Futures are financial contracts between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price at a specified future date. Originating in the 19th century, these contracts were initially used in agricultural markets to stabilize prices and reduce uncertainty for farmers and buyers. Over time, futures have evolved to include a wide range of assets, including commodities, currencies, and cryptocurrencies, becoming a vital part of modern financial markets.

Futures contracts are a type of derivatives. In the context of cryptocurrencies, futures allow traders to speculate on the future price movements of digital assets like and without having to own the underlying asset. This form of trading can provide opportunities for profit in both rising and falling markets, making it a popular choice among both institutional and retail investors.