ws-intranet.org.uk is the place to start on the trade route. Online Trading, Futures Trading - the basics covered.

ws-intranet.org.uk - The Trading Portal.

Online Trading - the New Way To Trade

Gone are the days where the only way to trade was to stand on a huge trading floor and shout out numbers. Now, you can trade anytime day or night from the comfort of your own home.
There are literally hundreds of online trading platforms available now. The modern trader is spoilt for choice when seeking a compatible service which will guarantee fast and reliable trades when you need them. Technology is very important when working the markets - a slow or unreliable platform could cause a loss when you least expect it!
The online trader can access markets around the globe - the world is at his or her fingertips. Trading global stocks has never been easier!
You will need to seek out a decent broker when you first enter the market. Look out for one that offers guidance so that you can seek advice or tips - this is vital to get to know the market. Essential is the "demo account" option, which all good brokers offer. This allows you to practise the market before entering the real thing. Virtual money allows you to place trades before using real cash.
There are so many trading types - CFDs, Spread Betting, Foreign Exchange, Futures and Options - test them all out before finding the one that suits you. You may find you're much more successful with one than with another.
Remember, all trading is a high-risk activity. Make sure you know what you're getting into before investing.

Futures Trading

One trading type is the Futures variety. This involves speculating on the future price of a commodity. Common commodities to speculate on include: grains, energy, cotton, currency, metals...there are many.
You, the trader, bet on the future direction of your chosen commodity. If its price goes in the direction you predicted, you win. If it goes against you, you lose.
Futures trading means you do not actually have to own or buy anything. You are just speculating on the commodity and which future direction its price will take.
A futures contract allows the trader to buy or sell a commodity for a preset price and at a pre-determined time period. He is then obliged to buy or sell that commodity at a future date.
Because of this, you will never actually see the underlying share - the sack of grain, for example.
Futures trading is very high-risk, as it is based on margin. When opening an account, you will pay a 10% margin, on which the trading is based. So if you win, you stand to make huge returns - but if you lose, you stand to lose the whole account content plus added funds to cover the loss.
Make sure you know all the facts before you begin Futures trading. It is not worth risking your money if you are likely to lose it.