Futures

Futures are legally binding contracts to buy or sell a particular asset (or cash equivalent) on a specified future date. ASX currently trades futures over equity indices, commodities and electricity. Futures are used to either hedge the value of a particular asset class or to create profit through speculative trading.

Futures contracts are traded globally over the following markets; equity, interest rate, commodity, currency and energy.

The equity futures contracts traded on ASX are over three sharemarket indices, the S&P/ASX50 Index, the S&P/ASX200 Index and the S&P/ASX 200 Property Trusts Index.

Getting started

ASX Futures markets give you the ability to either hedge or speculate on the price movement of equity indices, grain, wool and electricity.

To benefit from these markets you need to:

  1. Understand the contract you intend to trade.
  2. Establish an account with an ASX broker.
  3. Establish an account with an ACH clearer.

Although futures have many benefits they involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. If your broking firm gives advice the adviser must be accredited to advise on ASX futures.

     About futures

    Education

     

    ASX Grain Futures Workshops

    In 2006, ASX will be touring through the grain belt in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Workshops will be held to explain how ASX Grain Futures and Options can be used by grain growers, grain traders and grain consumers to protect their business from grain price risk.

    If you are interested in attending a workshop please contact ASX.

      Products

      Equity Index Futures & Options

       Commodity Futures & Options

      Energy Futures

       

      Contract Specifications

      Trading Information - Equity Futures

      Market Information

      Information for Brokers

       How futures are traded

      Futures orders are executed on an automated trading system called the Derivatives Trading Platform (DTP), otherwise known as CLICK.