How futures trading began

In the United States, futures trading began in the mid-1800’s as a way to bring together producers and users of grains and cotton. Today, the CME Group in Chicago is the largest futures exchange in the world; its stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

What is a futures contract?

A futures contract is an obligation to buy or sell a specific quantity of a certain commodity or asset on a future date at an agreed upon price. Because the terms of futures contracts for each commodity or asset are standardized (i.e. same quantity, quality, delivery), they can be traded on an exchange. The only variable is the price.

How futures trading works

Futures trading occurs on federally regulated exchanges, which facilitate the place where buyers and sellers trade as well as post-trade clearing. In futures trading, the buyer and seller create a new contract with each trade, the number of contracts that can be created is limitless.

How can I start trading futures?

RJO Futures offers a variety of services to let you choose which type is best for your trading plan.

  • RJO Premier Service Trading Account: Your RJO Futures senior market strategist will work with you to develop a complete trading plan based on your ideas, experience and goals.
  • Self-Directed Account: For experienced traders that use their own market analysis to make trading decisions and manage risk for themselves.
  • RJO Online Plus Account: A hybrid account with self-directed trading and personalized trade strategies.
  • Hedging and Risk Management Account: Custom trade strategies focused on hedging and managing risk in your portfolio.
  • Managed Futures Account: For those who do not have the time to spend monitoring the markets or if you want to remove the emotional component from your trading decisions.

RJO University

We also have a substantial Learning Center that provides our clients with a library of articles, guides, webinars, trading resources, and a trading terms glossary for those just starting out. Take a look at our Futures Market pages to help you get your feet wet.