No matter where you stand in your futures trading journey, your continued success relies on a capable and robust system for the execution and management of trade activity. Without a dependable futures trading platform, you lack critical access to the tools and resources necessary to maximize returns.
The reality is that more people need a broker’s assistance than they think they do. The challenge, should you identify the need for broker intervention, is balancing the level of access to that expertise with the level of control you desire over your trading strategy. The best futures trading platforms incorporate both expert intervention and trading autonomy through service flexibility and industry acumen.
Competent futures brokers are trustworthy, reliable, technologically proficient, and dedicated to customer satisfaction. Your selected futures trading platform should reflect similar traits and assets relevant to your trading goals.
Be on the lookout for the following features as you narrow down your choice between the best futures trading platforms:
First and foremost, you want to know exactly what services you’re paying to receive. For example, some pricing models are structured around the type or volume of market data accessed. Data fees are typically charged on a subscription basis for access from exchanges to market data feeds. Some providers will charge an inactivity fee if there’s no trading activity for a certain period of time, which typically ranges from about a month to one year. Your selected trading platform should offer a transparent fee structure and subscription pricing so you know precisely what solutions you’re paying for (and how to avoid extraneous charges.)
A great futures trading platform will also feature a fast and responsive interface—one that facilitates real-time data, provides timely market updates, and allows for minimal downtime. Needless to say, access to live options pricing and the ability to quickly place orders are crucial to trade strategy and execution. Many of the third-party platforms available through StoneX, such as Barchart’s cmdtyView and CGQ One, provide global futures coverage and economic data via ultra-secure, high-speed consolidated market data feeds consisting of both historical and real-time insights.
The platform or app you use for futures trading must prioritize user friendliness. In other words, the interface should be not only responsive but also accessible and customizable to individual trader needs and strategies. Is the platform browser agnostic, or does it require specific hardware or additional software to run? Generally speaking, the best futures trading platforms are quick and easy to deploy so that trading can commence as seamlessly as possible. StoneX Futures, for example, offers integrations with third-party software, such as TradingView and MetaTrader 5, so subscribers can use these platforms to trade their StoneX Futures account.
The futures trading platform you use should offer access to advanced analytical tools and visualization reports (e.g., technical indicators, customizable charts, drawing tools, and calculators). This capability should also include risk management tools designed to minimize losses and professional insights on how to best leverage these tools. A robust toolset consists of the functionalities necessary to accommodate the needs of both seasoned traders and less experienced investors.
Platform hosts should provide a suitable level of customer and technical support via various channels, such as live chat, over the phone, and email. Beyond reactive support, the best futures trading platforms offer additional resources and continued education (like StoneX’s Futures Chart Technical Analysis Learning Center) for users to expand their trading knowledge and grow as investors.
The best futures trading platform for you will depend on your overall trading techniques and your level of experience in your chosen market. Some platforms are geared toward more advanced traders, while others are designed for those just getting started. You need a partner with the right experience, but you also need one who has your best interests in mind and is able to support you through every stage of your trading journey. To experience trading with ease, start by requesting a demo of StoneX’s specialized platform.