Here is how it is not the real market - if you and I can bet on the price of oil and have nothing at risk we can both make money if the price goes up or down. As a matter of fact if you and I work together to move the price up or down, but we never have to take delivery of the oil or gasoline, we are in business can work together cause prices to rise (change) and never be a part of the market. It is even better if what we put at risk is 0. Having an account is not the same as having trucks and stores, which is the market. Future speculators have a chance to be in the market differently than the people who buy 1000 shares of GE or WalMart - they are betting with other peoples money.
Futures contracts have margin requirements.
As a matter of fact if you and I work together to move the price up or down, but we never have to take delivery of the oil or gasoline, we are in business can work together cause prices to rise (change) and never be a part of the market.
Why don't you explain how you and I could do that?