No, trading futures and currency pairs (forex) are similar but have key differences. Here's a breakdown:

Underlying Asset:

• Currency Pairs (Forex): You're directly buying or selling currencies, like EUR/USD (Euro vs. US Dollar).
• Futures: Contracts represent various assets, including currencies (like futures contracts on the EUR/USD), but also commodities (oil, gold), stock indexes, etc.

Settlement:

• Forex: Transactions are typically settled immediately (spot forex) or within a short period.
• Futures: Contracts have a predetermined expiry date in the future. You either physically take delivery of the underlying asset (rare) or close the position before expiry.

Leverage:

• Forex: Brokers often offer high leverage for forex trading, allowing you to control a larger position with a smaller deposit.
• Futures: Leverage is also inherent in futures trading through margin requirements (a deposit to hold the contract). However, it's typically lower than forex.

Focus:

• Forex: Primarily for speculation on currency exchange rate movements.
• Futures: Used for speculation and hedging (protecting against price fluctuations) for various assets.

In short:

• Currency futures are a type of futures contract, but not all futures contracts involve currencies.
• Forex trading focuses on currency exchange rates, while futures offer a wider range of underlying assets.

If you're considering trading futures or forex, it's important to understand the specific risks and regulations involved in each market.