The difference between futures contracts and savings is very significant, as they represent two entirely different concepts in the world of finance and economics. In short, futures contracts are a complex investment tool that involves high risks, while savings is a basic financial practice aimed at building financial security.

Futures Contracts

Futures contracts are legal agreements between two parties (buyer and seller) to buy or sell a specific asset (such as commodities, currencies, stock indices) at a specified future date and at a price agreed upon now.

Key characteristics of futures contracts:

* Commitment of both parties: Both the buyer and the seller are obligated to fulfill the contract on the specified date, regardless of the current market price of the asset.

* Trading on exchanges: Futures contracts are traded on organized exchanges (such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange CME Group), providing standardization and transparency.

* Daily settlement (Margin): Futures contracts are settled daily based on market price fluctuations, meaning that parties may be required to pay additional "margin" to cover potential losses, or they receive profits if the market moves in their favor.

* Hedging and speculation: Futures contracts are used for hedging (protecting profits or reducing risks from future price fluctuations) or for speculation (attempting to achieve profits from price movement forecasts).