Commodity Futures Trading - How To Reduce Risk And Aim For Success

By Joseph Archibald

If you are reasonably new to commodity future trading then do keep in mind that there a number of things that can go terribly wrong - there is a large risk factor here. With this in mind its wise to risk only the capital you can afford to lose and nothing more. Do not borrow as I have done myself. Too much risk to take - believe me!

With commodities trading, in comparison to stocks and shares, there is a positive factor. There will never be a time when your investment is totally worthless. For example - gold, natural gas, corn will all have some financial value. It may well drop at times but it will never be worthless. Stocks and shares however can be worthless. Bankruptcy has hit many a company in the past 18 months.

Keep your wits about you and do not get carried away with your successes. Do not either have the mentality of making up your losses as soon as possible. If you do then you end up gambling and this is not what commodity trading should be about.

A common issue with trading in commodities however is that many traders carry with the commodity too much leverage. So for example, take a 100 oz. gold contract with a value of $1000 an ounce and thus a total value of $100,000. The margin or if you prefer - good faith deposit - to have 100 oz. of gold could be around 10% of the total contract value, which is $10,000.

Let us take an example to illustrate things, shall we. Let us presume that we invest in 100 ounces of gold which is selling at $1000 an ounce. The value of the gold would therefore be $100,000. The margin or good will deposit we have to make is $10,000 towards the $100,000 worth of gold - a total of around 10% is normal.

If things do go well then great, life is good and all is well, but chances are that if you continue to trade in this way - which is to some extent a gamble - you will lose out in the mid to long term.

With online trading there is a large advantage over what was previously available because of the speed of update to market fluctions. Login to your trading account at any time of day you like and you are updated to the second, or at least to the minute, regardless of the country your investments are made in.

So the basics to be aware of if you are just setting out with your commodity future trading then take it easy - do not rush to make lots of money as you will most probably end up being over exposed and therefore open to some hefty account losses. Its best to learn with experience, but while you are learning do think about tomorrow and keep enough funds available for times when things take a downturn. - 23218

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Want to learn more about natural gas futures? We specialize in natural gas futures.

Retirement Plans: IRA's

By Doeren Mayhew

Retirement plans have special tax advantages, but they also suffer from tax regulations. Two benefits would be that you are able to get a tax break if you contribute to a retirement plan and you are also able to have your retirement income grow tax free. The regulations include things such as limits on annual contributions, frequency of contributions, and the total size of each contributions. Before jumping into a specific IRA plan it is wise to weigh your options in order to find the plan that is right for you. There are two basic categories to choose from; you can either go with an IRA or an employer-sponsored plan.

Before you can start planning, review the retirement plans that are currently available to you. Generally, there are two categories into which all plans can be sorted: IRAs and employer-sponsored plans. IRAs are perhaps the most widely used retirement plans because they're easy to set up and maintain. You can open up one yourself it doesn't have to be sponsored by your employer and you can contribute as much (or as little) as you want, whenever you want, provided you don't exceed applicable annual limits. Following are descriptions of the three main types of IRAs:

Traditional IRA Options. IRA assets grow tax deferred, meaning that you owe no tax on the earnings until you withdraw funds.

Your eligibility to make a contribution depends on statutory limits, your earned income and your age. Your contribution is limited to the amount of earned income income from wages and self-employment income that you have for the year. It doesn't include investment income. Those age 50 and older may be able to make additional catch-up contributions. Plus, your spouse may use your earned income to make a contribution of his or her own. However, you (and your spouse) are eligible to make contributions only if you're under age 701/2 at the end of the year for which you're making the contribution.

Before contributing to a traditional IRA, be sure you wouldn't be better served by contributing to another IRA type, such as a Roth IRA, or to an employer's 401(k) plan.

The deductibility of your contribution is one factor that may make you lean towards once type of IRA over another. Your income level, along with other factors, will determine if a contribution to a traditional IRA will be fully deductible. If both you and your spouse are able to participate in a plan that is sponsored by one of your employers, you are automatically able to deduct your contribution, regardless of how much income you earn. However, your adjusted gross income (AGI) might make your deductions value reduced or even worthless.

If you are not able to make a deductible contribution (or a Roth contribution), then you may choose to make a nondeductible contribution. Making a nondeductible contribution will still afford you the advantage of tax-deferred growth. Also, if you withdraw funds after you reach age 59 1/2, only earning will be taxed. You are able to withdraw all nondeductible contributions free of tax.

Roth IRA. You may contribute the same amount to a Roth IRA as you can to a traditional IRA, but there are different eligibility rules, such as no age limit with respect to contributions, so long as you meet the earned income requirement.

Note that the total annual contribution to IRAs can't exceed the limit. So, if you're eligible, you can contribute all to a traditional IRA or all to a Roth IRA, or split your contribution between the traditional and the Roth.

It is important to keep in mind that you are not able to claim a deduction for your contributions with a Roth IRA. However, you are able to withdraw all IRA earnings without tax after you reach age 59. This only applies if you have had the account for at least 5 years.

There are other differences as well. Traditional IRAs have required minimum distribution rules that must be strictly followed. Roth IRAs have no distribution requirements during your lifetime.

The exact formula for calculating the contribution amount is very complicated. However, if you were to use 20% of your net self-employment earnings as a guess it would be a close estimate.The formula for calculating the exact contribution amount is too complex for our purposes, but a rough estimate of 20% of your net self-employment earnings is a good start.

Simplified Employee Pension SEP IRA. A SEP IRA is made for entrepreneurs. It enables them to make larger contributions than would otherwise be allowed by a traditional or Roth IRA. The tax rules for a SEP are the same as the other two types of IRA?s. - 23218

About the Author:

This data is distributed for informational purposes only; Doeren Mayhew is not rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice or opinions and assumes no legal responsibility. Contact Doeren Mayhew for more information.

How To Pick The Best Forex Signal Software.

By Kareechy Ken

While what you need always differs from person to person, there are some things that you just shouldn't settle on. For that matter, it is important on how to pick the best forex software. There are some things that it doesn't' matter your needs. Its stuff you should look for anyway. If you are curious as to what those are, keep reading.

Many of them allow you to see how they work. They show you features that they have that set them apart from all the other software that are out there. This is something you should make sure that they have. If they don't they aren't being up front with you.

Therefore, the next things you need to look at are which ones allow you to ask questions and get answers? They should have an in depth detail on how the system works. It might be helpful if they have a tutorial so that you can see what things mean and how things work on their software. This should be done before you use it.

One thing that you want to make sure that they describe is how things work. One of those things is how do interest rates work? How are they applied and how do they affect you? These things should be covered as you look at how to operate their software. This will make sure how it fits into your account.

The next thing you want is someone there when you do have a problem. Part of how to pick the best forex software is to make sure that someone is on the hotline so that you can ask your questions. Make sure that the help line is open twenty four seven. This means you can get help anytime you need it. Also, ask what sorts of opeople work the help desk. Some of them on some software aren't any help at all.

Then you want to see how different things will affect your stock. You want the best interest rates and the best revenues that one can get. That is why you shop around. You find who has the highest revenues.

So, while you are looking at different programs, keep this in mind as you are searching through. You don't want to be left with even more questions than what you began with. You want answers that you can understand. This is how to pick the best forex software. If they aren't better at this, it's time to look elsewhere for your next business adventure. - 23218

About the Author:

Want to find out more about The Best Forex Signal Software, then visit Kareechy Ken's site on how to choose the best Forex Signal Software for your needs.

Six Factors To Consider When Searching For A Currency Exchange Dealer

By Richard Henry

Choosing the correct folks to help you could potentially be your ticket to success in Forex Trading. As such, you must make sure you hire an adviser that is deserving of every penny you pay him, and more. You see, a Forex adviser is the person who will trade in your place, and whether you benefit or not, you will have to compensate him, in the form of a commission. So, if you do not want to squander money, it is critical for you to find the ideal broker.

Following are 6 factors to look into:

1. Check their history. You will see if a broker is capable or not by looking at his record. If he is making a great deal of money, it means that he is a capable broker.

2. Scrutinize. A little qualifications check would not hurt. This may well save you a lot of money because it keeps you away from lying brokers. You can make inquiries from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or CFTC, or the Futures Commission Merchant or FCM. You should also make absolutely certain he is a member of the NFA, or the National Futures Association. If you find his records dubious, then look someplace else.

3. Consider his deposit requirements. Though there is in fact no need for a deposit to start trading, numerous Forex brokers call for it as a means of safety for themselves in case they will not be paid by the investor. Nevertheless, the deposit should not be too costly; the usual asking price is $200-$500.

4. Obtain trustworthy and successful software. Your agent ought to be able to tell you about the function of software as a tool in trading. You can employ a demo account, which allows you to try out the software prior to buying it.

5. Bear in mind the use of currency pairs. This is something a superior broker should do, utilize an ample array of currency pairs. Short list a broker that uses the currency pairs you like, as each one has a distinctive pattern.

6. They should have customer support. Trading is very energetic, and at any given time, you will need the assistance of your broker. You do not want to awaken him in the middle of the night solely to trade. It would be very convenient for the both of you if your broker has a helpdesk you can reach, 24/7. Of course, having excellent customer service is just as important.

Before you enter the world of Forex Trading, you need to go over these factors and see to it that you will be able to tackle these in your quest for a good broker. Foreign Exchange (Forex) Markets is purely a place where traders can trade a currency for another currency. It is a place where currencies can be bought and sold promptly and in real-time.

Well-known banks, large multi-national companies, local governments and other financial institutions use the Forex Market as a avenue for exchange.

What makes the Forex Market so popular?

Given that currency trading, involves substantial amounts of currency, many are attracted to the Forex Market owing to the earnings they could make in one solitary victorious trade. A great number of traders or companies earned millions in one trade, that is why its out of the question not to allure new potential traders who are ready to venture their money in exchange for gain.

Uniqueness of Forex Markets

Forex Markets differ due to the following reasons:

a. Forex Market attracts traders from world wide markets, therefore the number of trades are considerable.

b. Currencies have the capability to be bought and sold promptly, without moving from the company itself, hence saving priceless loss in time and money.

c. Accessible in every minute of the day (except on Saturdays and Sundays).

d. With the Forex Market, it matters not where you are on the earth. There are no geographical limits.

Forex Terms

Here are some of the terms regularly used in the forex markets:

1. RATE - selling price of a currency.

2. BID OR SELL PRICE - the amount which traders can vend currencies.

3. ASK, BUY OR OFFER PRICE - the amount which traders can buy currencies.

4. SPREAD - the bid price minus the ask price.

5. TRANSACTION COST - the amount charge to you when you make transactions in the Forex Market. It is usually the ask price minus the bid price.

The difference between the Forex Market and the Stock Exchange Market? The Stock Market trades in stocks, the Forex Market trades in currencies. Both markets involves buying and selling, the only difference is that with the Stock Market, rules are precisely followed. This is to prevent companies from monopolizing stocks. That is why the Stock Market is highly controlled and has a strict environment compared to the Forex Market where there are no such rules and regulations.

How to start trading in the Forex Market?

The best thing to do to start trading in the Forex Market is to do research and to talk to an investment company or stock broker that specializes in this market. It is crucial for you to know what kind of Forex Trading they do before you invest your cash. Go to the one that has a excellent background and to whom you could trust your cash.

The earnings can be really extreme but at all times bear in mind that Forex Markets change continuously and it is really very chancy to invest There. You could clear a lot today and lose it all tomorrow. So know when is a good time to buy and sell your currencies.

The best advice is that you must play your money smart, think really hard before making very important decisions and be very well informed, that is the basis to success in very nearly any trade or profession. - 23218

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Submitted by Richard Henry creator of this article. To learn more of subjects like Forex an Currency Trading visit our web site at 6 Factors when Seeking A Forex Broker or 6 Factors when looking for A Forex Broker NOTE article seen above may be circulated freely on web sites, so long as ALL article content and creator information remain UNCHANGED.

Important Steps To Take In Buying Foreign Currency

By Cedric Welsch

There is a pretty big opportunity available at hand for everyone when it comes to dealing with the forex market. But there are definitely a lot of things to consider when playing around currencies and their respective rates. Being well versed technically with the forex game isn't an assurance at all to becoming successful in its highly volatile market. One of the best advice you should adopt is to become familiar with the various techniques or practical strategies involved in buying foreign currencies, such as:

1. Think wisely about the budget you have available - It is never wise to be jumping into the exciting and seemingly financially dangerous game of buying foreign currencies right away. By carefully considering and securing the amount of money you have first before deciding to engage yourself to any buying activity is a very wise step to undertake before anything else at this stage. A better way to perform such task is to begin scouting the market first and then do a thorough research on whatever you would be needing - and not what you would want.

2. Keep yourself abreast with currencies - A good solution to carefully track the currency values is by finding a system that would keep you constantly updated with every change that occurs in the market. A system that helps you track the market changes automatically will surely never leave a single instance of fluctuation pass by without prompting you. This in turn will help you analyze which currencies can be most profitable to invest in.

3. Find a professional foreign exchange broker - One thing you must know when considering the idea of actually hiring an expert forex broker, is that you can also hire such individuals in times of urgent need only. What I mean by this is that, you don't have to hire one on a continuous long term agreement such as that in a daily basis. Instead, you can just opt for this option during the most critical and important times of your dealings or transactions. However, it can never be denied that hiring an expert forex broker can definitely help you with ramping up your profits.

4. Use foreign currency exchange arrangements - Keep in mind that there are many other ways on how to buy foreign currency so don't get stuck on the usual find and buy routine. You may also want to explore the possibilities with "spot trading" wherein the trade in currencies can be within two working days as soon as you see the property that you want to buy. Another exchange arrangement is known as "forward transaction" wherein you and the seller enter into a contract agreement which stipulates that at the agreed date, currencies will be exchanged under a predetermined value.

To become more familiar with buying foreign currencies is definitely something that will push you way ahead than a big percentage of your competition in this business of currency trading. Having complete knowledge at this will not only save you a lot of money but could also be the key to your forex business success. However, as mentioned earlier, this business is not for the lax kind of individual, the key here is to keep on learning and improving your skills. - 23218

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Want to be the first to analyze the forex happenings? Tune in everyday to live forex news online. Hang out with professional traders by joining trading forex review communities and forums.