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A futures contract, or a "future," is an agreement to buy or sell an asset or security at a predetermined price on a future date. The potential profit in futures is generated by the difference between how much the asset was agreed to be purchased for and how much the asset is worth on the purchase or sale date. Futures allow you to invest in the value of particular asset types, and they can profit from accurate predictions about the future worth of an asset or security.

Metals futures are tradable contracts for many of the most critical precious and industrial metals utilized worldwide. Metals futures contracts in gold, silver, copper and others represent an agreement to buy or sell at a specific price for a stipulated expiration date and every futures market has a unique set of contract specifications.

At one-tenth the size of the standard E-mini futures contract, micro futures are an easy entry point into futures trading for all account sizes. Micro contracts offer seasoned futures traders a way to increase their trading flexibility and better manage risk. E-mini micro contracts are offered in a variety of markets. Here are some examples:

• S&P 500 index: Micro E-mini S&P 500 futures (Symbol = MES)
• Nasdaq-100 Index: Micro E-mini Nasdaq futures (Symbol = MNQ)
• Crude oil Micro contracts (Symbol = MCL)
• Gold Micro contracts (Symbol = MGC)

E-mini major market stock index futures are financial instruments designed for the buying or selling of the most popular stock market indices, including the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, Dow 30 industrials, and the Russell 2000. Traded on the CME exchange, these cash-settled futures have their own distinct set of contract specifications such as point value, expiration date, and minimum price movement.

The E-mini S&P 500 index futures are well-known for being among the most frequently traded stock index futures in the United States. This market enjoys a high volume of trading both domestically and globally, marking it as a key indicator of the overall state of the US stock market. Moreover, the Nasdaq 100 futures are also extensively traded, encompassing some of the biggest and most influential technology companies.

Futures contracts and forward contracts are very similar in that they both involve two parties agreeing to sell and purchase an asset or security at a fixed price at a set date in the future. However, they have some key differences. A forward contract is a private agreement between two parties that resolves once the asset or security has been bought/sold. With forward contracts, there is great flexibility, little oversight, and a high amount of counterparty risk. On the other hand, futures contracts are standardized agreements that resolve on a day-to-day basis until the contracts end, allowing for more liquidity. Additionally, futures contracts are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). CFTC regulation helps protect investors from fraud and other risks to their accounts.