Why might futures contracts outperform equity trading for U.S. speculators? There are several compelling reasons. First, futures offer massive leverage—you can control substantial positions with minimal capital outlay, amplifying both gains and risks. Second, they trade nearly 24/5, giving you flexibility beyond traditional stock market hours. Third, futures markets often exhibit tighter spreads and higher liquidity, especially for major indices and commodities, making entry and exit smoother. Fourth, you get true short selling without the complications of stock borrowing or uptick rules—betting against the market becomes straightforward. Fifth, contract standardization eliminates the guesswork; everyone's trading identical instruments with transparent pricing. Finally, fees tend to be lower per transaction, and the derivative nature means you're not actually holding the underlying asset, which streamlines operations. For aggressive traders chasing volatility and quick moves, these mechanics can make futures the more efficient game.