Ask Fear & Greed: What are futures and what do they measure?

Listener Linus asks: Each weekday the markets refer to the ASX open via the ASX/SPI futures [futures contracts]. But what are the actual futures contracts - what constitutes "futures contracts" and what do they measure? Or perhaps more correctly, how do the futures manifest themselves as a points measurement? I'm presuming there is an index that allows a "points" measure to be compared on a moving basis day to day. Join Sean Aylmer & Michael Thompson as they answer listener questions.If you have your own question for Ask Fear & Greed, get in touch via our website, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook!Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.