Commodity Futures Trading
COURSE OVERVIEW
Introductory
None
Group-LiveOnline
-
28 Hours

Overview
Learning Outcomes
Agenda
Special Features
Details & Registration
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Overview
With commodity markets reaching new highs and volatility increasing, our Commodity Futures Trading course aims to give you an understanding of the major commodity markets and how to trade them successfully.
This course highlights the key concepts involved in commodity trading with elements drawn from real-world situations. We start by developing a macro and technical view of today’s commodity markets by examining their fundamental characteristics and principles. Then, we examine the historical perspective, price behavior, and typical commodity patterns over time
You will learn about the risks and rewards across all sectors, the nuances and quirks specific to the different commodity markets, how those impact price movement and volatility, and about liquidity issues in lightly traded commodities. Most importantly, we look at how these factors affect the bottom-line - your P&L.
The vast majority of the course will cover the main trading methods that are effective in the commodity markets. Some trading tools and techniques are more applicable to one type of commodity than another. We’ll look at each trading technique using real examples to show the successes and failures of different trading strategies. We will explore the various trading time-frames like: day trading, overnight trading, and medium to long-term trading.
- Analysis and case studies of current events in the market as they apply to the course a material.
- Work with trading platforms and technical analysis tools used by Wall Street professionals.
- Identify and develop the right trading style for you, while understanding how to adapt to changing market conditions.
Part 1: Introduction to Futures
We will examine the fundamental characteristics and principles of commodities and their cyclical nature. You will understand why the need for these instruments developed and how the mechanisms of delivery and settlement in commodity trading came about. You will learn to identify the key players and also become familiar with the role of the commodities exchanges.
Part 2: Futures Markets
You will learn about the range of commodities futures commonly traded and focus on the four main commodity sectors: energy, softs, metals, and grains. We will examine major factors in supply and demand in these markets, what influences the producers have over the process, and understand the risks and rewards for trading in each sector.
Part 3: Technical Analysis for Commodities Trading
Technical Analysis covers a broad array of topics, tools, techniques, and systems for trading and hedging in the commodity markets. We will present a historical perspective on the use of technical analysis in analyzing commodity prices. We will overview all of the major
tools, techniques, and common market patterns.
Part 4: Two Approaches to Futures Trading - Directional vs. Spreads
You will be exposed to the principles and secrets behind Directional Trading and Spread Trading, two of the most popular approaches to trade commodity futures. You will learn when each approach is most applicable for certain market conditions and more importantly, how they apply to the trading style and personality of the trader.
Part 5: Practical Futures Trading - From Demo to Live Trading
We will explore all aspects of moving from paper trading to live trading and to treat trading like a business. This will include but not be limited to: electronic executing vs. open outcry executing, choosing a trading platform, a quote vendor, brokerage firm, reading quotes and calculating tick/price value, and more.
Part 6: Risk Management
Proper money management is critical. This may be the most important part of trading futures. Without good money management techniques, you might as well just throw your money away. Knowing which market you want to enter is only the first step. Next you must figure out your risk / reward ratios. You will learn how to eliminate the downside risk without limiting the upside potential.
We believe that personal attention and tutoring is the most effective way to help you understand the material and succeed. That's why each class has a high teacher to student ratio (a maximum of 10 students per class, guaranteed) to give our students personal attention and the depth of knowledge they need to be successful traders.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course participants will be able to:
- Understand fundamental theories applied to the valuation of futures.
- Know the rationale for investing and trading commodity futures as an alternative asset class to stocks and bonds.
- Identify key factors necessary to hedge with future contracts.
- Understand the various trading techniques, strategies, and the psychology behind market movements.
- Learn practical trading strategies and techniques for the different commodity markets, including: energy, softs, metals, and grains.
- Learn to trade commodities futures with an advanced electronic trading platform. Take advantage of market depth information and advanced charts & indicators.
- Know the relationships between commodity futures, commodity ETFs, and the cash market.
- Learn to minimize risks when trading illiquid commodities and options.
Full Agenda
Curriculum
Active Courses
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Part 1 - Introduction to Futures
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We will examine the fundamental characteristics and principles of commodities and their cyclical nature. You will understand why the need for these instruments developed and how the mechanisms of delivery and settlement in commodity trading came about. You will learn to identify the key players and also become familiar with the role of the commodities exchanges.
1.1
Historical Background
1.2
Central marketplaces
1.3
Agrarian Futures vs. Index
1.4
Trading Futures vs. Trading Equities
1.5
1.6
The Futures Industry
- Futures Exchanges and Floor Traders
- Globex Trading
- Clearing Houses
- Futures Regulators
1.7
Understanding Futures Contracts
- Standardization
- Understanding Futures Prices
- Daily Price Information
- Volume and Open Interest
- The Ability to Offset Positions
- Daily Price Limits
- Leverage - The Use of Margin
- Cost of Trading
1.8
Unique Benefits for Investing in Commodities
- Leverage
- Diversification & Absolute Returns
- Inflation Protection
- Commodities as an Alternative to Traditional Bonds & Stocks Portfolio
- Taxation (60/40 treatment)
1.9
Risks
- Addressing the Risks of Producing and Processing Commodities
- Inherent Leverage & Margin Calls
- Futures as Risk Management Tools
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Part 2 - Futures Markets
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You will learn about the range of commodities futures commonly traded and focus on the four main commodity sectors: energy, softs, metals, and grains. We will examine major factors in supply and demand in these markets, what influences the producers have over the process, and understand the risks and rewards for trading in each sector.
2.1
Fundamental Analysis vs. Technical Analysis
2.2
Supply/Demand Analysis
2.3
Seasonal Analysis
2.4
The Role of Expectations?
2.5
Analysis of Volume and Open Interest
2.6
Fundamental Analysis and Trading
2.7
Influences of Economic & Market Indicators on Commodities
2.8
Which Contract to Trade?
2.9
When to Trade?
Market by Market-
Instruments, History & Seasonality:
2.10
Energy
- Overview
- Historic Perspective
- Popular Contracts:
- Light Crude
- Natural Gas
- Heating Oil
2.11
Grains
- Overview
- Historic Perspective
- Popular Contracts:
2.12
Softs
- Overview
- Historic Perspective
- Popular Contracts:
- Sugar
- Coffee
- Orange Juice (FCOJ)
2.13
Metals
- Overview
- Historic Perspective
- Popular Contracts:
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Part 3 - Technical Analysis for Commodities Trading
-
Technical Analysis covers a broad array of topics, tools, techniques, and systems for trading and hedging in the commodity markets. We will present a historical perspective on the use of technical analysis in analyzing commodity prices. We will overview all of the major tools, techniques, and common market patterns.
3.1
Bar Charts
3.2
Locating Support and Resistance
3.3
Reversal Patterns - Head & Shoulders
3.4
Continuation Patterns
- Symmetrical Triangle
- Ascending/Descending Triangle
- Flag
3.5
Gap Theory
3.6
Moving Averages
3.7
Minor Trend Change Oscillator & Indicators
3.8
Point & Figure Charting
3.9
Fibonacci Numbers
3.10
Elliott Waves
3.11
Technical Indicators Set Ups
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Part 4 - Two Approaches to Futures Trading - Directional vs. Spreads
-
You will be exposed to the principles and secrets behind Directional Trading and Spread Trading, two of the most popular approaches to trade commodity futures. You will learn when each approach is most applicable for certain market conditions and more importantly, how they apply to the trading style and personality of the trader.
4.1
Long & Short
- Short and Intermediate Term Trades
- Spotting Opportunities
- Entering The Trade
- Monitoring Your Position
- When to Close Your Position?
4.2
Spreads
- Intra-Market Spreads
- Inter-Commodity Spreads
- Product Spreads
- Trade Examples
- Spotting Spread Opportunities
- Entering The Trade in Optimal Way
- Monitoring Your Position
- Rolling The Spread
- When to Close Your Position?
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Part 5 - Practical Futures Trading - From Demo to Live Trading
-
We will explore all aspects of moving from paper trading to live trading and to treat trading like a business. This will include but not be limited to: electronic executing vs. open outcry executing, choosing a trading platform, a quote vendor, brokerage firm, reading quotes and calculating tick/price value, and more.
5.1
Developing a Trade Plan
5.2
Paper Trading vs. Live
5.3
Setting up Your Trading Station
5.4
Things to Consider When Trading Remotely
5.5
Choosing a Broker
5.6
Commissions
5.7
Conducting Research
- Using Professional Analytic Tools
- Reading Professional Research Reports
- Using Free Web Resources
5.8
Reviewing & Refining Your Trade Plan
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Part 6 - Risk Management
-
Proper money management is critical. This may be the most important part of trading futures. Without good money management techniques, you might as well just throw your money away. Knowing which market you want to enter is only the first step. Next you must figure out your risk / reward ratios. You will learn how to eliminate the downside risk without limiting the upside potential.
6.1
Why Most Retail Futures Traders Lose Money?
6.2
Trading Rules
6.3
Discipline
6.4
Capital Preservation
6.5
Price & Time Based Alerts
6.6
Using Stops Wisely
Special Bonuses for Our Students
Class Material Binder & CD
Each student will receive a binder with all class slides and material printed. The printed slides have room to write notes. Also included are class exercises, handouts and a CD with graphics and charts.
All material is organized in accordance with the curriculum.
Membership
Graduation from our courses does not mean your relationship with us ends. Our graduates will receive access to our special investor forum, where you can ask questions and exchange ideas with instructors as well as other investors like yourself. We will also invite you to participate in our annual conference, free of charge.
Details & Registration
- All Locations
- New York
- London
- Toronto
- Singapore
New York Commodity Futures Trading Class
Singapore Commodity Futures Trading Class
Washington DC Commodity Futures Trading Class
London Commodity Futures Trading Class
Toronto Commodity Futures Trading Class
New York Commodity Futures Trading Class
Singapore Commodity Futures Trading Class
Washington DC Commodity Futures Trading Class
London Commodity Futures Trading Class
Toronto Commodity Futures Trading Class
New York Commodity Futures Trading Class
Singapore Commodity Futures Trading Class
Washington DC Commodity Futures Trading Class
London Commodity Futures Trading Class
New York Commodity Futures Trading Class
Washington DC Commodity Futures Trading Class
Singapore Commodity Futures Trading Class
London Commodity Futures Trading Class
Toronto Commodity Futures Trading Class
New York Commodity Futures Trading Class
Washington DC Commodity Futures Trading Class
Singapore Commodity Futures Trading Class
London Commodity Futures Trading Class
New York Commodity Futures Trading Class
Washington DC Commodity Futures Trading Class
Toronto Commodity Futures Trading Class
Singapore Commodity Futures Trading Class
New York Commodity Futures Trading Class
London Commodity Futures Trading Class
Washington DC Commodity Futures Trading Class
Payment Methods
We accept all major credit cards and PayPal. The payment can be completed through our secure e-commerce system.

You can call or email one of our representatives and pay over the phone.
+1.646.687.8444
9:00am - 7:30pm Monday - Thursday
9:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Fridayy

Should be made payable to:
Invest Academy
Please mail your check along with a copy of your invoice and write the participant name and invoice number on the check memo.
We recommend sending the check with an express courier such as Fedex, UPS or USPS Express if you are mailing your check from outside New York.