Add futures to your trading toolkit

Yes. UK-based traders can access exchange-traded futures through a broker that accepts UK clients. Most globally traded futures are listed on US exchanges such as CME Group, including equity index, metals, and energy contracts. This is different from trading CFDs or spread bets on futures prices, which are over-the-counter products offered by a provider rather than traded on an exchange.

A futures contract is a standardised agreement to buy or sell an asset at a set price on a set date, traded on a regulated exchange. Because the exchange sets the contract terms, every contract of the same type is identical. Traders use futures to take a view on markets such as indices, metals, and energy without owning the underlying asset.

NinjaTrader acts as an intermediary and is not regulated by the FCA.

The main difference is where they trade. Futures trade on a regulated exchange, with standardised contracts and prices published centrally by the exchange. CFDs and spread bets are over-the-counter contracts between you and your provider, who sets the price and the contract terms.

Each structure carries its own risks, costs, and considerations, and one is not inherently better than another. Which is appropriate for you depends on your objectives, your experience, and your individual circumstances. All three are leveraged products and can result in significant losses.

NinjaTrader acts as an intermediary and is not regulated by the FCA.

Neither is universally cheaper. The costs are structured differently.

• Futures costs are itemised: exchange fees, broker commission, and the bid-ask spread. There is no overnight financing charge, but contracts expire, so holding exposure over a longer period means rolling into the next contract.
• CFD and spread bet costs are more often built into the spread, with an overnight financing charge applied to positions held beyond the trading day.

Which works out cheaper for you depends on your position size, how long you hold, and the market you trade.

Yes. Every futures contract has a set expiry date. To maintain exposure beyond expiry, you close your position and open the equivalent position in the next contract, known as rolling. Some CFDs and daily funded spread bets have no fixed expiry, while quarterly spread bets do, so this is a difference in mechanics rather than an advantage either way.

Micro futures are smaller-sized versions of standard futures contracts, typically one tenth the notional value. Examples include the Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES) and Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (MNQ). They let you access the same markets with less capital per contract. Micro contracts are still leveraged products, and losses can still be substantial.

NinjaTrader is built specifically for active futures traders, with advanced charting, order flow tools, and integrated risk controls designed around intraday trading. You can trade directly from charts, set stop-loss and take-profit orders, and monitor margin in real time. Futures trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for everyone.

NinjaTrader, as an intermediary, gives you access to exchange-traded futures, including Nasdaq, S&P 500, Russell 2000, gold, and crude oil, alongside a wider range of global futures markets. Standard and Micro contract sizes are available across many of these markets.

Yes. You can connect NinjaTrader to TradingView and trade futures using the charts and tools you already know. You can also trade, with NinjaTrader as your intermediary, through NinjaTrader Desktop, Web, and Mobile, which include advanced charting and order flow analysis built for active futures traders.

Futures trade with transparent exchange pricing from $0.09 per contract, plus applicable exchange and regulatory fees. Pricing is shown in USD.

Live market data is included for your first 14 days when you use the free trading simulator. After that, you can subscribe to a real-time data feed to keep live prices, or continue in the simulator with delayed data. The platform and the simulator stay free either way.

A futures trading simulator lets you place trades using live market prices without risking real money. NinjaTrader’s simulator is free and unlimited, with live market data included for your first 14 days. Test ideas and build familiarity with the platform before trading live.

Simulated trading is based on hypothetical results and does not reflect actual trading. Emotional and psychological factors of real money risk are not replicated. Use simulated trading to learn the platform and markets—not as an indicator of live performance.

To create a free NinjaTrader account, enter and confirm your email, then create your login details. From there you can launch the free trading simulator or continue to live futures trading when you are ready.

Futures trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for everyone. Losses may exceed your initial deposit. You should trade only with risk capital, meaning money you can afford to lose without affecting your financial security or lifestyle, and only if you understand how leveraged products work. If you are unsure whether futures are appropriate for you, seek independent advice.

Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may change in future. Exchange-traded futures, CFDs, and spread bets are not treated identically for UK tax purposes. NinjaTrader cannot provide tax advice. For guidance on your own position, speak to a qualified tax adviser or refer to HMRC.