Learn to trade futures and options

Learn the basics: Futures and options

Before you start trading, it is important to understand how futures and options on futures work ‒ how contracts differ from each other, what it means to trade in tick increments, and futures contracts expiration dates.

Whether you are brand new to the derivatives market or an experienced trader looking to sharpen specific skills, education never ends. 

This is a small sample of the content we have available on CME Institute:

Introduction to Futures

Continue your learning at CME Institute. We have created a variety of courses, webinars, and videos that can help you learn about individual CME Group products, the markets, economics, portfolio risk management, volatility, and much more. Even practice trading in our proprietary trading simulator. Explore courses and lessons now.

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration -:-
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    1. Now Playing
      Up NextDefinition of a Futures Contract
    2. Now Playing
      Up NextLearn About Contract Specifications
    3. Now Playing
      Up NextUnderstanding Contract Trading Codes
    4. Now Playing
      Up NextGet to Know Futures Expiration and Settlement
    5. Now Playing
      Up NextTick Movements: Understanding How They Work
    6. Now Playing
      Up NextWhat Are Price Limits and Price Banding?
    7. Now Playing
      Up NextContract Unit and Notional Value
    8. Now Playing
      Up NextMark to Market
    9. Now Playing
      Up NextBenefits of Futures: Margins
    10. Now Playing
      Up NextUnderstanding Futures Expiration & Contract Roll
    11. Now Playing
      Up NextPrice Discovery
    12. Now Playing
      Up NextCalculating Futures Contract Profit or Loss
    13. Now Playing
      Up NextUnderstanding the Role of Speculators
    14. Now Playing
      Up NextUnderstanding the Role of Hedgers
    15. Now Playing
      Up NextTrading Venues Pit vs. Online
    16. Now Playing
      Up NextMidwest Grain Trade: History of Futures Exchanges
    17. Now Playing
      Up NextFutures Contracts Compared to Forwards

CME Institute offers a variety of courses, helping you learn about futures and options, all of our asset classes, trading strategies, and more.

Introduction to Futures

Dive into the basics of futures contracts, how contracts trade on a futures exchange, the different ways customers use these instruments, and the benefits that futures provide. Gain a stronger understanding of how futures work and why more market participants are using derivatives in their trading strategies today.

All About Options

Increase your knowledge about trading options on futures with this curriculum, designed to provide an overview of what you need to know in order to trade options.

Learn about Key Economic Events

Learn about the important role key economic events play in moving the markets and how to watch those events to make the most of your trading strategy.

Trade and Risk Management

The key to trading success lies in managing risks and avoiding overtrading. In order to control your risks, you must first identify your risks. Get an introduction to trading and risk management, including the key information you need to know about risk management.

Building a Trade Plan

Get an overview of why a trade plan is key for thriving in futures trading and how to build one to support your success.

Ready to Practice

Practice trading, charting, and price analysis. Since practice makes perfect, our trading simulator and analysis tools offer hands-on learning in the futures and options markets.

Stay in the know

Get the latest updates with InFOCUS

Futures & options trends and insights for active traders.