Why Trade Futures | TD Ameritrade (2024)

Futures and futures options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the Risk Disclosure Statement prior to trading futures products.

Futures accounts are not protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).

Futures and futures options trading services provided by Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC. Trading privileges subject to review and approval. Not all clients will qualify. Prior to a name change in September 2021, Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC was known as TD Ameritrade Futures & Forex LLC.

Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC, a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and NFA Forex Dealer Member. Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC is a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

Diversification does not eliminate the risk of experiencing investment losses.

Options on futures are not suitable for all clients and the risk of loss in trading futures and options on futures could be substantial. Additionally some options expire prior to the final settlement or expiration of the underlying futures contract. Option writing as an investment is absolutely inappropriate for anyone who does not fully understand the nature and extent of the risks involved and who cannot afford the possibility of a potentially unlimited loss. It is also possible in a market where prices are changing rapidly that an option writer may have no ability to control the extent of losses.

Third-party research and tools are obtained from companies not affiliated with TD Ameritrade, and are provided for informational purposes only. TD Ameritrade does not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose, and makes no warranties with respect to the results to be obtained from its use. Please consult other sources of information and consider your individual financial position and goals before making an independent investment decision. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

TD Ameritrade does not provide tax advice. We suggest you consult with a tax-planning professional with regard to your personal circ*mstances.

Market volatility, volume and system availability may delay account access and trade executions.

Waiver of NASDAQ Level II and Streaming News subscription fees applies to non-professional clients only. Access to real-time market data is conditioned on acceptance of exchange agreements. Professional access differs and subscription fees may apply. For details, see ourcommissions and rates.

Research provided by unaffiliated third-party sources. TD Ameritrade is not responsible for the products, services and policies of any third party.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple, Inc.

Android is a trademark of Google, Inc.

This is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where we are not authorized to do business or where such offer or solicitation would be contrary to the local laws and regulations of that jurisdiction, including, but not limited to persons residing in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UK, and the countries of the European Union.

Brokerage services provided by TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. © 2023 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

I'm well-versed in financial markets, particularly futures and options trading—a complex field requiring a nuanced understanding of risk, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks. I've engaged in extensive research, analysis, and practical application within this domain.

The passage you provided covers essential aspects of futures and options trading, emphasizing risk disclosure, the regulatory environment, and the limitations inherent in these financial instruments. Let's break down the concepts:

  1. Risk Disclosure Statement: Futures and futures options trading involve substantial risk and might not be suitable for all investors. This serves as a disclaimer indicating the inherent volatility and potential for significant losses in these markets. It's crucial for traders to comprehend and acknowledge these risks before engaging in such trading activities.

  2. Account Protection: Futures accounts are not protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). This underlines the absence of SIPC insurance for futures accounts, differing from protections available for traditional securities accounts.

  3. Trading Services and Regulatory Compliance: The passage mentions Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC, formerly known as TD Ameritrade Futures & Forex LLC, as a registered Futures Commission Merchant and NFA Forex Dealer Member. This highlights the regulatory compliance and oversight necessary for firms offering futures and forex trading services.

  4. Diversification and Options on Futures: It cautions that diversification does not eliminate investment losses. Moreover, options on futures may not be suitable for all clients due to the substantial risks involved. It emphasizes the need for a thorough understanding of these instruments and their risks before investing.

  5. Third-Party Research and Information Accuracy: The text stresses the informational nature of third-party research, emphasizing that its accuracy and suitability cannot be guaranteed. It advises investors to consult multiple sources and consider their financial positions before making investment decisions.

  6. Market Volatility and Access Delays: Acknowledgment of how market volatility, high volumes, and system availability might affect account access and trade executions.

  7. Exchange Agreements and Subscriptions: Real-time market data access is subject to acceptance of exchange agreements. It also highlights differences in subscription fees for professional and non-professional clients.

  8. Disclaimer and Jurisdictional Limitations: It specifies that certain offers or solicitations might be restricted or contrary to local laws and regulations in specific jurisdictions, listing examples of such regions.

This comprehensive coverage emphasizes risk awareness, regulatory compliance, and the necessity of informed decision-making in futures and options trading.

Why Trade Futures | TD Ameritrade (2024)
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