Stock Futures


stock futures

Source: istockphoto

Futures are financial contracts between two parties that constitute the purchase or sale of an asset at a set future date and price. Stock futures are a type of derivative instrument, where the agreed upon price is the futures price and the agreed upon date is the delivery date. The asset is specified to a standardized quantity and quality for the futures exchange.

The futures exchange is virtually an intermediary to ensure the contract’s fulfillment through the margin and marking to market. Ultimately, the cash exchanged is not necessarily the price set on the contract but rather asset’s current price as the difference will have already been reconciled through marking to market.

Gold Tumbles on Interest Rate Worries

Gold declined sharply on Monday as investors digested last week's remarks on U.S. interest rates by Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen.

Gold Rises on Bargain-Hunting, Ends Week 3% Lower

Gold snapped a four-session losing streak to post a modest gain on Friday, but ended the week with a loss of about 3%.

Gold Slides for Fourth Consecutive Session

Gold fell in Thursday trading after Federal Reserve Chairwoman surprised Wall Street by suggesting interest rate hikes could come next year.

Gold Sinks for Third Straight Session

Gold dropped for the third consecutive session on Wednesday ahead of the outcome of the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Markets Committee meeting.

Gold Falls on Weak Russia Sanctions

Relatively light U.S. and European sanctions on Russia over the Crimea secession vote boosted equities markets and sent gold lower on Monday.

Gold Gains Ahead of Critical Crimea Secession Vote

Gold moved higher on Friday as referendum that could lead to Crimea's secession from Ukraine is planned for this weekend, raising U.S.-Russian tensions.

Russian Military Exercises, Weak China Data Send Gold Higher

Gold moved slightly higher on Thursday as reports of new Russian troop movements near Ukraine and slowing Chinese growth worried investors.

Gold Closes At Highest Level Since September

Gold climbed sharply, closing at its highest price since September as tensions over the Russian occupation of Crimea intensified.

Gold Rises on China, Ukraine Worries

Gold gained for a second straight session on concerns over China's economy and the on-going crisis in Ukraine.

Gold Inches Up on Rising Ukraine Confrontation

Gold moved slightly higher in Monday trading as worsening tensions over Ukraine boosted the metal's safe haven appeal.

Gold Drops On Stronger February Jobs Report

Gold fell sharply in Friday trading after the Labor Department's February jobs report showed stronger-than-forecast U.S. hiring.

Gold Climbs Ahead of February Jobs Report

Gold posted a strong gain in Thursday trading as investors looked forward to Friday's release of the Labor Department's February jobs report.

Gold Inches Higher on Weak ADP Jobs Data

A report from payroll-processor ADP showing lower-than-expected private hiring in February pushed gold up slightly on Wednesday.

Gold Pulls Back on Easing Ukraine Tensions

Signs that Russia doesn't plan an immediate full scale invasion of Ukraine sent gold down in Tuesday trading as equities markets climbed.

Gold Surges as Ukraine Crisis Escalates

Gold posted a sharp gain in Monday trading as investors sought a safe haven amid rising international tensions over the Russian occupation of Crimea.

Gold Ends February Up Almost 7%

Gold dropped in Friday trading after two reports suggested stronger U.S. economic activity, but ended February with a 6.6% gain.

Gold Climbs on Ukraine Uncertainty

Rising tensions between Russia and the West over political events in Ukraine pushed gold modestly higher on Thursday.

Gold Sinks on Surge in New Home Sales

A report from the Commerce Department showing a sharp rise in new U.S. home sales in January sent gold down in Wednesday trading.

Gold Climbs as U.S. Consumer Confidence Weakens

Gold rose again on Tuesday as a leading measurement of consumer confidence showed a drop in February, compared to last month.