Course Description
Mastering the Art of Futures Trading: Your Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever been intrigued by the ebb and flow of corn prices on the commodities market? Perhaps you possess a penchant for taking calculated risks, a zest for exhilarating financial ventures, or an allure to the strategic game that is trading. The realm of futures trading, often dynamic and tinged with emotion, promises lucrative returns, making it a magnet for those with a keen financial acumen. Indeed, it offers an opportunity to not only trade with personal accounts but also manage portfolios for a diverse clientele. Experiencing successful trades in this domain is undeniably thrilling. However, a caveat: futures trading is not everyone's cup of tea. The stakes are high, and uninformed trading decisions can lead to significant monetary setbacks.
As of 2023, the futures market has witnessed an upward trajectory in terms of volume and global participants. Recognizing the burgeoning interest and the critical need for education in this space, we present "Investing 201: Commodity Markets and Futures Trading". This course stands as a lighthouse for those navigating the turbulent waters of futures trading.
Course Overview:
Investing 201: Commodity Markets and Futures Trading delves deep into the intricacies of the commodity and futures landscape. Beginning with the roots of commodity markets, it traverses through the mechanics of futures trading, demystifying complex jargon and decoding the nuances of charts.
What's in Store?
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History of Commodities Markets: Journey through time and explore the genesis, evolution, and milestones of commodity trading.
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Futures Markets: Unravel the dynamics of futures markets, their significance, and the forces that shape them.
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The Contract: A deep dive into the essence of trading – the contract. Understand its formulation, components, and significance.
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Contract Types: Decipher the various contract types available in the market and their unique attributes.
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Making a Trade: Transition from theory to practice. Learn the steps, strategies, and subtleties of executing a trade.
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Trading on Margin: Understand the concept of margin trading, its advantages, risks, and real-world applications.
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Regulatory Environment: Navigate the rules of the game. Familiarize yourself with the regulatory bodies, frameworks, and compliance mandates.
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How the Markets Work: Decode market mechanisms, influencers, and the interplay of various factors that drive prices and trends.
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Options: Explore the versatile world of options trading, its strategies, and applications.
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Trading Strategies: Equip yourself with proven trading methodologies, tactical approaches, and decision-making frameworks.
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Charts: Charts are the heartbeats of trading. Learn to interpret, analyze, and derive actionable insights from them.
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Trading Systems: Delve into automated trading systems, their design, advantages, and practical utility.
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Careers in Futures Trading: Discover potential career paths, roles, and opportunities in the futures trading ecosystem.
Who Should Enroll?
If you're someone who doesn't waver easily under market pressure, can gracefully navigate through losses, and possesses the financial bandwidth to learn while on the job, then futures trading might just be your calling. But, before you plunge, understanding the basics is pivotal. This course is tailor-made to provide you with a robust foundation.
The Futures Trading Advantage:
The futures market, with its vast potential, has been a realm where many have found not just monetary success, but also a fulfilling career. According to a 2023 report, the global futures market has grown exponentially, attracting a myriad of investors and traders. Such growth underscores the need for well-informed, strategic, and educated participants.
Conclusion:
In a world where financial decisions can make or break fortunes, being well-prepared is not just an advantage; it's a necessity. "Investing 201: Commodity Markets and Futures Trading" is not just a course; it's your mentor, guide, and the first step towards a potential career in futures trading. Equip yourself with knowledge, refine your strategies, and step confidently into the world of futures trading.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs
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Learning Outcomes
- Define the historical development of commodities and futures trading from ancient barter systems to modern electronic markets.
- Identify the primary categories of commodities and their unique characteristics influencing their interchangeability.
- Analyze the historical evolution of futures markets and discuss the impact of technological advancements on trading practices.
- Identify and differentiate the roles of major futures exchanges in the United States and globally, demonstrating their contributions to market innovations.
- Analyze how market factors such as spot price, forward price, carrying costs, and dividends influence futures contract pricing.
- Define the components and terms of a futures contract, including asset type, quantity, delivery date, and location.
- Describe the differences between physical delivery and cash settlement futures contracts, and explain how each impacts market participants' trading strategies.
- Identify and categorize various types of futures contracts based on their underlying assets, including agricultural, metals, energy, currency, interest rate, and index contracts.
- Demonstrate the ability to execute various order types, including market, limit, and stop orders, to effectively manage risk and capitalize on trading opportunities in futures markets.
- Recognize and describe key patterns in futures trading charts, such as the 'head and shoulders,' to predict potential market reversals.
- Demonstrate the ability to calculate leverage and margin requirements in futures trading using real-world scenarios.
- Identify and explain the differences between initial margin and maintenance margin, and the implications of margin calls in trading contexts.
- Identify and describe the roles of major regulatory bodies involved in futures markets, such as the CFTC and NFA.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Assessment Guide
Assessment | Points |
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An Introduction | 1 points |
Quiz for Lesson 1 - History of Commodities Markets | 9 points |
Lesson 1 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 2 Activity | 1 points |
Quiz for Lesson 2 - Futures Markets | 10 points |
Lesson 2 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 3 Activity | 1 points |
Quiz for Lesson 3 - The Contract | 9 points |
Lesson 3 Review Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 4 Activity | 1 points |
Quiz for Lesson 4 - Contract Types | 10 points |
Lesson 4 Review Exam | 20 points |
Quiz for Lesson 5 - Making a Trade | 9 points |
Lesson 5 Review Exam | 20 points |
Quiz for Lesson 6 -Trading on Margin | 8 points |
Lesson 6 Review Exam | 19 points |
Quiz for Lesson 7 - Regulatory Environment | 10 points |
Lesson 7 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 8 Activity | 1 points |
Quiz for Lesson 8 - How the Markets Work | 10 points |
Lesson 8 Review Exam | 20 points |
Quiz for Lesson 9 - Options | 8 points |
Lesson 9 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 10 Activity | 1 points |
Quiz for Lesson 10 - Trading Strategies | 9 points |
Lesson 10 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 11 Activity | 1 points |
Quiz for Lesson 11 - Charts | 9 points |
Lesson 11 Review Exam | 20 points |
Quiz for Lesson 12 - Trading Systems | 10 points |
Lesson 12 Review Exam | 20 points |
Quiz for Lesson 13 - Careers in Futures Trading | 10 points |
The Final Exam | 580 points |
Lesson 13 Review Exam | 18 points |