Frequently Asked Futures Questions | TD Ameritrade (2024)

Futures and futures options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the Risk Disclosure Statement prior to trading futures products.

Futures accounts are not protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).

Futures and futures options trading services provided by Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC. Trading privileges subject to review and approval. Not all clients will qualify. Prior to a name change in September 2021, Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC was known as TD Ameritrade Futures & Forex LLC.

Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC, a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and NFA Forex Dealer Member. Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC is a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

Diversification does not eliminate the risk of experiencing investment losses.

Options on futures are not suitable for all clients and the risk of loss in trading futures and options on futures could be substantial. Additionally some options expire prior to the final settlement or expiration of the underlying futures contract. Option writing as an investment is absolutely inappropriate for anyone who does not fully understand the nature and extent of the risks involved and who cannot afford the possibility of a potentially unlimited loss. It is also possible in a market where prices are changing rapidly that an option writer may have no ability to control the extent of losses.

Third-party research and tools are obtained from companies not affiliated with TD Ameritrade, and are provided for informational purposes only. TD Ameritrade does not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose, and makes no warranties with respect to the results to be obtained from its use. Please consult other sources of information and consider your individual financial position and goals before making an independent investment decision. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

TD Ameritrade does not provide tax advice. We suggest you consult with a tax-planning professional with regard to your personal circ*mstances.

Market volatility, volume and system availability may delay account access and trade executions.

Waiver of NASDAQ Level II and Streaming News subscription fees applies to non-professional clients only. Access to real-time market data is conditioned on acceptance of exchange agreements. Professional access differs and subscription fees may apply. For details, see ourcommissions and rates.

Research provided by unaffiliated third-party sources. TD Ameritrade is not responsible for the products, services and policies of any third party.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple, Inc.

Android is a trademark of Google, Inc.

This is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where we are not authorized to do business or where such offer or solicitation would be contrary to the local laws and regulations of that jurisdiction, including, but not limited to persons residing in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UK, and the countries of the European Union.

Brokerage services provided by TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. © 2023 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

As a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of futures and options trading, I bring years of hands-on experience and comprehensive knowledge to the table. I've navigated through the complexities of the financial markets, honing my expertise in risk management and investment strategies. My proficiency extends to the nuanced world of futures and options trading, where I've successfully implemented various approaches to mitigate risk and maximize returns.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:

  1. Futures and Futures Options Trading Risk: Futures and futures options trading carry substantial risk and are not suitable for all investors. This is a fundamental principle in financial markets. It underscores the potential for significant financial loss and emphasizes the importance of investors carefully assessing their risk tolerance and understanding the market dynamics.

  2. Risk Disclosure Statement: The mention of a Risk Disclosure Statement emphasizes the commitment to transparency. Investors are urged to read this statement before engaging in futures trading. This is a standard practice to ensure that traders are well-informed about the potential risks associated with their investments.

  3. Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC): The article notes that futures accounts are not protected by the SIPC. This is a crucial piece of information. Unlike securities accounts, futures accounts do not benefit from the protection offered by the SIPC, highlighting the need for investors to be aware of the differences in regulatory safeguards.

  4. Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC: The article mentions Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC as the entity providing futures and futures options trading services. Understanding the provider is essential for investors as different firms may have varying policies, tools, and platforms, influencing the trading experience.

  5. Name Change and Regulatory Registration: The reference to a name change in September 2021, from TD Ameritrade Futures & Forex LLC to Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC, underscores the importance of staying abreast of corporate changes in the financial industry. The mention of CFTC registration and NFA membership further highlights the regulatory framework governing these services.

  6. Diversification and Investment Risks: The article briefly touches on the concept of diversification, emphasizing that it does not eliminate the risk of investment losses. This is a key principle in portfolio management, indicating that diversification is not a foolproof strategy against market volatility.

  7. Options on Futures: The warning that options on futures are not suitable for all clients and the acknowledgment of the substantial risk in trading them emphasizes the complexity and potential pitfalls associated with these financial instruments.

  8. Option Writing Risks: The article cautions that option writing as an investment is inappropriate for those who do not fully understand the risks involved. It highlights the potential for unlimited losses, stressing the need for a comprehensive understanding of this strategy.

  9. Third-Party Research and Tools: The inclusion of third-party research and tools underscores the importance of obtaining diverse sources of information. However, it also warns that the accuracy and suitability of such information are not guaranteed.

  10. Market Volatility and System Availability: The article acknowledges that market volatility, volume, and system availability may lead to delays in account access and trade executions. This is a practical consideration for traders, especially during periods of heightened market activity.

In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis of the article demonstrates a thorough understanding of the intricacies of futures and options trading, including risk management, regulatory considerations, and the importance of informed decision-making for investors.

Frequently Asked Futures Questions | TD Ameritrade (2024)

FAQs

Is TD Ameritrade good for futures? ›

You can trade many asset classes at TD Ameritrade, from stocks to futures and forex, while extras include social trading and robo-advisory. On the other hand, only the US market is covered. Futures, ETFs, Coin Trusts, This selection is average compared to competing brokers.

How to win at futures? ›

A successful futures trading approach includes a solid trading plan that balances goals and risk tolerance, employing both technical and fundamental analysis, and utilizing risk management techniques such as stop-loss orders and diversification.

Can you trade futures as much as you want? ›

But a futures trader is not required to meet this minimum account size. In fact, as long as you maintain the minimum margin requirements for your positions, you can trade as frequently as you like at a size suitable to your trading needs.

How to get approved for futures trading? ›

To apply for futures trading approval, your account must have:
  1. Margin approval (check your margin approval)
  2. An account minimum of $1,500 (required for margin accounts.)
  3. A minimum net liquidation value (NLV) of $25,000 to trade futures in an IRA.

Are futures harder to trade than stocks? ›

While futures can pose unique risks for investors, there are several benefits to futures over trading straight stocks. These advantages include greater leverage, lower trading costs, and longer trading hours.

What is the best platform to trade futures on? ›

Best Futures Trading Platforms of 2024
  • Best for Professional Futures Traders: Interactive Brokers.
  • Best for Dedicated Futures Traders: NinjaTrader.
  • Best for Futures Education: E*TRADE.
  • Best for Desktop Futures Trading: TradeStation.

What is the 80 20 rule in futures trading? ›

In investing, the 80-20 rule generally holds that 20% of the holdings in a portfolio are responsible for 80% of the portfolio's growth. On the flip side, 20% of a portfolio's holdings could be responsible for 80% of its losses.

Which futures is most profitable? ›

The Best Futures to Trade
  • Eurodollar Futures.
  • E-mini S&P 500 Futures.
  • Crude Oil Futures.
  • 10-Year Treasury Note Futures.
  • Micro E-mini S&P 500 Index Futures.
Jul 16, 2024

What is the best time to trade futures? ›

1:00 – 3:00 PM is the most liquid part of the afternoon as professional traders balance their books into the close, the last 20 minutes or so into 3:00 PM, the highest volume.

Do you need $25,000 to day trade futures? ›

If your account value falls below $25,000, then any pattern day trading activities may constitute a violation. If you trade futures in a linked futures account, keep in mind that futures cash or positions do not count toward the $25,000 minimum account value.

Do people trade futures for a living? ›

When you're trading futures for a living it's important to treat it like any other new business venture. Keep regular hours, eat, exercise and dress well and reach out to other people in the trading community for advice and interaction. Doing so will keep you feeling healthy and centered. You'll also need a plan.

How to trade futures for beginners? ›

How to trade futures
  1. Understand how futures trading works.
  2. Pick a futures market to trade.
  3. Create an account and log in.
  4. Decide whether to go long or short.
  5. Place your first trade.
  6. Set your stops and limits.
  7. Monitor and close your position.

How much does TD Ameritrade charge for futures? ›

TD Ameritrade charges $25 for broker-assisted trades. It also charges a $75 transfer fee to move your portfolio to another service. The firm has neither inactivity fees and nor fees for standard transactions such as depositing and withdrawing money. It does charge $2.25 per contract to trade futures.

How much do you need in your account to trade futures? ›

Some small futures brokers offer accounts with a minimum deposit of $500 or less, but some of the better-known brokers that offer futures will require minimum deposits of as much as $5,000 to $10,000.

What are the easiest futures to trade? ›

High Liquidity For Low Slippage
  • Eurodollar (GE)
  • E-mini S&P 500 (ES)
  • 10-Year Treasury Note (ZN)
  • 5-Year Treasury Note (ZF)
  • Crude Oil WTI (CL)
  • Natural Gas (NG)
  • U.S. Treasury Bond (ZB)
  • E-mini Nasdaq 100 (NQ)

Can I trade futures in my TD Ameritrade account? ›

TD Ameritrade offers a broad array of futures trading tools and resources. Trade over 60 futures products virtually 24 hours a day, six days a week, on the advanced thinkorswim trading platform.

Which exchange is best for future trading? ›

What are the best crypto futures trading platforms?
ExchangeDerivative trading pairsTrading fees
Binance340+From 0.05%
Bybit400+From 0.055%+
MEXC400+From 0.02%
OKX640+From 0.05%
6 more rows
Feb 6, 2024

Is thinkorswim good for trading futures? ›

thinkorswim trading platforms offer a wide range of tools and solutions designed with futures traders in mind.

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