I've heard all the popular youtube and steemers taking about the significance and possible affects on Bitcoin. Its really very simple:
Having Futures contracts allows someone to FIX the price of Bitcoin,,, in other words it is now possible for LARGE institutions to either accept or trade in Bitcoin as the can mitigate the RISK of PRICE FLUCTUATION.
Before this, most companies had FEAR of trading in Bitcoin,,,,, as the price could fluctuate wildly, to either the DOWN side or the UP side. This is NOT conducive to "GOOD BUSINESS" were one wants to be able to account for every aspect of their business and NOT leave it to chance.
Now a business may choose to BUY or SELL something in bitcoin, purchase the appropriate Futures Contract to "LOCK IN THE PRICE" of the bitcoin (unfortunately) into US $ (their local Fiat Currency). Companies who want to be able to accept Bitcoin for sales of merchandise now have a sucure way. For example if a company sell on average $100,000 of goods, they can LOCK IN $100,000 of Bitcoin to that value. This is the traditional use of FOREX exchanges with INTERNATIONAL corporations,,, it allows them to FIX the currency value to their home fiat currency.
So,,, In conclusion:
The FUTURES markets should lead to the EXPANSION of use of Bitcoin and therefore INCREASE demand and cause further UPWARD pressure on the price. GOOD NEWS !!!!!