Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

umfan92

What is Futures?

Recommended Posts

Well I'm embarrassed asking this question but I have not been able to find out the answer anywhere on Google for some reason and I don't know any experienced traders.

 

I hear a lot of talk about Futures, and Forex, and other things that I have no idea what they are.

 

So, what is futures?

 

I know what forex is, currency trading right? So what's futures?

 

I have no plans on trading any of that yet since I am very new to trading and I haven't even figured out stocks, but I still want to know.

 

Also, since I'm already here, can someone tell me what the ES mini is? (or whatever it's called)

 

I hear everyone saying it's much better yet I still can't find any info on it on Google.

 

Thanks everyone. You don't have to give me a huge description (although I would really appreciate it) but if you could give me a summary and maybe a link to some educational material that would be great.

Edited by umfan92

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Well I'm embarrassed asking this question but I have not been able to find out the answer anywhere on Google for some reason and I don't know any experienced traders.

 

I hear a lot of talk about Futures, and Forex, and other things that I have no idea what they are.

 

So, what is futures?

 

I know what forex is, currency trading right? So what's futures?

 

I have no plans on trading any of that yet since I am very new to trading and I haven't even figured out stocks, but I still want to know.

 

Also, since I'm already here, can someone tell me what the ES mini is? (or whatever it's called)

 

I hear everyone saying it's much better yet I still can't find any info on it on Google.

 

Thanks everyone. You don't have to give me a huge description (although I would really appreciate it) but if you could give me a summary and maybe a link to some educational material that would be great.

 

ES mini - Google Search

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Go o the CME website and you will have a lot of tools to use for learning about futures and other markets. Here is the link. CME Group - Futures & Options Trading for Risk Management

 

Have a great night,

I am a successful commodities trader, don't listen to people who try to bring you down. If you never ask, you never know. I was able to get where I am today from asking questions and finding the right mentors.

 

Keep workin at it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello There,

 

This has to be quick so I hope you have found more information on another site, but futures are instruments which are traded around a delivery date. Futures may include things such as the S&P 500 E-Mini contracts, or actual resources (commodities) such as sugar, coffee, coca, lumber, cattle, hogs, etc. When you purchase a futures contract your position is highly leveraged with brokers only requiring a minimum amount of the total contract value up front. This can work in your favor so long as the markets move in your favor. A contract must include a delivery date, if you hold the contract through delivery you may end up with one hell of headache (assuming your speculating).

 

These instruments are used by speculators and individuals such as farmers or producers who utilize these markets to hedge against future risks should the market dynamics change.

 

I hope this helps! There are a handful of excellent books out there (amazon) on Futures.

 

Cheers,

 

Ryan :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Investopedia is a good place to start:

 

Futures Definition

 

I think that the futures market originally started as a way for farmers to manage their risk. Because harvests were unpredictable, and the farmers needed a way to financially plan for next years crop, if they were guaranteed a certain price before their crop was delivered, it gave them a sense of security and a way to calculate their potential profit. If someone was willing to give the farmer a set price before harvest, then the farmer could "lock in" a certain price. The buyer entered a contract with the farmer, whereby the buyer guaranteed a certain price to the farmer. Now that the farmer is guaranteed a certain price, they have a guaranteed amount of profit. If the buyer of the futures contract gets the crop at a lower price than they can sell it for, then they make a profit on the resale.

 

Futures contracts like the e-mini's are "rolled over", but if you buy a futures contract for a commodity, and you don't sell it before that contract date expires, you could actually be liable to take delivery of that commodity. So unless you actually want a truck load of beans at your front door, that you are liable to pay for, sell the contract before it expires.

Edited by Tradewinds

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • QBTS D-Wave Quantum stock with a local breakout, good volume +235% at https://stockconsultant.com/?QBTS
    • PLAY Dave & Busters Entertainment stock, big bounce off the lower 24.48 double support area at https://stockconsultant.com/?PLAY
    • INO Inovio Pharmaceuticals stock, watch for a bottom breakout above 2.33 at https://stockconsultant.com/?INO
    • CADL Candel Therapeutics stock, watch for a range breakout, target 12 area, volume +82% at https://stockconsultant.com/?CADL
    • Date: 19th February 2025.   Is the DAX Overbought After Rising For 7 Weeks Straight?   The DAX rose by 20% in 2024, however, in 2025 so far the DAX has risen more than 15% in only 50 days. The DAX has risen for seven straight weeks, driven by rate cuts and strong earnings reports. Can the DAX maintain momentum or is the price overbought? DAX 40 - What’s Driving the Bullish Trend? Three factors are driving the price of the DAX higher. The first is the European Central Bank which has cut for 2 consecutive months and is likely to adjust a further 0.75% in 2025. The lower interest rates and expectations of further cuts are known to support the DAX due to higher consumer demand.     The second factor driving prices higher are the positive earnings data. SAP SE is the most influential stock and has risen by 18% so far this year. SAP’s latest quarterly earnings report saw the company beat revenue expectations by 2.60% and earnings by 1.40%. The second most influential stock for the DAX is Siemens AG which has risen almost 20% in 2025 so far. All of the seven most influential stocks have risen in value this year so far and only 17% of the whole DAX have declined this year so far. However, traders should note that not all companies within the DAX have made public their quarterly earnings reports. The third factor is the expectation that the Ukraine-Russia conflict will end or reach a ceasefire in the first half of the year. Traders should note that an end to the conflict is more crucial for European indices in comparison to Asian or US indices. This is due to the nature of Europe and European geopolitics. Is the German DAX Overbought? When analyzing the price movement the index is trading in the overbought zone on most oscillators and on most timeframes. However, price action and previous impulse waves indicate the price will not be overbought unless the price increases above 23,250EUR. However, the intrinsic value of the DAX will also depend on US tariffs. If Germany is able to avoid harsh US tariffs, German stocks may continue to increase higher as sentiment improves. However, harsh tariffs are likely to apply downward pressure on the index and increase the likelihood of being overbought in the short-to-medium term. If the price indeed declines, traders may first target the support level at $22,437.58, which will likely fall in line with the 75-period Moving Average. The main bullish breakout point is at the 22,724.30 mark. Tariffs on Foreign Cars A key risk for the DAX as mentioned above is US tariffs, particularly on cars. The DAX index includes Mercedes-Benz, Porsche AG, BMW, and Volkswagen. Total new cars sales in the US from these 4 companies make up almost 10% of the overall sales.     Donald Trump remained defiant despite warnings that his proposed trade war could disrupt the US economy, stating that his administration might impose tariffs of approximately 25% on foreign cars within weeks. He also announced that semiconductor chips and pharmaceuticals would soon face higher tariffs, speaking at a news conference on Tuesday. Key Takeaway Points: The DAX has surged over 15% in 2025, driven by ECB rate cuts, strong earnings, and optimism over the Ukraine conflict. SAP SE and Siemens AG are the top-performing stocks and 83% of the DAX has witnessed gains. However, some earnings reports are still pending. Despite trading in overbought territory, the index may continue rising unless it faces harsh US tariffs. Potential US tariffs on foreign cars pose a key risk, impacting major DAX-listed car makers. This includes Mercedes-Benz, Porsche AG, BMW, and Volkswagen. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.