Core Insights - The article emphasizes the increasing importance of futures tools for enterprises in managing price volatility and uncertainty in raw material and finished product costs [1][2] - It highlights the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in utilizing these tools effectively due to issues such as lack of knowledge, talent, and funding [4][5] Group 1: Functions of Futures Market - The futures market plays a critical role in price discovery, risk management, and resource allocation, helping stabilize market expectations and support the real economy [2][3] - Price discovery in the futures market provides future price signals, enabling businesses to make informed decisions regarding expansion or contraction [2][3] - Risk management through hedging allows companies to lock in production costs or sales profits, stabilizing their profit expectations [2][3] Group 2: Case Study - A case is presented where a new energy material manufacturer hedged against the volatile price of lithium carbonate by purchasing futures contracts, successfully mitigating operational risks and ensuring stable production [3] Group 3: Challenges for SMEs - SMEs face significant barriers in adopting futures tools, including insufficient knowledge, talent shortages, and financial constraints [4][5] - The article identifies five main challenges: lack of awareness and talent, financial pressure, inadequate internal risk management systems, mismatch between standardized tools and individual needs, and compliance issues [4] Group 4: Innovations and Solutions - The industry is addressing these challenges through platform-based services and product innovations, aiming to make futures tools more accessible to SMEs [5][6] - Huatai Futures has developed a digital risk management platform specifically for SMEs, offering a comprehensive, low-threshold solution to address their unique challenges [5][6] Group 5: Educational Initiatives - There is a growing emphasis on investor education to reshape market perceptions and enhance the understanding of futures tools among enterprises [4][8] - The industry is implementing training programs and practical guidance to improve SMEs' knowledge of futures market rules and risk management strategies [4][8] Group 6: Market Development Challenges - The futures market still faces challenges, such as the lack of mature futures products for essential commodities and inefficiencies in delivery mechanisms [6][7] - Issues like non-standard behaviors in the warehousing sector and insufficient liquidity in the spot market hinder effective risk management for enterprises [7] Group 7: Future Directions - The article suggests that enhancing market infrastructure, improving regulatory oversight, and fostering collaboration between different market segments are essential for the futures market's development [7][8] - A more tailored approach to services and clearer communication of risks associated with futures tools are necessary to build trust and encourage adoption among enterprises [8][9]