Futures
5 articles
Margin and Leverage in Futures Trading, Explained
Margin and leverage in futures trading explained: initial and maintenance margin, daily mark-to-market, margin calls, and why losses can exceed your deposit.
Contango and Backwardation Explained for Futures Traders
Contango and backwardation describe the shape of the futures curve. Learn what causes each, how roll yield works, and why it matters for commodity funds.
How Futures Contracts Work: A Plain-English Guide
A plain-English guide to how futures contracts work: standardized terms, clearinghouses, daily settlement, delivery versus offset, and who trades them.
CME news: April 2026 ADV reaches 25.9 million contracts
CME Group reported April 2026 average daily volume of 25.9 million contracts, with growth in micro crude and metals futures and a record in KC HRW wheat.
CFTC opens first COT review since 2006, eyeing futures market data
The CFTC sought public comment on publishing Commitments of Traders reports more often and changing their content, its first full review of them since 2006.