10 FAQs To Ask When Shopping for Futures Brokers

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When shopping for a futures broker, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that you choose a broker that meets your trading needs. Here are 10 important questions to ask when shopping for a futures broker.

1. What futures products do you offer?
   The first question to ask a futures broker is what futures products they offer. Look for a broker that offers a wide variety of futures products, including agricultural, energy, metals, interest rates, and equity indexes. The more products a broker offers, the more opportunities you’ll have to diversify your portfolio and find profitable trades.
2. What trading platforms do you support?
   The next question to ask a futures broker is what trading platforms they support. Look for a broker that supports multiple trading platforms, including desktop, web, and mobile. This will allow you to access the markets from anywhere at any time and choose the platform that best fits your trading style.
3. What are your commission and fee structures?
   Commission and fee structures can vary widely among futures brokers, so it’s important to ask about them upfront. Look for a broker that offers low commissions, margin rates, and transaction fees. However, it’s important to keep in mind that low fees may come with trade-offs, such as limited trading tools or resources.
4. What is your margin requirement?
   Margin requirements can also vary among futures brokers, so it’s important to ask about them upfront. Margin requirements are the amount of money you need to have in your account to open a futures position. Look for a broker that offers reasonable margin requirements that align with your trading style and risk tolerance.
5. What is your customer support like?
   Customer support is a critical aspect of futures trading, so it’s important to ask about it upfront. Look for a broker that offers reliable customer support that is available 24/7. Ask about the broker’s support channels, such as phone, email, and live chat, and how quickly they respond to inquiries.
6. What is your regulatory status?
   Regulation is an important aspect of futures trading, as it helps ensure that brokers operate within legal guidelines and are held accountable for any misconduct. Ask about the broker’s regulatory status and which regulatory authorities they are registered with. Look for brokers that are registered with reputable regulatory authorities, such as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) or the National Futures Association (NFA).
7. How do you handle risk management?
   Risk management is a critical aspect of futures trading, as it helps traders minimize their losses and protect their capital. Ask about the broker’s risk management tools and how they help traders manage their risk. Look for brokers that offer stop loss orders, limit orders, and other risk management tools.
8. What educational resources do you offer?
   Education and training are essential for traders who want to improve their skills and stay up-to-date on the markets. Ask about the broker’s educational resources, such as webinars, tutorials, and articles, that can help you learn the basics of futures trading and develop advanced trading strategies.
9. Do you offer a demo account?
   A demo account is a useful tool for traders who want to test the broker’s platform and practice trading strategies without risking real money. Ask about the broker’s demo account and how it simulates real trading conditions. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the platform and test your strategies in a risk-free environment.
10. What is your track record?
    Finally, ask about the broker’s track record and experience in the futures industry. Look for brokers that have a proven track record of success and experience in the markets you’re interested in trading. Ask for references from other traders, and read reviews and testimonials to get a sense of the broker’s reputation.

Asking the right questions when shopping for a futures broker is essential for finding a futures broker that will suit your needs and help you trade responsibly and professionally.

Ready to start trading futures? Call 1(800)454-9572 and speak to one of our experienced, Series-3 licensed futures brokers and start your futures trading journey with Cannon Trading Company today.

Disclaimer – Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors.  Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time.