Futures Education
Short, plain-English guides to how common futures contracts work — contract size, margin, rollover, and how to practice on a demo. Educational only, not a recommendation.
Futures and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You can lose more than you deposit.
Futures Markets and Contracts
Plain-English contract guides covering market families, contract size, tick value, settlement, and risk.
Platform videos (CQG Desktop)
Free CQG Desktop tutorials on charting, order entry, and the DOM.
Index products
Metals
Energy
How futures work
Margin and Leverage in Futures
Initial and maintenance margin, margin calls, and why leverage cuts both ways.
Read the guide GuideContract Rollover, First Notice Day, and Last Trading Day
Key contract dates and what rolling a position involves.
Read the guide GuideOrder Types and Stops
Market, limit, and stop orders, and why a stop is not a guarantee.
Read the guide GuideHedging Basics in Futures
How futures positions can offset existing risk, and their limitations.
Read the guide GuideFutures vs. Stocks and ETFs
How futures differ from stocks and ETFs in sizing, hours, and settlement.
Read the guide