Forex Futures Trading Is Attractive To Day Traders

Forex Futures Trading Is Attractive To Day Traders

by Dean Forster

In the world of currency there are two distinct types of Forex trading. The first is the most popular of currency trading known as spot trading. The second way in which to trace currency is Forex Futures trading. There are differences between spot and futures trading to be sure, however the biggest difference and arguably the most important difference between them is the fact that spot trades are handled in what is termed as over the counter. The fact is there is no central location in which a Forex transaction is cleared. Futures trades have the distinction of clearing at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange, or CMX for short, has been offering Forex Futures trading since 1972. Today, the CMX offers futures on 41 currency pairs, options on 31 currency contracts and it holds over $60 billion in total liquidity. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange also does Futures transactions on their world-renowned Globex platforms. As an added bonus, it also offers feature popular future contracts traded on the e-mini equity indices.

One of the big differences in Forex spot trading as opposed to Forex Futures is that the former works very well for those whose habits tend to lean towards trades that are a shorter term, whereas Forex Futures trading is typically better for larger, long-term trades.

For most investors the biggest most important difference between Forex spot and Futures Trading is not the over the counter trade as opposed to the trade clearing at a central location. The most striking difference in the two is the cost involved in currency trading. Futures has a cost of around $20 or less per round turn. The Forex spot trade will run you anywhere from $30 to $50 and up per round turn. This particular aspect of Forex Futures trading makes it the trade of choice for most currency day traders.

From just a personal perspective, some people have a problem with Forex spot trade simply because in most cases, they have no idea with what company or with whom they may be doing business. It is seldom an issue, but some investors prefer doing business at a central location. With Forex Futures trading, this is not an issue. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange is a market that has a rich and storied tradition. Most people know where it is and they know it is not going anywhere.