Futures For You  |  OCT 2005

Futures For You by Dan O’Neil

Stocks & Commodities V. 23:10 (202-23): Futures For You by Dan O’Neil INSIDE THE FUTURES WORLD Want to learn how the futures markets really work? Dan O’Neil, a principal at online futures and forex broker XPRESSTRADE (www.xpresstrade.com), responds to your questions about today’s futures markets. To submit a question, post your question to our website at http://Message-Boards.Traders.com. Answers will be posted there, and selected questions will appear in a future issue of S&C. WELCOME TO FUTURES FOR YOU When I was invited to author a new column for STOCKS & COMMODITIES devoted to the futures markets, I couldn’t have been more enthusiastic. Futures trading is a highly specialized niche within the larger financial services industry, and our markets are often overlooked and misunderstood. In this column, I’ll share insight about the mechanics of the futures markets, clear up misconceptions, explain advantages and drawbacks to futures, point out potential opportunities, and respond to your questions. I look forward to hearing from you! TRADING VOLATILE ENERGY FUTURES With both crude oil and unleaded gasoline futures recording all-time highs, the current spotlight’s on the energy sector. Today’s volatile energy markets make for excellent trading opportunities, but sharp turns in the market also make these contracts treacherous and unsuitable for the faint of heart. How can a new futures trader, or a trader with limited trading capital, participate in the world’s most active commodity market while minimizing risk?

by Dan O’Neil