First of all, we need to distinguish between Futures and Options. Both are derivative instruments but futures are futures, options are options, they are not the same thing. Futures contracts are contracts that investors go into that agrees to trade the underlying asset for a fixed price in the future. Options contracts are contracts that gives the buyer of the contract the right but not the obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset at a fixed price. Both are very different and have their own characteristics. I would suggest you read about the differences between futures and options.Three popular derivatives are forwards, futures and options. A futures contract is an agreement to purchase a certain amount of a commodity for a price on a certain date. Say...100,000 bushels of wheat on A