What is the difference between futures and cash markets?

Futures Market: A futures market is where only futures contracts are bought and sold at a predefined price and date in the future. No delivery takes place, and contracts settle on the expiration date (maximum of three months). You do not become a shareholder when trading in futures. The margin money is required to initiate a future contract, and a minimum lot size is specified. For example, NIFTY futures has a lot size of 75. You are not entitled to dividends in a futures contract.

Cash Market: A cash market is a marketplace where securities are bought and sold for immediate payment and settlement. Investors receive shares immediately in exchange for cash. Demat settlement takes place on T+2 days, and the client becomes a shareholder of the stock company. The full amount must be paid when buying shares in cash. You can buy even a single share.

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