Course Menu: How to Find a Broker | Glossary

If you are considering opening, or have already opened, a futures account, you obviously want to take advantage of the trading opportunities available to you in the futures markets by putting your money where your opinion is.  Opening your account is the easy part.  In order to do well in the markets and, hopefully, increase the size of your account, you need to learn as much as you possibly can about the markets and how to trade them.

The information contained in this section is designed to give you a basic understanding of the markets, how they work, and teach you enough about the markets and its rules so you can begin to increase your investment. You’ll no doubt want to go on to study more in-depth courses, but this information should give you groundwork from which to work.

The futures markets are not difficult to understand. In a nutshell, they permit users of commodities - i.e., grains, meats, financials, metals, etc., - to set a price for their future requirements well in advance of when they are needed. As a speculator, you create volume (which is essential to the markets) and may make money from the ever-changing ebb and flow of prices. 

The futures market is a zero-based market. At the end of each day the books are balanced. For every buyer there is a seller and vice versa. That means that one side wins and one side loses – every day.  Some days you’ll win. More often you’ll lose. Your objective is to be a net winner in terms of dollars speculated. This is not an easy task, but it is attainable. The risk may be heavy, but the possibility of reaping very large profits over very short periods of time attracts the aggressive speculator. 

Looking at the information in our Education Center should help you decide whether or not this type of vehicle matches your financial goals. More importantly, try to determine if you are psychologically and financially suited for it. You’ll need to develop a trading plan that incorporates sound money management . Remember, even if your trades don’t make a profit each time, a money management system may keep you from losing too much. 

Of course, you’ll want a trading firm that can, if needed, assist you in developing this plan. The professional staff of Wasendorf & Son Company. are available to you whenever you feel you are ready to contact us.

Course Menu: How to Find a Broker | Glossary


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THERE IS RISK OF LOSS IN FUTURES TRADING