Cash, Futures definition

[esignal1611]

Is there a clear definition of what is a Cash or Futures index ?

For example $INDU and $DJX.

My understanding with Cash is that it contains no volume.

I am also aware of Continuous Futures contracts and
quarterly Futures Contracts which normally have different symbols for each quarter.

Any help will be much appreciated.

[ACM]

esignal1611

Is there a clear definition of what is a Cash or Futures index ?
For example $INDU and $DJX.

In equity markets the cash is the value resulting from the computations used to create the Index (which include the weighting, divisor, etc). With commodities it is the market in which goods are sold for cash and delivered immediately (spot).
A futures contract is a type of derivative instrument, or financial contract, in which two parties agree to transact a set of financial instruments or physical commodities for future delivery at a specific price.
The example that you provide is that of two Index products calculated by different exchanges. The $DJX is not a future contract per se but the Index value used by the CBOE for the options on the Dow Jones Ind Avg and is based on 1/100th of the value of that Index.
Alex