[Verse 1]
Trading floors buzz with electric tension
Futures contracts change hands each day
But when the closing bell rings at sunset
Every position must settle and pay
Your broker calculates what you've gained or lost
No waiting till expiration's cost
[Chorus]
Mark-to-market, settle each night
Daily gains flow in, losses take flight
No IOUs or promises here
Cash moves fast when the books must clear
MTM keeps the system tight
Settlement daily makes it right
[Verse 2]
Sarah bought corn futures at three-fifty
Closed today at three-sixty-five
Fifteen cents times five thousand bushels
Seven-fifty profit comes alive
Into her margin account tonight
Before tomorrow's opening light
[Chorus]
Mark-to-market, settle each night
Daily gains flow in, losses take flight
No IOUs or promises here
Cash moves fast when the books must clear
MTM keeps the system tight
Settlement daily makes it right
[Bridge]
Variation margin calls your name
When positions move against your game
Clearinghouse stands between each trade
Ensuring every debt gets paid
Real money moves at market's pace
No phantom profits in this space
[Verse 3]
Unlike stocks where paper gains can linger
Futures force you to face the score
Every tick up or down gets settled
Cash adjustments at your door
This daily ritual keeps markets clean
Prevents disasters unforeseen
[Chorus]
Mark-to-market, settle each night
Daily gains flow in, losses take flight
No IOUs or promises here
Cash moves fast when the books must clear
MTM keeps the system tight
Settlement daily makes it right
[Outro]
When futures move, the money's real
Daily settlement seals the deal