the holder of an option has the right to buy or sell a certain number of underlying asset at a certain price within a certain period of time. for european option, the holder can only exercise options at maturity. since the holder has the right, not obligation, therefore he or she need to pay premium for the option.
the buyer (or seller) of a future contract has the obligation to buy (or sell) a certain number of underlying asset at a certain price at the maturity. no premium is needed for a future contract, but both parties need to pay margin, in case default. |