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What Is the Difference between a “Futures Exchange” and a “Spot Exchange”?

Futures exchanges trade contracts for future obligations; spot exchanges trade the physical asset for immediate delivery.
Greeks.Live22.11.25

What Is the Difference between a “Futures Exchange” and a “Spot Exchange”?

A futures exchange is a centralized marketplace where standardized futures contracts are traded, allowing participants to speculate on or hedge against the future price of an asset. A spot exchange is a marketplace where assets are bought and sold for immediate delivery and settlement (the "spot" price).

While a spot exchange deals with the physical asset, a futures exchange deals with contracts representing a future obligation or cash settlement.

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