Search public guides, tools, and curriculum pages.

Markets

Derivatives & market mechanics

A derivative is a contract. Understand its payoff, collateral, and settlement before interpreting a price chart.

This is a conceptual comparison, not a verified product listing. Specific rights depend on the product documents and applicable law.

Compare the mechanism, not just the price
StructureWhat the holder hasWhat to verify
FuturesA contract with maturity and specified settlement terms.Contract size, expiry, margin, cash or physical settlement.
PerpetualA derivative position with no fixed expiry under its rules.Funding, mark price, liquidation and venue safeguards.
OptionA conditional right under specified strike and expiry terms.Premium, exercise, settlement and writer obligations.

QUESTIONS TO TAKE TO THE DOCUMENTS

Read the structure closely.

  • 01

    What determines the settlement value, and can pricing diverge?

  • 02

    How do margin requirements change as prices move?

  • 03

    What happens on liquidation, venue failure, or oracle failure?