The document discusses futures and forward contracts. It defines them as derivatives whose prices are derived from underlying assets like commodities, currencies, or stocks. Forward contracts involve a private agreement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a future date at a predetermined price, creating long or short positions. Future contracts are standardized, legally binding forward contracts that are traded on exchanges, allowing for liquidity and partial settlements before maturity. The document provides examples of long and short positions in forward contracts and differences between forward and futures contracts.