How to Calculate the Price of a Futures Contract

Calculating the price of a futures contract is an essential skill for any investor or trader looking to trade in futures markets. Futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell an asset at a future date at a predetermined price. The price of a futures contract is determined based on several factors, including the current market price of the underlying asset, the time to expiration, and the cost of carrying the asset until the contract`s expiration date. In this article, we will discuss the basics of calculating the price of a futures contract.

Understanding the basics of futures contracts:

Before diving into the calculation of futures contract prices, it`s essential to understand a few basics of futures contracts. Futures contracts are standardized contracts traded on exchanges, where buyers and sellers agree to buy or sell an underlying asset, such as commodities, currencies, or securities, at a specific price and future date. Futures contracts provide a way for investors and traders to speculate on the price movements of an underlying asset without actually owning the asset.

The price of a futures contract is determined based on the following factors:

1. Current market price of the underlying asset:

The current market price of the underlying asset is the primary determinant of the futures contract`s price. As the market price of the asset changes, the price of the futures contract also changes, reflecting the expected price of the underlying asset at the contract`s expiration date.

2. Time to expiration:

The time to expiration is another essential factor that influences the price of a futures contract. As the expiration date approaches, the value of the futures contract decreases. This is because the asset`s price has less time to move in the anticipated direction, reducing the potential profit.

3. Cost of carry:

The cost of carry is the cost of holding the underlying asset until the contract`s expiration date. This includes the interest rate, storage costs, insurance, and other expenses associated with holding the asset. The cost of carry affects the futures contract`s price, leading to a phenomenon called contango or backwardation in futures markets.

Calculating the price of a futures contract:

The formula for calculating the price of a futures contract is relatively simple. The futures contract price is the sum of the current market price of the underlying asset, the cost of carry, and any additional fees or expenses associated with the futures contract.

Futures Price = Spot Price + Cost of Carry + Fees

Let`s break down the individual components of this formula:

1. Spot price:

The spot price is the current market price of the underlying asset. For example, if you are buying a futures contract for crude oil, the spot price would be the current price of crude oil in the market.

2. Cost of carry:

The cost of carry includes the interest rate, storage costs, insurance, and other expenses associated with holding the asset until the contract`s expiration date. This cost is typically represented as an annual percentage rate.

3. Fees:

Futures contracts come with additional fees and expenses, such as brokerage fees, exchange fees, and transaction fees. These fees can vary depending on the exchange and the broker you are using.

Example of calculating a futures contract price:

Suppose you want to buy a futures contract for crude oil, which expires in six months. The current spot price of crude oil is $70 per barrel, and the annual cost of carry is 5%. The additional fees for the exchange and the broker are $100.

Using the formula, the price of the crude oil futures contract would be:

Futures Price = $70 + ($70 x 0.05 x 0.5) + $100

Futures Price = $73.50

Conclusion:

Calculating the price of a futures contract can be a bit complex, but it`s essential for any investor or trader interested in futures markets. The price of a futures contract depends on several factors, including the asset`s current market price, time to expiration, and the cost of carrying the asset until the contract`s expiration date. By understanding these factors and using the formula, investors can determine the price of a futures contract and make informed trading decisions.