New to Futures

Let us help you build a successful approach to learning to trade futures—at your pace.

As a new futures trader, RJO Futures can help you build a solid foundation for developing the skills and resources a successful futures trading strategy requires. You can learn at your own pace, without pressure, using the many self-help resources we have available in this section. Of course, we'll be here for you every step of the way should you decide to tap into our expertise to guide you through your learning process. You may contact one of our experienced futures trading consultants anytime via the "Contact Us" information.

Keep in mind, our self-help education section is meant to provide you with a base understanding of futures trading. It is not engineered to make you a successful futures trader overnight. Our entire Education Center, along with time, experience, the right tools, and working with our knowledgeable advisors will provide the full package needed to set you on the path to becoming a successful futures trader.

Where to Begin

Below is a step-by-step suggestion of where to begin for new futures traders. You may follow this outline, or pick and choose randomly from the links below. Regardless, there is something to be learned from any combination you select.

RJO INTRO to Futures Trading Series. These proprietary Introduction Guides from RJO Futures are written by our own futures trading advisors and are geared to beginning traders like you. Each is written to give you a basic understanding of the material presented and how it relates to real-world futures trading. They're must-haves for the novice futures trader.

RJO Reading Room. Here you can find more than 80 resources in pdf format, available to print or read right from your computer. Topics range from beginner-level futures training to futures markets and products.

A-Z Futures and Options Glossary Terms. A valuable resource, this section contains terms and definitions collected to assist in your comprehension of futures and options.

Consult with an RJO Futures Advisor. Our experienced futures trading advisors can help you translate your trading ideas and goals into coherent trading strategies. News organizations often turn to them for expert market commentary. We feel it's important for new futures traders to work with an advisor initially, before moving on to a more hands-on approach. To find out more about their expertise, please visit our Trading Advisor bio page.

eView E-Newsletter and Archives. RJO Futures eView™ e-newsletter is a must-have futures market resource for news, advice and analysis, delivered to you via email every other week. It's perfect for new futures traders. Sign up now or view archives.

Additional Resources for Futures Traders

Futures Trading Recommendations

Receive commodity futures trading recommendations from RJO'Brien and the Hightower Report. Find out why the trades are going to happen, watch the markets set up the trade and follow the trade from entry to exit. These futures trading recommendations, accompanied by superior research, can help you make educated futures trading decisions.

Research

Timely research is an important part of developing a successful futures trading strategy. RJO offers access to the best research in the business. Our in-house staff includes experienced futures advisors and consultants, who often have featured commentary in the news.

In addition, we have relationships with some of the most respected research and solutions providers available, including David Hightower and CQG Inc. Special trial offers and discounted services are available to RJO clients.

Many of our commodity research products include specific futures trading recommendations, in addition to analysis and commentary.

Professional Advice

Futures traders of all levels of experience can benefit from the educational resources we offer. Whether you are new to trading futures, looking for basic training or are a veteran futures trader exploring new ways to trade, we can help you pick the right educational tools.

Tools

All visitors to our Web site are able to use many of our free tools, with important and timely information about what may affect the futures markets.

RJ O'Brien Margin Guide
Latest margin requirements for RJO Futures clients.

Monthly Event Calendar
Key dates for economic reports.

Contract Specifications
Contract specs for active futures contracts.

Economic Indicator Basics
Dates and explanations of key periodic Economic Indicator Reports.

Customer Login

Quick Quote

Quote Chart

Calendar of Events

February | March

Futures trading involves substantial risk, may result in serious financial loss, and is not suitable for everyone. Any trading decisions that you may make are solely your responsibility, and none of the content on this site should be taken as a personal recommendation or substitute for your own judgement.

The Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only. No part of the website should be taken to constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any particular product or service unless otherwise stated.

The website may contain links to other websites. These links are provided as references to help you identify and locate other Internet resources that may be of interest. These other websites are independently developed by parties other than R.J. O'Brien & Associates Canada Inc. (“RJOC”), and RJOC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or appropriateness of the information contained at, nor endorse the viewpoints expressed at, such websites.

While the information on our website is believed to be accurate at the time it is posted, RJOC cannot give any assurance that such information is accurate, complete or current at all times. This information is subject to change without notice, and as such, RJOC will not be held liable for inaccuracies in the information presented.

All products and service offerings are restricted to registered jurisdictions of R.J. O'Brien & Associates Canada Inc.