Which of the following best describes futures contracts?

Futures contracts are indeed agreements to buy or sell commodities at a predetermined future date and price. This definition captures the essence of how futures contracts function within financial markets. They serve as tools for hedging against price fluctuations and speculating on future price movements of underlying commodities, such as oil, gold, or agricultural products.

The agreement between the involved parties outlines the specific commodity, the quantity, and the delivery date, establishing a contractual obligation that facilitates trading and price discovery in the market. This predetermined arrangement provides participants with a way to manage risk associated with volatile commodity prices, making it a crucial mechanism for farmers, producers, and investors.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of futures contracts. Short-term investments in commodity stocks refer to equity markets rather than the derivative nature of futures. Contracts that guarantee price stability suggest a level of assurance that futures do not inherently provide, as they are subject to market volatility. Finally, loans secured by commodity holdings pertain to financing arrangements rather than the trading mechanisms of futures contracts. Thus, the correct understanding of futures contracts is comprehensively addressed in the first option.