For many traders, day trading emini Futures is preferred over trading the stock market. Trading the Futures markets is substantially slower than the stock exchange, allowing more opportunity to analyze potential emini Futures trades. When trading emini Futures, traders must watch charts, just as they would while trading stocks. While the time frame a trader monitors for trading Futures varies from stocks, without charts, a Futures trader would be trading blind. Hence, it is highly recommended that no trader attempt to trade Futures, without charts. Generally, it is recommended a trader monitor at least a two hour time frame, for any emini Futures you decide to trade. Futures traders should consider our Futures Chart Settings which show what our moderators look at every time they make a call inside the Futures Trading Room.
Just as with stocks, demo trading is provided by many Futures Trading Brokers and is highly recommended. If you are new to the Futures trading market, you should begin by getting set up to demo trade, from the get go. Start by utilizing the same amount of demo funds, that you intend to use, when you begin to trade live. It would be foolish for a trader to demo-trade with an amount of capital substantially more than what they actually will be using. Simply put – that would be totally fruitless and a waste of time.
Be prepared to demo-trade emini Futures contracts for several months until you feel comfortable with your trading platform, your setup and most importantly, your trading strategy. You will need to determine your stop loss, based on your individual loss risk tolerance. No two traders will utilize the exact same stop loss so, while you may discuss Futures trading methods with other Futures traders, don’t try to ‘copy’ their trading style or methodology used. You need to develop your own trading system based on the amount of profits you intend to reach for. Just like no two Futures traders are alike – neither is two Futures trading days. The day of the week, geopolitical news, economic data and holidays, will determine the type of Futures trading activity you will see. Some Futures trading days will be very slow with tight ranges – these are the riskiest days since many traders try to force trades – just to make a trade as this is very foolish and costly. Experienced Futures traders who are trading live, will switch to demo Futures trading during days when the markets are weak or whippy, creating a hazardous trading atmosphere.
New Futures Traders should consider our Training Programs to assist them in developing a successful trading strategy. Our Training Programs are not just for new Futures Traders, many veteran Futures Traders reap benefits as well, with a refresher course to the Futures markets.
January 2012
