Final answer:
A forward contract is privately negotiated and customizable, while a futures contract is traded on an exchange and standardized with an upfront payment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main differences between a forward contract and a futures contract are as follows:
- A forward contract is privately negotiated between two parties, while a futures contract is traded on an exchange.
- A forward contract is customizable and can be tailored to the specific needs of the parties involved, while a futures contract is standardized and has set terms and conditions.
- A forward contract has no upfront payment, while a futures contract requires an upfront payment called a margin.