Learning Resources

Futures Market Basics
 |
 | [PDF]
Speculative trading is always risky, but mixing it with unfamiliar markets, leverage, and advice from anonymous individuals online could be a recipe for disaster. Here are seven things to consider before placing any trade that involves commodity futures or physical commodities like precious metals.
Precious Metals
 |
 | [PDF]
Some unregistered gold and silver dealers are advising investors to use relaxed retirement plan distribution rules in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to buy precious metals. But customers should talk to qualified retirement, tax, or legal advisors first.
 |
 | [PDF]
The mission of the CFTC is to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of the U.S. derivatives markets through sound regulation.
Spot and Avoid Fraud
 |
Have you fallen victim to a fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic? These steps can help protect you from further theft, inform you about how to lodge a fraud complaint, and offer guidance to avoid fraud in the future.
 |
 | [PDF]
The CFTC’s Reparations Program provides an inexpensive, expeditious, and impartial forum for resolving disputes between customers and registered commodity futures trading professionals.
 |
 | [PDF]
The mission of the CFTC is to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of the U.S. derivatives markets through sound regulation.
Futures Market Basics
 |
 | [PDF]
Trading vehicles that use futures contracts or other commodity interests may be organized as exchange-traded products or mutual funds, but that does not necessarily mean they will behave like traditional exchange-traded funds or mutual funds that invest in stocks, bonds or other asset classes.
Spot and Avoid Fraud
 |
Social isolation and financial strain can make people more vulnerable to fraud. If someone approaches you with an investment or trading opportunity, consider running it by someone you know and trust first.
Spot and Avoid Fraud
 |
 | [PDF]
Unregistered brokers selling binary options, foreign exchange (forex) programs, and cryptocurrencies are targeting people who lost their jobs due to COVID-19. The scams promise unrealistically high profits, but later force victims to pay excessive “fees” and “taxes” to get their supposed earnings.
Spot and Avoid Fraud
 |
 | [PDF]
Fraudsters commonly use major news events, such as the spread of COVID-19, to add credibility to their cons or manipulate emotions. You can better protect yourself by learning to recognize common mental biases that everyone has, as well as common fraud tactics—and by taking a few preventative steps.
Commodity Pool Fraud
 | [PDF]
Consider the pros, cons, and managers carefully. Also be sure you receive and review all mandatory disclosures.
Spot and Avoid Fraud
 | [PDF]
Criminals target experienced investors to steal their savings. They’re crafty and good at what they do. Learn how to spot the tactics fraudsters use and how to check qualifications, disciplinary histories, and registrations.
Spot and Avoid Fraud
 | [PDF]
Check trade confirmations and monthly or quarterly account statements routinely to spot mistakes or signs of possible trouble. Find out what to look for and what to do if you spot something wrong.
Spot and Avoid Fraud
 | [PDF]
This worksheet offers steps you can take and interview questions to consider during your search for a new broker or advisor. Plus, warning signs to watch out for.
Spot and Avoid Fraud
Before you make a trade, be sure you understand these basic principles that will help you spot and avoid fraud.
Futures Market Basics
Learn the fundamentals of the futures market, who uses futures how market professionals are regulated, and what to consider before getting started.
Futures Market Basics
Futures markets allow commodity producers and users to hedge price risk. This allows them to conduct business with greater certainty and helps stabilize prices for consumers.
Futures Market Basics
Learn the nuts and bolts of trading commodity futures and options contracts, and the intermediaries involved in the trading process.
Futures Market Basics
Prices are available from a variety of sources, here’s a general rundown of how prices and volume are reported with explanations of key terms.
Futures Market Basics
Look up specialized terms and phrases of the commodity futures, options and swaps markets.
Spot and Avoid Fraud
They may damage crops or disrupt production, but well-known events do not necessarily increase the likelihood of making profits in commodity futures or options trades.
Spot and Avoid Fraud
The schemes may change, but the common tactics fraudsters use stay the same. Learn how to spot them.
Spot and Avoid Fraud
Check the registration and disciplinary history of your financial provider, and ask questions before you invest.
Binary Options Fraud
Many online binary option trading platforms operate in violation of the law. Some of these unregistered platforms have refused to credit customer accounts, denied fund reimbursement, committed identity theft, and manipulated their software to generate losing trades for customers.
Bitcoin and Digital Currencies
 | [PDF]
The market for digital coins and tokens is still very young and there is no widely-accepted standard for placing a value on a particular coin or token. You need to ask about your rights, research what could affect the future value of a digital coin or token, and exercise caution.