge against potential losses.

It is important to note that these are just a few examples of the different types of futures contracts available in the market. The specific types and characteristics of futures contracts can vary depending on the exchange and the underlying asset being traded.