Correlation between stock index futures and stock market Stock index futures are closely related to stock market. The price of stock index futures is directly affected by the stock market index. When the stock market index rises, the price of stock index futures will also rise. On the contrary, when the stock market index falls, the price of stock index futures will also fall. This correlation means that stock index futures can be used as derivatives of the stock market index, and investors can invest in the stock market index through stock index futures.
The forecasting function of stock index futures The trading volume and price fluctuation of stock index futures can reflect the expectations of market participants on the future stock market trend. When investors expect the stock market to rise, they will buy a lot of stock index futures, thus pushing up the price of stock index futures. On the contrary, when investors expect the stock market to fall, they will sell a lot of stock index futures, thus pushing down the price of stock index futures. The trading situation of stock index futures can provide reference for investors to understand market expectations.
The hedging effect of stock index futures can be used to hedge the risk of portfolio. Investors can hedge the risk of their stocks or stock funds by buying or selling a corresponding number of stock index futures. For example, if an investor holds a stock but is worried that the stock market may fall, he can sell a corresponding number of stock index futures to hedge this part of the risk. If the stock market does fall, the price increase of stock index futures will offset the loss of stocks, thus protecting the interests of investors.
Arbitrage opportunities of stock index futures trading also provides arbitrage opportunities. Because the price of stock index futures is closely related to the price of stock index, arbitrage opportunities will appear when the price of stock index futures is inconsistent with the price of stock index. Investors can make a profit by buying cheap stock index futures contracts and selling expensive stock indexes. This arbitrage behavior can push the price of stock index futures back to be consistent with the price of stock market index, thus maintaining market balance.
To sum up, stock index futures and stock market are closely related. The price of stock index futures is influenced by stock index, and investors can invest in stock index through stock index futures. Stock index futures also have the functions of forecasting market trends, hedging risks and arbitrage. It is very important for investors to understand the relationship between stock index futures and stock market, which can help them better grasp market opportunities.