Because of the high return promise, novice traders often gravitate to options and futures markets....
There are many different types of futures contracts that allow for the purchase and sale of various assets, including stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, currencies, and interest rates. In order to participate in futures trading, you must first buy an "asset" (also called a "basket" or "security") on or before the expected future date. The buying process begins once you have decided on the asset you wish to purchase..