Participating in Futures Trading

by National Futures Association (NFA)

Now that you have an overview of what futures markets are, why they exist and how they work, the next step is to consider various ways in which you may be able to participate in futures trading. There are a number of alternatives and the only best alternative if you decide to participate at all is whichever one is best for you. In addition to describing several possibilities, the pages that follow suggest questions you should ask and information you should obtain before making a decision. Also discussed is the opening of a futures trading account, the regulatory safeguards provided participants in futures markets, and methods for resolving disputes, should they arise.

Reprinted with permission from the National Futures Association. Copyright 2002.