It's Always Possible Commodity Futures Trading
Can Make You Lots of Money, if Done Right!

Today is which is a good time to start trading using a new and improved trading system for a better possibility of profitable successful trading on the futures exchange. Commodity futures contracts, which includes everything ranging from crude oil to electricity to orange juice and precious metals to live cattle and markets like ultra t-bonds which are fast paced and volatile commodity markets thru which a trader anticipates making money from forecasting future price change.

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Unfortunately, as in most investment areas where substantial profits can be made fast, unscrupulous operators have taken millions of dollars from unsuspecting investors. These con men have also offered bogus investment contracts in such items as precious metals that may look like futures contracts but are not traded on regulated futures exchanges. These scammers prey on individuals who probably should not be investing in commodity futures at all, because they do not understand this type of transaction and can not afford potential losses.

COMMODITY FUTURES MARKETS - HOW THEY OPERATE

Futures contracts are standardized contracts traded through regulated exchanges whereby an investor agrees to buy or to sell a fixed quantity of a certain commodity at a specified price for delivery in the future. The customer's funds are placed with a registered commodities dealer who is required to keep the funds separate and not use them for any purpose other than the intended investment.

Futures prices respond to many factors, including inflation, strikes, weather, economic forecasts and reports, politics, foreign events, new technology and even rumor. The events that affect prices can happen at any time and anyone who claims to guarantee profits in a commodities deal with little or no risk involved should be considered dangerous.

Another risk factor stems from the "leverage" inherent in futures contracts; that is, the small amount of money (known as "margin") that is required to control a large quantity of the underlying commodity. Because of this leverage, even a small change in the price can cause a large change - upward or downward - in the value of a futures contract. For example, in the case of a 5,000 bushel futures contract, a small 1-cent per bushel change in the price is a high $50 gain or loss for the futures investor.

It should also be kept in mind it's possible for a trader to lose more than the initial investment if market circumstances prevent immediate liquidation of a losing-trade. Unlike stocks, indices and the stock market, commodities futures have maximum daily trading limits which, when reached, halt all trading for that day. A string of such halts could prevent a customer from closing a contract until a large loss has been realized. The nature of futures trading is such that investors can realize potentially large and rapid profits, or large and quick losses.

9 FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES TO ASK BEFORE TRADING

To play it safe, prospective investors in commodities must be inquisitive and understand the transaction. Most victims are "sold" on the profit potentials being touted without really understanding what they are getting into or who they are dealing with. Before dealing with a firm selling commodities, prospective investors should ask and get clear answers to the nine questions listed below. Evasive or incomplete answers are a danger sign that should warn you against the deal.

For traders now actively trading (or desiring to learn how to trade) the financial and futures markets, there are a lot of other things outside the markets you should be following. But, I guess my bigger message is for those of you that aren’t in the futures markets, whether you trade them or not, the futures markets have a significant impact on what happens in the other financial markets, including fx forex, currencies, options and stocks. That’s why you should soak up every piece of good trading knowledge like a sponge in a quest to clearly see the bigger picture.

Is the commodity trading dealer registered with the CFTC, NFA or any other regulatory agency?
Is the actual transaction to be executed through a regulated commodity exchange?
Can independent references be obtained?
Does the commodity trading firm have literature or written materials explaining the transactions or a risk disclosure statement?
Does the commodity trading dealer have or will it obtain the commodity bought?
What percentage of the investment will go for fees, commissions or other costs?
How long has the commodity trading company been in business and who are its principals and officers?
Will the commodity trading company provide a copy of its financial statement?
Where will the commodity investment funds be held?

The securities administrator in your state, province or territory is responsible for the protection of commodity trading investors. If you have doubts whether particular offerings or sales representatives are duly licensed, or if they fail to provide adequate information, contact the State of Division of Securities

In one California case, a large foreign currency dealer was unable to account for over $100 million sent by people who thought they were investing in a foreign currency trading method and program.

A New York strategic metals dealer was sentenced to prison for bilking investors of $1.4 million in only four months' time.

HOW COMMODITY FRAUDS WORK

As in almost any fraudulent investment activity, the success of the swindlers and con men can be summarized in three words: THEY LIE WELL! Some of the red flags to watch out for are:

Unsolicited, high-pressure phone calls
Claims of inside information
"You must act at once!" warnings
Claims of large and rapid profits
Claims of virtually no risk

Contracts with names such as "deferred delivery," "fixed maturity" or "cash forward" which are not contracts traded through regulated commodities exchanges.

These swindlers are generally strong-willed, smooth-talking, persuasive individuals who try to overwhelm their targets. Hundreds of prospects a day are contacted from telephone boiler rooms in search of the few who "might" say "yes." Then the real "professional" comes on the line and attempts to close the sale. Often they will send messengers to pick up the money immediately, before the victims have a chance to understand the offer or change their minds.

The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) and the Coalition of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) have prepared this Alert in cooperation with the National Futures Association (NFA) - the commodity industry's self-regulatory body. Together, these organizations warn that many firms offering commodity-related investments are not subject to any licensing by state or federal authorities and have been using high-pressure sales tactics, including misrepresentation of expected profits and risks, to sell questionable investments.

Many questionable commodity sales operations adopt impressive, legitimate-sounding names to market their products, such as "Dunn & Bradford" or "Forbes & Lloyds." They usually have impressive addresses as well, like "One Corporate Plaza" or "XXX Wall Street." Usually the address is nothing more than a mail-drop or rented back office. Glossy brochures touting past trading successes are also issued by some fraudulent sales operations.

Most of the questionable operations are not registered with any regulatory body such as the National Futures Association (NFA) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). In most instances, such registration is mandatory for firms dealing with customers in commodity futures or options trading.

ONE AVOIDABLE RISK

The largest single risk in futures trading, or in any form of investment, can be avoided with only a little effort. That risk is doing business with a dishonest or unethical individual or firm. A case in point is the person or company that falsely leads a potential investor to believe the futures contracts comes with built-in safeguards like segregation of customer funds provided by members of the futures exchange. Should a firm not subject to these requirements go bankrupt, the customers' funds are usually gone.

An easy way to determine whether a firm is registered to conduct futures business or a futures exchange is by contacting the National Futures Association, the self-regulatory organization for the futures industry. One might also check with the local Better Business Bureau to see if the company has a history of customer complaints. Other good information sources include your state or provincial securities administrators, the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission or your state attorney general.

The Better Business Bureau of the USA and Canada answer inquiries on companies located in the area they serve. Before putting money in any investment, it's a good idea to contact your Better Business Bureau for a reliability report on the trading firm you intend to deal with. For more information, contact your local BBB office.