Why is the value of a futures or forward contract at the time it is purchased equal to zero? Contrast this with the value of the corresponding spot commodity?
Identify and provide a brief explanation of the factors that affect the spot price of a storable asset?
What is a contango market? How do we interpret the cost of carry in a contango market? What is a backwardation market? How do we explain the cost of carry in a backwardation market?