Teach on Udemy

Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.

Learn More

Your cart is empty.

Keep shopping

Professional Futures & Options Guide for Investors 2026

Understand how derivatives, hedging, speculation, and risk management shape modern portfolios.

Role Play

Highest Rated

Created byStarweaver Experts, Paul Siegel, Globecon Experts, Doug Carroll

Last updated 4/2026

English

What you'll learn

Develop a clear understanding of futures and options, including the building blocks of financial derivatives and the fundamentals of futures and options markets
Define derivatives and differentiate between types, including futures options and other derivatives, & understand what is futures & options trading with example
Explain the features of futures contracts, including pricing, futures trading, and cash flow mechanics in the futures and options in stock market
Describe the features of options trading, including stock options, contract terms, pricing, and strategies such as option selling
Understand how futures and options work and apply them in real-world financial risk management and risk management scenarios
Analyze the difference in futures and options and evaluate their role in hedging, speculation, and arbitrage strategies
Determine appropriate futures and options contracts and strike prices for different strategies, including futures option trading and day trading
Apply investing in futures and options concepts in portfolio construction and asset allocation strategies
Evaluate the risks and benefits of using futures and options in trading for both short-term and long-term financial decision-making

Course content

8 sections • 35 lectures • 4h 44m total length

Welcome!0:52
Types of Derivative Contracts and Their Characteristics10:44
In this module, you will learn about different types of derivative contracts and their characteristics.
Derivatives Compared to Securities9:16
In this module, you will learn about how derivatives can be applied to securities to manage risk and gain exposure to certain assets.
Derivatives Defined9:37
In this module, you will learn about what derivatives are and how they relate to securities.
Module Quiz
Hands-On Learning Activity 1: Introduction to Futures Contracts0:43
Apply key concepts of futures contracts by simulating trades, analyzing positions, and calculating margin requirements and contract value fluctuations.

Futures Terminology and Contract Features9:17
In this module, you will learn about futures terminology and contract features, including delivery dates, margin requirements, and settlement prices.
Physical Delivery to Close a Futures Position9:10
In this module, you will learn about the process of physically delivering the underlying asset in order to close a futures contract.
Cash Settlement, OTC Derivatives11:59
In this module, you will learn about cash settlement and OTC derivatives, including their characteristics and how they differ from futures contracts with physical delivery.
Futures Clearinghouse and Third Party Contracts10:32
Learn about the role of a clearinghouse in futures markets and how third party contracts differ from traditional futures contracts in this module.
Futures Margins and Futures Contracts11:09
In this module, you will learn about futures margins and how they apply to contracts.
Module Quiz
Hands-On Learning Activity: Futures Contracts Trading and Cash Flows0:31
Explore the mechanics of trading futures contracts, analyzing cash flows, and evaluating hedging effectiveness using real-world-inspired scenarios.

Clearinghouse and Futures Trades11:07
In this module, you will learn about the role of the clearinghouse in futures trades, including the process of settling futures contracts and managing margin requirements.
Comparing Futures Versus Underlying Positions10:11
This module covers the differences between futures contracts and the underlying assets, as well as how to compare and analyze them.
Futures Positon Cash Flows and Hedging with Futures10:16
In this module, you will learn about using futures contracts to hedge position cash flows and manage risk. We cover futures versus underlying positions, clearinghouse and futures trades, and futures margins and contracts.
Futures Positions: Risk and the Cost Taking Position9:39
This module covers how to manage risk and cost when taking futures positions.
Module Quiz
Hands-On Learning Activity 3: Futures Pricing0:29
Learn how to calculate futures prices using the cost of carry model and analyze forward pricing curves.

Cost of Carry/Carrying Charges11:01
This module covers the concept of carrying charges in futures contracts and how they impact the cost of holding a position.
Cost of Carry Pricing and The Forward Pricing Curve17:23
This module covers the concept of the cost of carry in futures markets and how it affects the forward pricing curve.
Module Quiz
Hands-On Learning Activity 4: Introduction to Options0:27
Practice applying fundamental concepts of options contracts, including pricing, intrinsic and time value, and basic strategy analysis.

Option Fundamentals: Contract Features and Terminology7:33
This module includes an introduction to option fundamentals, including contract features and terminology.
Option Contract Example: Long Call Positions8:55
In this module, you will learn about long call options and how they can be used in an options contract. We will cover the basics of this financial instrument, including its potential risks and rewards.
Option Pricing Basics11:59
In this module, you will learn the fundamentals of option pricing, including how it is determined and the factors that can impact it. We will also discuss the Black-Scholes model and its role in option pricing.
Time Value, Instrinsic Value and Moniness12:06
In this module, you will learn about the concept of time value in options and how it relates to intrinsic value and moniness. We will discuss how these terms are used in the evaluation of options contracts.
Short Option Positions9:04
This module includes a discussion of short option positions and how they can be used in options trading. You will learn about the potential risks and rewards of implementing short option positions in your portfolio.
Investment Characteristic of Options13:32
In this module, we will cover the investment characteristics of options and how they differ from other financial instruments. You will learn about the benefits and drawbacks of using options in a portfolio.
Overview of Long Put, Short Call and Short Put Positions8:04
This module provides an overview of long put, short call, and short put positions in options trading. You will learn about the potential risks and rewards of implementing these strategies in your portfolio.
Module Quiz
Hands-On-Learning Activity 5: Option Pricing and Risk Management with Greeks0:27
Apply option pricing models and sensitivity analysis using option Greeks to understand how different variables impact option value and strategy.
Explaining Derivatives Hedging Strategies to a Corporate Treasury Manager

Option Pricing and Sensitivities (Option "Greeks")8:38
In this module, you will learn about option pricing and the "Greeks," which are sensitivities that measure the impact of various factors on option prices. We will discuss how these concepts are used in the evaluation of options contracts.
Option Deltas8:21
This module covers option deltas, which measure the change in an option's price in relation to a change in the underlying asset's price. You will learn how to use deltas to make informed decisions about your options trades.
Delta Hedging7:52
In this module, you will learn about delta hedging, a risk management strategy used in the financial markets.
Delta Neutral Hedging Example9:19
This module covers the concept of delta natural hedging through the use of real-world examples.
Black-Scholes and Option Volatility (Vega)9:41
In this module, you will learn about the Black-Scholes model and the concept of option volatility (vega).
Implied Volatility and Volatility Trading11:09
This module includes lessons on implied volatility and volatility trading, completing the course.
Module Quiz

Requirements

Proficiency in the English language
Basic mathematical knowledge is expected
A financial calculator is recommended to fully engage with pricing and valuation concepts in this futures and options course.

Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to futures and options, two of the most widely used instruments in financial derivatives markets. It begins with a clear explanation of what futures and options are, how futures and options work, and how these instruments differ from other financial products.

You will build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of futures and options markets, understanding the common characteristics of derivatives and their role in the futures and options markets in the stock market. The course then progresses into a structured, in-depth exploration of:

Futures contracts

Options contracts

In each section, you will learn:

The key features and characteristics of futures and options in trading

How pricing works, with detailed examples and practical explanations

The most common applications of futures trading and options trading in business and financial markets.

How financial risk management and risk management strategies are implemented through hedging and speculation

This futures and options course includes 27 lectures across 6 structured sections:

Introduction to derivatives

Introduction to futures contracts

Futures contracts trading and cash flows

Futures pricing

Introduction to options

Option pricing and applications

Whether you are looking to understand what futures and options trading is, explore investing in futures and options, or learn how to apply these instruments in real-world scenarios, this course provides a strong, practical foundation. It is designed for professionals working across finance functions in organisations of all sizes, as well as those employed in financial institutions such as retail banks, commercial banks, investment banks, hedge funds, asset management firms, insurance companies, and related sectors.

More about this course and Starweaver

This course is led by a seasoned capital markets industry practitioner and executive with many years of hands-on, in-the-trenches financial markets sales, trading and analysis work. It has been designed, produced and delivered by Starweaver. Starweaver is one of the most highly regarded, well-established training providers in the World, providing training courses to many of the leading financial institutions and technology companies, including:

Ahli United Bank; Mashreqbank; American Express; ANZ Bank; ATT; Banco Votorantim; Bank of America; Bank of America Global Markets; Bank of America Private Bank; Barclay Bank; BMO Financial Group; BMO Financial Services; BNP Paribas; Boeing; Cigna; Citibank; Cognizant; Commerzbank; Credit Lyonnais/Calyon; Electrosonic; Farm Credit Administration; Fifth Third Bank; GENPACT; GEP Software; GLG Group; Hartford; HCL; HCL; Helaba; HSBC; HSBC Corporate Bank; HSBC India; HSBC Private Bank; Legal & General; National Australia Bank; Nomura Securities; PNC Financial Services Group; Quintiles; RAK Bank; Regions Bank; Royal Bank of Canada; Royal Bank of Scotland; Santander Corporate Bank; Tata Consultancy Services; Union Bank; ValueMomentum; Wells Fargo; Wells Fargo India Solutions; Westpac Corporate Bank; Wipro; and, many others.

Happy learning.

Who this course is for:

This credit analysis course is designed for finance professionals looking to build expertise in credit evaluation, credit risk analysis, and fixed income financial instruments.
Financial analysts, credit analysts, and professionals pursuing a credit risk analyst course or credit risk analyst certification
Fixed income traders and portfolio managers seeking to strengthen credit rating and risk analysis skills
Professionals in banking, NBFCs, and rating agencies involved in corporate credit risk analysis and financial risk management
Risk and lending professionals looking to understand how credit analysis is done and apply credit risk assessment models in real-world scenarios
Investors who want to learn how to evaluate credit quality of bonds before investing and understand fixed income instruments examples
This course is ideal for anyone aiming to master the credit analysis process, improve credit risk assessment techniques, and make informed lending or investment decisions.

Professional Futures & Options Guide for Investors 2026

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction to Derivatives5 lectures • 31min

Introduction to Futures Contracts6 lectures • 53min

Futures Contracts Trading and Cash Flows5 lectures • 42min

Futures Pricing3 lectures • 29min

Introduction to Options9 lectures • 1hr 12min

Option Pricing and Applications6 lectures • 55min

Closing Remarks1 lecture • 3min

Bonus Lecture1 lecture • 1min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: