How do I open an account? 
Opening an account with us is very simple.  Clicking here will allow you to download the account booklet.  Alternatively, you can click here to provide your mailing information and we can send you the new account documents.  Once you have filled out the forms, simply fax them to us.  Most accounts are opened up in a number of hours. 

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What is the difference between futures and options?
A future contract is a legally binding agreement, made on the trading floor of a futures exchange, to buy or sell a commodity or financial instrument sometime in the future. Futures contracts are standardized according to the quality, quantity, and delivery time and location for each commodity. The only variable is price, which is discovered on an exchange trading floor.

An option is a contract that conveys the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a particular item at a certain price for a limited time. Only the seller of the option is obligated to perform.

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What is the difference between technical and fundamental analysis?
Technical analysis is the accumulation of past price history that can be viewed in either chart form or in mathematical relationships that are thought to be able to predict future price moves based upon past tendencies.

Fundamental analysis is the supply/demand overview assigned to either nonperishable or perishable commodities, or how the world situation impacts that supply/demand dynamic.

Put simply, technical analysis looks at past data while Fundamental analysis looks at present data to inform decisions.

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Which markets are good for beginners to trade?
There are no minor leagues in the commodity trading business.  And the School of Hard Knocks has quite a hefty tuition.  While a beginner may find it easier to trade markets with less volatility than more volatility, people who are new to commodity trading are better off educating themselves as much as possible, and leveraging the experience of commodity traders who have been around the block a time or two.  At IFG, we have both the experience to assist you as you navigate the world of commodity trading as well as an ever-expanding educational page which provides a myriad of useful resources.

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What are spreads? 
Spreading is the simultaneous buying and selling of two related markets in the expectation that a profit will be made when the position is offset.  Examples include: buying one futures contract and selling another futures contract of the same commodity but different delivery month; buying and selling the same delivery month of the same commodity on different futures exchanges; buying a given delivery month of one futures market and selling the same delivery month of a different, but related, futures market.   Click here to learn more about spread trading. 

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What is a trading platform?
Trading platforms allow computer users who are connected to the internet to input trades directly to the trading floor.  Platforms are typically browser-based programs and require approval by a broker before customers may be allowed to use them.  Customers who participate in on-line trading use trading platforms to place their trades. Click here to learn more about our trading platforms.

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What if I want to transfer an existing account from another broker? 
If you have an existing account with another broker that you would like to move to International Futures Group, we can easily facilitate such a transfer.  Included in the account forms is a transfer form.  Complete the transfer form along with the entire account form and fax to [our fax number].  The transfer process will take three to five business days.  We do not charge to transfer an account to us, and you can trade with us as soon as the account is open, even if the transfer is not yet complete.

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What are “Margins”?
Margins or Margin trading allows a trader to participate in trading by having only a portion of the value of the contract in their account.  The margin requirement for each commodity is set by the exchange where the commodity trades and is based on market risk and contract value.  

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What does “Long” and “Short” mean?
When a person is “Long” a commodity future or option, it means that they own commodity contracts.  Conversely, if a person is short a commodity future or option, it means that they have sold a contract with the intention to buy that contract at a later date. 

A person who is long is hoping that the price goes up so that they can sell their contract at a higher price from where they bought it.  A person who is short has sold a contract and is planning on buying back that contract at a lower price. 

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How do I receive confirmation of trades and statements? 
Confirmations and monthly statements are mailed to you.  If you prefer, these can be emailed to you in lieu of postal mail. 

How can I be secure that my funds are safe? 
International Futures Group clears its trades through Cadent Financial, LLC, one of the largest futures clearing merchants in the world.  All checks and wire transfers are payable to Cadent Financial and custodied with Cadent Financial.  Click here to learn more about Cadent Financial, LLC.

E-MAIL OR CALL FOR YOUR FREE TRADERS INFORMATION PACKAGE
WE WILL BE GLAD YOU CALLED AND SO WILL YOU!

Contact IFG / 800-786-4475

There is SIGNIFICANT RISK involved in trading futures and or options on futures.

Trading futures and commodities involves significant risk and is not suitable for all investors.