Daily settlements

Daily settlement prices reflect the fair market value of the underlying commodity or financial instrument, as determined by buyers and sellers during the settlement period or “close”. The price quoted in the evening news for items like a bush of corn, a barrel of crude oil, or a 10-year U.S. Treasury note frequently use the settlement price for the corresponding futures product that day.

Settlement prices are used to mark traders’ positions to market daily, determining profits or losses. Daily settlement prices play a key role in facilitating price discovery, risk management, and market integrity.