Home
Account Login
Not Logged In
☰
  • Trade Now
  • About Us
    • Why Choose Us
    • About Kotak Securities
    • About Kotak Group
    • Service
    • Media
    • Careers
    • Current Openings
  • Product
    • Asset Classes
      • Tax Free Bonds
      • Gold ETF
      • Stock Lending & Borrowing (SLBM)
    • Trading Tools
      • Kotak Stock Trader
      • Trade Smart Terminal
      • KEAT PRO X
      • Website
      • Call and Trade
    • Account Types
      • Demat Account
      • Private Client Group (PCG)
      • 2 in 1 Account
      • Trinity Account
      • NRI Account
      • Foreign Investors (QFI)
    • Value Added Features
      • Margin Intraday Square off (MIS)
      • Stock Basket (smallcase)
      • Margin Trading Facility
      • Super Multiple
      • BNST
      • Portfolio Tracker
      • Capital gain report
      • Use Stocks as Margin
      • Knowledge Bank
      • Refer and Earn
  • Pricing
  • Research
    • Live Research Calls
      • Fundamental Call
      • Technical Call
      • Derivatives Call
      • SIP Call
      • Top Monthly Picks
      • Pick of the Week
    • Kotak Research Centre
    • Latest Research Reports
      • Stock Recommendations
      • Research webinars
    • Sample Research Reports
  • Help
    • Contact Us
    • Get Your Account Statements
    • Open an account
    • Demos
    • Forms
  • More
    • Startup Engagement
    • Kotak University
    • Franchisee
Home » Research » Investment Knowledge Bank » What Are Futures Contracts
RESEARCH: Knowledge Bank
  • Kotak Research Center
  • Sample Research Reports
  • Meaningful Minutes
  • Stock Trader App
  • Demat Account

What are Futures Contracts?

A futures contract is an agreement between two parties – a buyer and a seller – wherein the former agrees to purchase from the latter, a fixed number of shares or an index at a specific time in the future for a pre-determined price. These details are agreed upon when the transaction takes place. As futures contracts are standardized in terms of expiry dates and contract sizes, they can be freely traded on exchanges. A buyer may not know the identity of the seller and vice versa. Further, every contract is guaranteed and honored by the stock exchange, or more precisely, the clearing house or the clearing corporation of the stock exchange, which is an agency designated to settle trades of investors on the stock exchanges.

Futures contracts are available on different kinds of assets – stocks, indices, commodities, currency pairs and so on. Here we will look at the two most common futures contracts – stock futures and index futures.

What are Futures Contracts By Kotak Securities®

What are stock futures:

Stock futures are derivative contracts that give you the power to buy or sell a set of stocks at a fixed price by a certain date. Once you buy the contract, you are obligated to uphold the terms of the agreement.
Here are some more characteristics of futures contracts:

  • Lot/Contract size: In the derivatives market, contracts cannot be traded for a single share. Instead, every stock futures contract consists of a fixed lot of the underlying share. The size of this lot is determined by the exchange on which it is traded on. It differs from stock to stock. For instance, a Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) futures contract has a lot of 250 RIL shares, i.e., when you buy one futures contract of RIL, you are actually futures trading 250 shares of RIL. Similarly, the lot size for Infosys is 125 shares.*

  • Expiry: All three maturities are traded simultaneously on the exchange and expire on the last Thursday of their respective contract months. If the last Thursday of the month is a holiday, they expire on the previous business day. In this system, as near-month contracts expire, the middle-month (2 month) contracts become near-month (1 month) contracts and the far-month (3 month) contracts become middle-month contracts.

  • Duration: Contract is an agreement for a transaction in the future. How far in the future is decided by the contract duration. Futures contracts are available in durations of 1 month, 2 months and 3 months. These are called near month, middle month and far month, respectively. Once the contracts expire, another contract is introduced for each of the three durations
    The month in which it expires is called the contract month. New contracts are issued on the day after expiry.

  • Example: If you want to purchase a single July futures contract of ABC Ltd., you would have to do so at the price at which the July futures contracts are currently available in the derivatives market. Let's say that ABC Ltd July futures trading are at Rs 1,000 per share. This means, you are agreeing to buy/sell at a fixed price of Rs 1,000 per share on the last Thursday in July. However, it is not necessary that the price of the stock in the cash market on Thursday has to be Rs 1,000. It could be Rs 992 or Rs 1,005 or anything else, depending on the prevailing market conditions. This difference in prices can be taken advantage of to make profits.

What are Stock Fututres & Index Futures By Kotak Securities®

What are index futures:

A stock index is used to measure changes in the prices of a group stocks over a period of time. It is constructed by selecting stocks of similar companies in terms of an industry or size. Some indices represent a certain segment or the overall market, thus helping track price movements. For instance, the BSE Sensex is comprised of 30 liquid and fundamentally strong companies. Since these stocks are market leaders, any change in the fundamentals of the economy or industries will be reflected in this index through movements in the prices of these stocks on the BSE. Similarly, there are other popular indices like the CNX Nifty 50, S&P 500, etc, which represent price movements on different exchanges or in different segments.

Futures contracts are also available on these indices. This helps traders make money on the performance of the index.
Here are some features of index futures:

  • Contract size: Just like stock futures, these contracts are also dealt in lots. But how is that possible when the index is simply a non-physical number. No, you do not purchase futures of the stocks belonging to the index. Instead, stock indices points – the value of the index – are converted into rupees.

    For example, suppose the CNX Nifty value was 6500 points. The exchange stipulates that each point is equivalent to Rs 1 , then you have to pay 100 times the index value – Rs 6,50,000 i.e. 1x6500x100. This also means each contract has a lot size of 100.

  • Expiry: Since indices are abstract market concepts, the transaction cannot be settled by actually buying or selling the underlying asset. Physical settlement is only possible in case of stock futures. Hence, an open position in index futures can be settled by conducting an opposing transaction on or before the day of expiry.

  • Duration: As in the case of stock futures, index futures too have three contract series open for futures trading at any point in time – the near-month (1 month), middle-month (2 months) and far-month (3 months) index futures contracts.

  • Illustration of an index futures contract: If the index stands at 3550 points in the cash market today and you decide to purchase one Nifty 50 July future, you would have to purchase it at the price prevailing in the futures market.

    This price of one July futures contract could be anywhere above, below or at Rs 3.55 lakh (i.e., 3550*100), depending on the prevailing market conditions. Investors and traders try to profit from the opportunity arising from this difference in prices

What are the advantages and risks of futures contracts:

The existence and the utility of a futures market benefits a lot of market participants:

  • It allows hedgers to shift risks to speculators.
  • It gives traders an efficient idea of what the futures price of a stock or value of an index is likely to be.
  • Based on the current future price, it helps in determining the future demand and supply of the shares.
  • Since it is based on margin trading, it allows small speculators to participate and trade in the futures market by paying a small margin instead of the entire value of physical holdings.

However, you must be aware of the risks involved too. The main risk stems from the temptation to speculate excessively due to a high leverage factor, which could amplify losses in the same way as it multiplies profits. Further, as derivative products are slightly more complicated than stocks or tracking an index, lack of knowledge among market participants could lead to losses.

Advantages of Futures Contracts By Kotak Securities®

What are index futures:

Now that we have read and understood the basics of futures contracts, let us move on to how they are priced. Click here

Previous Chapter Next Chapter
Trading Demos
  • Mobile Trading with Kotak Stock Trader View Demo
  • Desktop Trading with KEAT ProX View Demo
2014731144017362903433
Register for our Newsletter Meaningful Minutes
Why Capital gains report?
  • Snapshot of profit/loss
  • Reflects performance of your portfolio
  • Helps compute taxes
Reach Us

Stock Market Sectors :        A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | V | W |

About Us

  • • Branch Locator
  • • About Kotak Securities
  • • Awards and Accolades
  • • About Kotak Group
  • • Technology
  • • Strong Research
  • • Customer Support Chat
  • • Brokerage Charges

Asset Classes

  • • Equity Trading
  • • Derivative Trading
  • • Mutual Fund Investment
  • • IPO
  • • Gold Funds
  • • Currency Derivatives
  • • Fixed Deposits & Tax Free Bonds
  • • Debentures

Derivatives Market

  • • Most Active Contracts
  • • Gainers
  • • Losers
  • • Top Volume Traded
  • • Top Value Traded
  • • Most Active Put
  • • Most Active Call
  • • Open Interest
  • • Highest in Premium
  • • Put Call Ratio

Investment Knowledge Bank

  • • Share Market Basics
  • • What is Demat Account
  • • What are Derivatives?
  • • What are Futures?
  • • What are Options?
  • • What are Mutual Funds?
  • • Basics of Financial Planning
  • • Calculators
  • • Videos
  • • Meaningful Minutes

Trading Tools & Research Reports

  • • KEAT PRO X
  • • Kotak Stock Trader APP
  • • Fastlane
  • • Xtralite
  • • Dealer assisted trading
  • • Call and Trade
  • • Investors Research
  • • Trader Research
  • • Mutual Fund Research
  • • Fundamental Analysis Reports
  • • Technical Analysis Reports
  • • Derivative Reports
  • • Currency Derivative Reports

Account Types & Value Added Services

  • • Demat Account
  • • 2 in 1 Account
  • • Trinity Account (3-in-1 Account)
  • • Linked Account
  • • NRI Account
  • • PMS
  • • Margin Trading
  • • BNST
  • • TradeSmart Store
  • • SMS Alerts
  • • AMO

Equity Market

  • • Share Market Live
  • • Gainer
  • • Loser
  • • Most Active Stocks
  • • Volume Buzzer
  • • 52Wk High
  • • 52Wk Low
  • • All Market News
  • • Bullion News
  • • Economy General
  • • Corporate Actions
  • • Other News
CUSTOMER CARE Chat with us
77389 88888WhatsApp Chat
(Add city STD code while calling from Mobile)

TIME:
Customer Service:- Mon to Fri – 9.00 AM TO 6.00 PM
Call and Trade:- Mon to Fri – 8.30 AM TO 5.30 PM

For Call & Trade, dial 080 4725 3255
Write to us at service.securities@kotak.com for Trading Account-related queries and ks.demat@kotak.com for Demat Account-related queries

Connect with us

No need to issue cheques by investors while subscribing to IPO. Just write the bank account number and sign in the application form to authorise your bank to make payment in case of allotment. No worries for refund as the money remains in investor's account.

KYC is one time exercise while dealing in securities markets - once KYC is done through a SEBI registered intermediary (broker, DP, Mutual Fund etc.), you need not undergo the same process again when you approach another intermediary. Attention Investors Prevent Unauthorized Transactions in your demat / trading account --> Update your Mobile Number/ email Id with your stock broker / Depository Participant. Receive information of your transactions directly from Exchanges on your mobile / email at the end of day and alerts on your registered mobile for all debits and other important transactions in your demat account directly from NSDL/ CDSL on the same day." - Issued in the interest of investors. Circular No.: NSDL/POLICY/2014/0094, NSE/INSP/27436, BSE - 20140901-21

Kindly note that as per NSE circulars nos: NSE/INVG/36333 dated November 17, 2017, NSE/INVG/37765 dated May 15.2018 and BSE circular nos: 20171117-18 dated November 17, 2017, 20180515-39 dated May 15.2018, trading in securities in which unsolicited messages are being circulated is restricted. The list of such stocks are available on the website of NSE & BSE. In case of any queries, request you to kindly get in touch with Customer Service on 18002099191/9292

Kotak securities Ltd. having composite licence no.CA0268 is a Corporate Agent of Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited and Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited. We have taken reasonable measures to protect security and confidentiality of the Customer information.

The Stock Exchange, Mumbai is not in any manner answerable, responsible or liable to any person or persons for any acts of omission or commission, errors, mistakes and/or violation, actual or perceived, by us or our partners, agents, associates etc., of any of the Rules, Regulations, Bye-laws of the Stock Exchange, Mumbai, SEBI Act or any other laws in force from time to time.
The Stock Exchange, Mumbai is not answerable, responsible or liable for any information on this Website or for any services rendered by our employees, our servants, and us.

Please do not share your online trading password with anyone as this could weaken the security of your account and lead to unauthorized trades or losses. This cautionary note is as per Exchange circular dated 15th May, 2020.

Note: NSDL and CDSL have mapped Unique Client Codes (UCC) to demat accounts based on PAN, refer NSDL and CDSL circulars. Format for linking/delinking the UCC: NSDL: link | CDSL: link.

Clients are required to keep all their account related information up-to-date including details like email id, mobile number, address, bank details, demat details, income details etc. which will help the client to timely receive any information and to avail the various facilities relating to the Trading and Demat account. To update the details, client may get in touch with our designated customer service desk or approach the branch for assistance.

Investor Awareness regarding the revised guidelines on margin collection:-
Attention Investors :

1. Stock Brokers can accept securities as margin from clients only by way of pledge in the depository system w.e.f. September 1, 2020.
2. Update your mobile number & email Id with your stock broker/depository participant and receive OTP directly from depository on your email id and/or mobile number to create pledge.
3. Pay 20% upfront margin of the transaction value to trade in cash market segment.
4. Investors may please refer to the Exchange's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) issued vide circular reference NSE/INSP/45191 dated July 31, 2020, notice no. 20200731-7 dated July 31, 2020 and NSE/INSP/45534 dated August 31, 2020, notice no. 20200831-45 dated August 31, 2020 and other guidelines issued from time to time in this regard.
5. Check your Securities /MF/ Bonds in the consolidated account statement issued by NSDL/CDSL every month.
.......... Issued in the interest of Investors

Clients are hereby cautioned not to rely on unsolicited stock tips / investment advice circulated through bulk SMS, websites and social media platforms. Kindly exercise appropriate due diligence before dealing in the securities market.

Requirement of obtaining consent through OTP has been waived for off market transfer reason code “Implementation of Government / Regulatory Direction / Orders” Consent through OTP would continue to be required for all other reasons for any off-market transfers. Refer NSDL circular.

Covid-19 impact to clients:-
1. Applicable to clients on whose email id contract notes and other statements get bounced or who have opted for Physical contract notes/ other statements or Digital and Physical contract notes/ other statements :Due to the nationwide lockdown, we are unable send physical contract notes and other statements. To view them, log into www.kotaksecurities.com
2. Kindly update your email id with us to receive contract notes/various statements electronically to avoid any further inconvenience.
3. We are unable to issue the running account settlement payouts through cheque due to the lockdown. We request you to update your Bank account details to facilitate direct transfer to your linked bank account. You may approach our designated customer service desk or your branch to know the Bank details updation procedure.
4. Exchange advisory: Investors are advised to exercise caution while taking investment decisions in these unpredictable times. Clients are also encouraged to keep track of the underlying physical as well as international commodity markets. Clients are advised to undertake transactions after understanding the nature of the contractual relationship into which they are entering and the extent of its exposure to risk. Clients are further advised to follow sound risk management practices and not to be carried away by unfounded rumors, tips etc.

Filling complaints on SCORES- Easy & Quick
a. Register on SCORES portal  |  b. Mandatory details for filling complaints on SCORES  i. Name, PAN, Address, Mobile Number, E-mail ID  |  c. Benefits:  i. Effective Communication  ii. Speedy redressal of the grievances

Charges for Other Services  |  Disclaimer  |  Sitemap  |  Privacy & Security  |  256 Bit Encryption  |  BSE  |  NSE  |  MSE  |  MCX  |  SEBI  |  SCORES  |  Anti Money Laundering Measures  |  Important Policies  |  Dos & Donts  |  National Pension System  |  List of GST Registration Number

© 2005 Kotak Securities Limited.

Registered Office: 27 BKC, C 27, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai 400051. Telephone No.: +22 43360000, Fax No.: +22 67132430.
Correspondence Address: Infinity IT Park, Bldg. No 21, Opp. Film City Road, A K Vaidya Marg, Malad (East), Mumbai 400097. Telephone No: 42856825.

CIN: U99999MH1994PLC134051. SEBI Registration No: INZ000200137(Member of NSE, BSE, MSE, MCX & NCDEX), AMFI ARN 0164, PMS INP000000258 and Research Analyst INH000000586.

NSDL/CDSL: IN-DP-NSDL-23-97

New To share Market?

Open Your Account Today!

New Customer?

Hurry! Sign up for Free Intraday Trading now

BROKERAGE FREE

on intraday trades

AVAIL THE OFFER NOW

NO ACCOUNT OPENING CHARGES



Submit

Please Note

That by submitting the above mentioned details, you are authorising Kotak Securities & its sub-brokers & agents to call you and send promotional communication even though you may be registered under DNC.

Open An Account