Metal futures contracts are a tradable instrument to buy or sell precious and industrial metal resources like gold, silver, and copper. Each of these exchange traded contracts has a unique set of contract specifications for point value, expiration date, and delivery method.

Metals futures trading is one way in which traders diversify their portfolio. Traders can actively buy or sell metals futures contracts at current market prices virtually 24 hours a day, through a well-regulated futures broker like NinjaTrader. Metals futures give traders direct trading exposure to these important global markets. 

Trading metals futures contracts comes with many advantages, one of which is the flexibility it provides over trading these same instruments using ETFs or mining stocks with their many limitations. Futures offers extended trading hours, the ability to go short easily, and lower capital requirements.

Gold futures is the most actively traded metals futures. It is used as a storage of wealth for individuals, corporations, and governments around the world. Copper futures are also actively traded and considered a proxy for the condition of the US, Chinese, and global economy.

Metal futures trading requires a funded account at a licensed futures broker. Traders can then buy and sell the desired futures contract by putting up a good faith margin deposit to cover potential losses. NinjaTrader is a licensed futures broker that allows you to customize your platform for the way you trade. Practice in a trading simulation to get started.

Yes, you can trade metals futures with NinjaTrader. NinjaTrader is a unique futures trading provider centralizing all the tools and services needed for both new and experienced traders to enter the global futures markets. NinjaTrader offers a comprehensive set of cutting-edge trading tools for both new and experienced futures traders. You can place orders and analyze the metals futures markets from multiple platforms including the award-winning NinjaTrader Desktop.

Trading metals futures comes with a number of potential risks. It is important for traders to always be aware of the factors that can affect the price of the futures that they are trading. Following a risk management plan should be a critical component of all trading strategies. As futures trading offers greater leverage for potentially increased profits, that leverage also increases the possibility of greater losses. Traders should only trade with risk capital. Risk capital is money you can afford to lose without affecting your lifestyle or changing your retirement horizon.