Futures trading has grown immensely popular among retail and professional traders alike. Whether you’re looking to hedge risk, speculate on price movements, or grow a trading career through a prop firm like Funding Ticks, the futures market offers unmatched opportunity—along with considerable risk.
In this article, we’ll break down the essentials of futures trading, help you understand how to choose among the best futures trading platforms, and explore how firms like Funding Ticks support aspiring traders in accessing larger capital.
What is Futures Trading?
Futures trading involves buying or selling contracts that obligate the trader to exchange a specific asset at a predetermined price at a future date. These contracts are standardized and traded on futures exchanges.
Unlike stock trading, where you own a share of a company, futures trading is a contract-based speculation on the price movement of an asset. This could include:
- Stock indices (e.g., S&P 500, Nasdaq)
- Commodities (e.g., oil, gold, wheat)
- Currencies (e.g., EUR/USD, JPY/USD)
- Cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin futures)
- Interest rates and bonds
Why Trade Futures?
Futures trading provides unique advantages that attract a wide range of traders:
1. Leverage
Futures allow traders to control large positions with relatively small capital. This amplifies both profit and risk.
2. Liquidity
Major futures markets, especially index futures like the E-mini S&P 500, offer deep liquidity, making it easy to enter and exit trades.
3. Volatility and Opportunity
Futures markets are known for high intraday volatility, giving day traders numerous setups and profit opportunities.
4. Nearly 24-Hour Access
Most futures markets are open almost around the clock during the business week, allowing for global participation and news-based trading.
Getting Started with Futures Trading
If you’re new to the game, here are the steps you should take before risking your capital:
1. Understand the Instruments
Begin with learning about futures contracts, tick values, margin requirements, and expiry dates. Many beginners start with micro futures contracts, such as the Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES), which are lower in cost and risk.
2. Use a Demo Account
Practicing in a risk-free environment helps you understand how the market moves and test your strategies without financial exposure.
3. Choose the Right Platform
Choosing among the best futures trading platforms can significantly affect your experience. A good platform should offer:
- Real-time market data
- Low-latency order execution
- Risk management tools
- User-friendly charting and analytics
Let’s look at that more closely.
Best Futures Trading Platforms (2025)
When trading futures, your choice of platform can influence your performance, fees, and ability to scale. Here are a few of the top-rated futures trading platforms that support retail and prop trading:
1. NinjaTrader
- Popular for futures trading with extensive technical analysis tools.
- Offers low margins and a direct route to CME Group products.
- Suitable for both beginners and pros.
2. TradeStation
- Advanced charting, customizable indicators, and fast execution.
- Offers both desktop and mobile platforms.
- Popular among algorithmic traders.
3. Thinkorswim by TD Ameritrade
- Strong educational support.
- Ideal for multi-asset traders (futures, stocks, options).
- Excellent paper trading functionality.
4. TradingView (Broker-Connected)
- While not a broker itself, TradingView connects to brokers supporting futures.
- Great charting interface and growing futures integrations.
5. Sierra Chart
- A more technical and flexible platform.
- Low latency and custom indicators.
- Often used by serious futures traders in conjunction with prop firms.
Make sure to check platform fees, supported brokers, and whether they provide access to micro or mini contracts if you’re just starting out.
What is Funding Ticks?
Funding Ticks is a proprietary trading firm (commonly known as a prop firm) that helps traders access large amounts of capital to trade futures contracts. Instead of risking your personal capital, you trade with the firm’s funds and share in the profits.
This model has become incredibly popular for traders who want to:
- Trade full-time without risking their savings
- Get funded based on skill instead of personal wealth
- Scale up through capital allocation based on performance
How Does Funding Ticks Work?
The Funding Ticks model is structured around performance evaluations. Here’s a typical process:
1. Evaluation Phase
You pay a monthly fee to join an evaluation program. Your goal is to demonstrate profitable trading while staying within strict rules (like daily loss limits and drawdowns).
2. Funding Approval
Once you pass, you receive a funded account. Funding amounts often range from $25,000 to $250,000 or more.
3. Profit Split
Funding Ticks allows traders to keep a large percentage of the profits, often up to 80% or 90%.
4. Risk Controls
All funded accounts come with risk parameters. Breaking them might lead to account resets or termination, which helps firms manage downside risk.
This model allows skilled traders—regardless of background or starting capital—to trade at a professional level.
Advantages of Using a Prop Firm Like Funding Ticks
✅ Trade with Firm Capital
Risking someone else’s money reduces the emotional toll and allows you to take advantage of larger opportunities.
✅ Performance-Based Growth
Your success and capital growth depend purely on your trading skill and discipline—not your bank balance.
✅ No Licensing or Financial Degree Needed
Prop firms like Funding Ticks are designed for everyday traders, not just finance professionals.
✅ Low Entry Barrier
Evaluations are relatively affordable compared to depositing thousands into a personal brokerage account.
Tips for Trading Futures Successfully
Whether you’re trading independently or with a prop firm like Funding Ticks, the principles of good trading remain the same:
1. Define Your Strategy
Have a clear setup—trend following, mean reversion, breakout, etc.—and rules around entries, exits, and stop-losses.
2. Master Risk Management
Never risk more than 1–2% of your account on a single trade. Use stop-loss orders and always know your max drawdown limit.
3. Stay Consistent
Consistency beats brilliance. Profitable traders stick to their edge, avoid overtrading, and trust their system.
4. Keep a Trading Journal
Log every trade. Note what went right, what went wrong, and what you’ll do differently next time.
5. Study the Markets
Futures markets are sensitive to economic data, geopolitical news, and Federal Reserve announcements. Stay informed.
Common Futures Trading Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-leveraging: Leverage can magnify losses just as quickly as gains.
- Revenge trading: Don’t try to “make back” losses with reckless trades.
- Ignoring fundamentals: Economic calendars and news events matter.
- Trading too many markets: Specialize first, diversify later.
Final Thoughts
Futures trading is a high-reward, high-risk arena that offers unmatched flexibility, leverage, and opportunity. The key to success lies in education, discipline, and the right tools.
By choosing one of the best futures trading platforms, you equip yourself with the technical edge to manage trades effectively. By partnering with a prop firm like Funding Ticks, you gain access to capital and support without risking your own savings.
For those willing to put in the work, futures trading—combined with the backing of a firm—can become not just a side hustle but a rewarding career path.
