Stay abreast of industry knowledge with these article tidbits written by the RJO Futures brokers and staff. Written without time-sensitivity these articles discuss enduring topics of how and when to trade.
General Trading Articles
How to Choose a Futures Trading Platform
So how do you determine which trading platform is best suited to your needs? We attempt to help break down the decision-making process here to help you make a more informed decision in selecting a trading platform suited to support your personal trading style, goals and unique market needs.
Scalping the market is a trading technique in which a trader attempts to profit from short-term price changes intra-day. It tends to work best in a choppy market that is not trending in one direction only. Even if the overall trend of that market is up or down, you can benefit from both directions when you scalp.
Durable vs. Non-Durable Goods: What’s the Difference?
Put simply, durable goods are products that do not need to be purchased often, whereas non-durable goods are products that expire more quickly. The rule of thumb for this is, if it lasts longer than 3 years, it is a durable good, and if it lasts less than 3 years, it is a non-durable good.
Deep Discount or Full Service Brokerages: What’s the Right Choice?
Choosing where to open your trading account is a more significant decision than it may first For most investors, this means wrestling with one of the most common questions in the investment space: Do I use a deep discount brokerage, or go with full service?
The earlier you can identify a legitimate price trend and enter a position, the greater the potential return on your trades. It takes experience to discern a legitimate breakout from a false one. It’s also no easy endeavor to set smart price targets and stop losses. To do so, you’ll need some basic working knowledge of breakout principles and strategies.
Late winter is the time of year we normally see old crop versus new crop trades in many of the grain markets. New traders are often confused because market prices may be different for old and new crop. New crop refers to a crop that is to be planted in the future or is currently growing and has yet to be harvested.
The Yield Curve and Its Relation to Recession
Just as the yield curve can be a good indicator of inflation, it can also be an indicator of an impending economic recession. As the yield curve flattens, so does our economy and the odds of a recession occurring in the next few years increases. As of December 3, 2018 the U.S. has inverted for the first time since the 2008 recession.
Factors Behind Interest Rate Changes
In the United States, the Treasury yield curve is the first mover of all domestic interest rates and an influential factor in setting global rates. Interest rates on all other domestic bond categories rise and fall with U.S. Treasury, which are the debt securities issued…
The Yield Curve in Relation to Inflation
The yield curve is a line on a graph that plots interest rates at a certain point in time. This curve can be used as an indicator for debt in the market and can also be used to indicate how inflation will affect the economy. The yield curve can take three shapes…
Systematic Risk and What it Means to The Everyday Trader
Systematic Risk can be defined as the risk correlated with the entire market or market segment. Systematic risk may also be referred to as “volatility”, “undiversifiable risk”, or “market risk”. Unfortunately, systematic risk is impossible to completely avoid, simply…
Filing Taxes on Commodities Trading
Trading commodities can provide a lucrative income and each year that a person trades, he or she must complete a tax form claiming any profits. The 1099-B form is used for listing this information. This guide by RJO Futures provides insight into filing taxes on commodities trading….
Will Blockchain Unleash the Next Energy Boom?
Few technologies of late have generated as much buzz as blockchain. Much like the hype that surrounded the emergence of the “App Economy,” startups are working overtime to disrupt virtually every industry through the integration of blockchain platforms.
A stop-limit order is a trade that triggers a limit order once a specified stop price has been reached or broken through. A stop-limit order is a two-part trade that consists of two prices, those of course being the stop price and the limit price. The stop price is the start of the specified price for the trade and the limit price is the price outside the target price for the trade. Once an asset hits a stop price, the limit order is triggered.
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Fibonacci Retracement Trading
The Fibonacci Sequence was first introduced by Leonardo Bogollo, better known as Fibonacci. It is the oldest known recursive sequence, where each successive term can only be found by performing operations on previous terms. Fibonacci works by finding a successive term by adding the two preceding terms together.
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Trading Agricultural Futures
Agricultural futures and options are a way for traders to use futures to represent the buy and sell of agricultural commodities such as cattle, grains, hogs, and more. While these contracts are rarely delivered, a trader will use them to predict which direction they believe a certain commodity will go and will buy or sell a contract based on that prediction.
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Benefits of E-mini Trading
E-mini, which stands for electronic mini, is an electronically traded futures contract that offer a fraction of the value and price of a corresponding futures contract. E-mini contracts are traded and offered widely on the CME for a number of different assets, but the E-mini S&P 500 contract is by far and away the most popular. The E-mini S&P 500 futures contract is 1/5 the size of the full S&P 500 futures contract and is one of the most popularly traded contracts in the world.
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Interest Rates and Inflation – How are They Related?
Interest rates and inflation often go hand in hand when it comes to discussing the economy. Their relationship is a complicated one that comes with a lot of yin and yang. When interest rates are held low for a long period of time, it puts more money into the market and increases the chance of inflation. The same goes for the inverse. When interest rates are held high it puts a strain on money in the market, thus lowering inflation.
Copper futures trading is the act of buying or selling an exchange-traded copper futures contract in which the purchasing party agrees to accept delivery for a specific quantity of copper, in this case 25 tonnes per contract, for a pre-established price on a pre-established date.
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Corn Futures Trading
Corn futures trading is the act of buying or selling an exchange traded corn futures contract for expiration or delivery on a predetermined date for a predetermined price. Corn futures became available to trade on the Chicago Board of Trade in 1848 and are one of the longest tenured futures products in the market.
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Soybean Futures Trading
Soybean futures are an exchange traded and regulated futures contract in which the buyer agrees to take a delivery on a pre-determined amount of soybeans for a pre-determined price on a pre-determined date. Soybean futures are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade and are a useful tool that provide traders with exceptional liquidity and hedging possibilities.
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Reasons to Trade Crude Oil Futures
Crude oil futures trading is the act of buying or selling a pre-determined amount of exchange traded crude oil contracts on a pre-determined date for a pre-determined price. Crude oil futures contracts are the most actively traded physical commodity on the futures market due to public consumption and necessity of crude oil.
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Reasons to Trade Live Cattle Futures
Live cattle futures trading is the act of buying and selling exchange traded live cattle futures contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. A live cattle futures contract is an agreement to take delivery of a full-grown cattle, weighing between 1,200-1,400 pounds. Live Cattle futures contracts are most often bought and taken for delivery by meat processors.
A Guide to Spread Trading Futures
There are many different types of spreads that traders will incorporate into their strategy. In this article, we will explain how some of these types of spreads could minimize your risk.
How to Trade DOW Jones Futures
This article will give you some of the tools that you will need to better understand how to trade the Dow Jones futures contract.
Managing risk helps investors minimize the chances of significant losses and increase the chances of achieving their investment goals. Unfortunately, not every investor succeeds at risk management. Some fall prey to greed or one of the many cognitive biases that make investing a challenge.
You’ve probably heard the phrases “practice makes perfect” and “look before you leap.”
In the context of futures trading, those are eternally useful pieces of advice. Given the learning curve that exists with trading, the ability to learn the ropes before risking real money can help build an essential foundation for future success.
A Guide to Futures Paper Trading
If you’ve ever asked yourself “what is paper money trading?” you’re already on the right path as a trader, as paper trading is a key weapon in the arsenal of many savvy investors.
A recession may not sound like a great time to be in the markets, but the truth is that they provide plenty of potential opportunity – if you know the right strategies to pursue.
The price of global commodities can swing significantly based on factors such as weather, insect infestations, war or economic disruption and changing buyer needs. These price fluctuations create opportunities for traders, who can capitalize on price shifts via commodities futures contracts.
Gold has been one of humanity’s most desired assets since time immemorial. Yet the methods by which we trade gold have changed dramatically over the years.
Many people believe that stock trading during recession periods is more difficult than usual. The truth, however, is that there is no reason to automatically associate recessions with poor trading environments.
As of 2022, the United States had gone well over a decade without a recession. Given this long period of economic growth and stability, many investors have become unfamiliar with the right financial steps to take during a recession.
Looking to predict market trends? Read RJO Futures’ beginner’s guide to technical analysis. Learn how to read charts and identify patterns for better trading decisions.
Discover the top reasons why investing in metals is a smart choice for your financial future. Hedge against inflation, diversify your portfolio, and more.
RJO Futures takes a closer look at everything you need to know about futures trading demo accounts, how they work with futures, and how to choose the right partner.
RJO Futures expands on the differences between futures trading demo accounts and live trading accounts. Take a closer look and explore the best way to get started.
Discover the future of the US dollar in 2023. Uncover insights, trends, and expert opinions in our blog, analyzing the potential for a stronger USD.
Discover effective risk management strategies for trading Russell 2000 futures. Safeguard your investments with our expert insights and practical tips.
Dive into the intricacies of futures contracts and forex markets. Understand their operations, leverage, and how RJO Futures guides traders to success.
Explore the intricacies of the PDT Rule with RJO Futures. Dive into compliance tips, alternative strategies, and leverage our futures trading demo for success.
RJO Futures provides an overview of stop-loss orders and their benefits. Discover how stop-loss orders can bolster your stock-investment strategy.
Unlock the secrets to successful NASDAQ futures trading with our comprehensive guide. Learn the essential steps to master this lucrative market.
Unlock futures trading success with RJO Futures Pro – your online futures trading platform for advanced tools, personalized support, and educational resources.
Explore the 8 key advantages of RJO Futures Pro in our latest blog. Learn how this premier online futures trading platform can revolutionize your trading strategy.
Explore energy futures with RJO Futures. A beginner’s guide covering trading basics, market analysis, risk management, and strategies for success.
Dive into Micro Bitcoin 101 with our blog. Learn trading essentials, strategies, and risk management with RJO Futures’ Investor Kit. The perfect guide for all traders.
Dive into gold and silver trading with RJO Futures. Gain expert insights and strategies with our detailed Investor Kit, designed for every trader.
Discover how the E-Mini S&P 500 Investor Kit and RJO Futures’ expertise can revolutionize your trading strategy, offering tools and insights for success.
Discover effective strategies for agricultural futures trading and enhance your skills with the RJO Futures Agricultural Investor Kit in this comprehensive guide.