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What is Gold Futures?

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Synopsis:

Gold futures are financial agreements which help people buy or sell gold on a future date at a predetermined price. Hence, they help people lock in a price for gold now, Read more..which saves them from future price fluctuations. If you want to trade in gold futures, you should open a trading account with a broker registered with the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) or the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX). Read less


A gold futures is a financial contract which makes the buyer purchase and the seller deliver a certain quantity of gold at a predetermined price on a future date. In a futures contract, a buyer has to purchase the underlying commodity and a seller has to deliver it. As the transaction takes place at a predetermined price, it helps people hedge against potential price fluctuations. Read this blog, as it discusses in detail how gold futures can be used for gold trading and what gold trading is.

Importance of Investing in Gold

Gold is seen as a safe haven. Hence, investors cling to it, especially during times of uncertainty. As a result, during a war or any other kind of disturbance, the demand for gold typically increases.

When the US Dollar weakens, people start preferring gold to invest. This is because a weakening US Dollar is seen as a sign of a weak US economy. Hence, instead of investing in a financial instrument, people start investing in gold.

In India, gold is seen as a symbol of status and wealth. Many Indians buy gold on festivals because it is considered auspicious. They also wear gold jewellery on social and religious occasions. This is another reason why many Indians invest in gold.

How to Trade Gold?

If you are wondering what gold trading is, it refers to buying or selling of gold or instruments related to gold. In case you want to invest or trade in gold, you can consider the following ways:

  • You can purchase/sell gold bullion.

  • You can invest in a gold mutual fund (MF) or a gold exchange traded fund (ETF).

  • You can trade in the stocks of companies that mine, refine, and sell gold. Such stocks are known as “gold mining stocks.”

  • You can buy/sell gold futures, as gold futures investing is quite common.

Now that you have learnt how to trade gold and what gold trading is, let us delve deeper into this topic.

Trading in Gold Futures

In order to trade gold futures in India, you have to contact a broker who is a registered member of a commodity exchange. Gold futures trade on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX). Hence, a commodity broker should be a member of one of these exchanges so you can trade in gold futures through him.

That said, remember that you must pay an initial margin to a commodity broker to trade in gold futures. The value of such a margin is a small percentage of the value of the position you will be taking. Hence, gold futures can be an effective way to practice gold trading.

Demand for gold

Gold plays an extremely important role in India’s culture because it is seen as a symbol of status and wealth. Hence, it is essential for many rituals across several communities in the country.

Interestingly, all social classes in India purchase gold every year. While the rich and middle classes buy gold predominantly for reasons related to wealth and status, the poor classes purchase gold for reasons like portability and security.

Besides, gold plays a central part in many social rituals. For example, gifting of gold ornaments and jewellery is an extremely important part of marriage rituals in India. According to the World Gold Council, marriages contribute to around 50% of gold’s demand in India every year.

Many people still consider gold as a safe haven for the purpose of investment. Hence, they increase the demand for gold, especially during times of uncertainty.

Benefits of Investing in Gold Futures Today

Investing in gold futures offers several benefits, which are explained below:

  • Gold futures tend to have high liquidity. Therefore, it is not difficult to find a counterparty for such contracts.

  • Gold futures help you take leveraged positions. By paying a tiny percentage of the contract as a margin, you can take a much bigger position.

  • If you trade wisely, gold futures can help you capitalise on the price movements of gold. Moreover, you do not have to purchase space for taking physical delivery of gold while trading in such contracts.

Risks associated with Gold Futures

There is no denying that gold futures offer many advantages, but trading in them can also be risky for the reasons explained below:

  • As a commodity, gold is traded worldwide. Hence, events in countries outside of India can affect its price as well. So, unless a trader has the knowledge to understand how gold prices move based on global events, he should not risk his capital by trading in gold futures.

  • A gold futures contract makes it mandatory for both the parties involved to fulfil their obligation to buy or sell gold on a specific future date at a predetermined price. Unlike an option contract, they do not have a choice. Hence, a futures contract is inherently risky.

  • A gold futures contract helps you take a leveraged position because the margin you pay is only a tiny percentage of the contract’s value. A leveraged position can increase your gains when the price moves in the desired direction. However, it can also magnify your losses if the price does not move in the direction you desire.

How to Start Trading Gold Futures?

Step 1: The first thing you need to do is open a trading account with a broker registered with the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX).

Step 2: You need to fill out a form to open your account to trade gold futures. You should also submit KYC documents like identify proof, address proof, bank account details, passport-sized photos, etc.

Step 3: Post account opening, you should deposit the margin with your broker.

Step 4: After opening your account and depositing the margin, you can start taking a position in the market.

Step 5: It can happen that your initial margin decreases because of trading losses. In that case, you could be required to deposit a maintenance margin.

Expiration of Gold Futures 

If you have decided to invest in gold futures, you should bear in mind such contracts are dated instruments and have a set expiration date. They stop trading before the settlement date, which is agreed upon. All the transactions are halted before the settlement date, which provides traders sufficient time to examine their position.

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Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer

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