What are Futures and Options

Futures and options are types of derivative contracts. This means their value is derived from an underlying asset such as stocks, indices, commodities, or currencies.

Futures

A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a specific future date. Both the buyer and seller are obligated to fulfil the contract.

For example, if you enter a futures contract to buy a stock at ₹1,000 next month, you must buy it at that price, regardless of whether the market price rises or falls.

Key points about futures:

• Both parties have an obligation
• High leverage is involved
• Gains and losses are unlimited
• Requires margin money

Options

Options give the buyer the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an asset at a fixed price before or on a certain date.

There are two types:

• Call option - Right to buy
• Put option - Right to sell

If the trade is unfavourable, the buyer can simply let the option expire. The maximum loss is limited to the premium paid.

Key points about options:

• Buyer has a right, not an obligation
• Limited risk for buyers
• Sellers carry a higher risk
• Premium must be paid upfront

Also Read - What is Trading Account

How To Trade in Futures and Options?

Understanding how to trade in futures and options starts with preparation and risk awareness. Here’s a practical step-by-step approach:

1. Open a trading & Demat account

• Choose a SEBI-registered broker for demat account that offers F&O trading. Ensure your account has F&O activation.

2. Learn the basics first

Before trading futures options, understand concepts like:

• Lot size
• Margin requirement
• Strike price
• Expiry date
• Premium pricing

3. Start with a strategy

Successful traders rarely trade randomly. Common strategies include:

• Hedging
• Spread strategies
• Covered calls
• Protective puts

4. Use risk management

Never risk a large portion of your capital in a single trade. Stop-loss orders are crucial in F&O.

5. Practice first

Paper trading or demo trading helps beginners understand market movement without financial risk.

Who should invest in futures and option trading?

Future and option trading is not for everyone. It is better suited for:

→ Hedgers

Hedgers are market participants who use futures and options in the share market to protect themselves from sudden price movements. Their main goal is not to make quick profits but to reduce uncertainty and protect the value of their investments.

By locking in a price today for a transaction that will happen in the future, they try to safeguard themselves against unfavourable price changes.

If the market moves against their position, this pre-agreed price can help limit losses. However, when prices move in their favor, a futures contract can also prevent them from enjoying extra gains.

This is where options contracts become useful, as they provide flexibility, allowing investors to exit if the market turns favourable.

→ Speculators

Speculators are traders who participate in the derivatives market with the objective of earning profits from price movements.

Instead of trying to reduce risk like hedgers, speculators actively take on risk by forecasting how prices might move based on market trends, economic conditions, and valuation analysis.

Their strategy revolves around anticipating future price directions and positioning themselves to benefit from those changes.

→ Arbitrageurs

Arbitrageurs are traders who seek to earn profits from price differences for the same asset across different markets or contracts. These price gaps often exist because markets are not always perfectly efficient.

In futures and options, prices are influenced by factors like the current market price, interest rates, storage or holding costs, and the expected future value of the asset, commonly referred to as the cost of carry.

When the derivative price and the actual market price don’t align properly, arbitrageurs step in to take advantage of the mismatch.

By buying in one market and selling in another where prices differ, arbitrageurs help correct these inefficiencies.

Their actions naturally push prices toward balance, as their trades influence demand and supply until the price gap narrows or disappears. In this way, arbitrageurs contribute to making markets more efficient and stable.

→ Retail and Institutional Investors - Using Market Opportunities

Both individual (retail) and large-scale (institutional) investors participate in futures and options trading, but their objectives often differ.

Institutional investors, such as mutual funds, hedge funds, and financial institutions, typically use derivatives to manage portfolio risk, balance exposures, and improve overall returns. Their trades are usually backed by research teams, structured strategies, and strict risk controls.

Retail investors, on the other hand, often enter the F&O segment for short-term profit opportunities or to hedge their existing investments.

While derivatives can offer attractive opportunities, they also come with leverage and price volatility. Because of this, retail participants need to approach futures and options carefully and ensure they follow proper risk management practices.

Difference Between Futures and Options

• Futures and options differ mainly in the level of commitment they place on the investor. A futures contract creates a binding obligation, meaning the buyer and seller must complete the transaction at the agreed price on the specified date. In contrast, an options contract gives the buyer the right, but not the duty, to execute the trade.
• In a futures agreement, the parties are required to buy or sell the underlying asset at a fixed price on the contract’s expiry date, regardless of the current market price. However, with an options contract, the buyer has flexibility. They can choose to go ahead with the transaction only if it is financially beneficial. If the market moves unfavourably, they can let the option expire and limit their loss to the premium paid.

Core Differences

Conclusion

Future and options trading can be rewarding but also highly risky. They are advanced financial instruments designed for traders who understand market behaviour, leverage, and risk management.

If you’re new, treat F&O as a learning journey rather than a quick-money opportunity. Start small, learn continuously, and never trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Smart traders focus on risk control first and profits second.

If you’re serious about giving it a shot, start small and build your confidence step by step. With the right guidance and a trusted partner, backed by 30+ years of experience, Choice provides complete brokerage and financial services, helping investors make informed decisions and grow their wealth with confidence.

FAQs

Is F&O trading safe for beginners?

F&O trading is generally not considered safe for beginners because of high volatility and leverage. Beginners should learn thoroughly and start with small exposure.

How much capital is required for trading futures options?

It depends on the contract and broker margin requirements. Typically, traders start with ₹ 25,000-₹ 1,00,000 or more, but beginners should avoid deploying large capital initially.

Which is better - Futures or options?

Neither is universally better. Futures suit traders comfortable with higher risk, while options offer limited risk for buyers. The choice depends on strategy and risk tolerance.

How risky is future and option trading?

F&O trading can be highly risky due to leverage and market volatility. Without proper knowledge and risk management, losses can accumulate quickly.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and not investment advice. Futures and options trading carries high risk. Please consult a financial advisor before investing. Past performance does not guarantee future results.