Trading object: the object of spot trading is actual crude oil commodities, while the object of futures trading is standardized crude oil futures contracts.
Delivery time: spot trading is spot trading, and the delivery time is usually spot or short-term, while futures trading is forward trading, and the delivery time is usually on a specific date in the future.
Delivery method: spot trading is completed by actual delivery, that is, the seller gives the actual crude oil goods to the buyer, while futures trading can choose physical delivery or cash delivery, usually cash delivery.
Leverage effect: Futures trading has a large leverage effect, and the exchange will provide a certain percentage of margin, so investors can control a large trading volume with a small amount of funds, while spot trading has no leverage effect.
Risk control: The risk control of futures trading is strict, and investors need to trade in accordance with the regulations of the exchange and pay a certain percentage of margin before trading. Spot trading is relatively free, and investors can freely choose trading methods and trading time according to their own needs.
Generally speaking, spot and futures are two different trading methods, each with its own characteristics and advantages and disadvantages. Investors should choose appropriate trading methods according to their own needs and risk tolerance.