In this article, we will talk about a few trading tools that are vastly underutilized. If you’re not familiar with the benefits of third-party applications, advisory services, or broker expertise, then stay tuned!
Third-Party Trading Applications
The rise of the digital marketplace has brought advanced futures trading technologies to the masses. Analytics that were once limited to institutional or high-net-worth traders and investors are now available at the retail level. In essence, anyone can become a proprietary trader through the integration of online third-party applications.
If you have a smartphone, then you probably use multiple software applications (apps) on a daily basis. Apps are incredibly useful for everything from ordering food to buying a home. The futures markets are no different. There are many apps available to aid you in securing market share.
Third-party trading applications feature diverse functionalities. However, most specialize in one of two facets of trade:
- Strategy: Strategic apps are designed to generate trading signals, clearly defining market entry and exit.
- Analysis: Implementing technical indicators and advanced charting functions are routine tasks completed via trading applications.
The beauty of third-party apps is that they can be readily integrated into your futures trading software suite. If you’re interested in taking a proprietary approach to the markets, then trading apps are tools worth investigating.
Interactive Advisory Services
Much like apps, futures trading advisory services are a source of independent expertise. Information is a valuable commodity in the futures markets, and trading advisories not only provide information that you may have missed but also offer a unique take on the markets. If you’ve hit a problematic period in your trading, then subscribing to an advisory service is a good way to bring perspective to your approach.
One of the most difficult things for long-term futures market participants to do is to avoid becoming stagnant in their thinking. Broker-provided or independent advisories can jump-start your trading and help you adapt to the ever-evolving marketplace in three key areas:
- Market reports: In futures, information is a valuable commodity. Timely market reports can help traders understand the underpinnings of price action and place periodic volatilities into a manageable context.
- Research: Detailed analysis of historical data sets and market-relevant events can be an invaluable strategic resource.
- Actionable trading ideas: Understanding when to enter and exit the market is the key to successful trading. Broker-provided or independent advisories are a great source of trading ideas for commodities, stocks, or currencies.
Without a doubt, achieving long-run profitability in the futures markets is an epic challenge. Human emotion, rapidly evolving conditions, and black swan events can bring even the best traders to their knees. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in the markets. A comprehensive advisory service is one tool that can provide clarity during the murkiest financial times.
Your Best Futures Trading Tool May Be Your Broker!
With all of the indicators, newsletters, and systems available online, many futures traders forget about a valuable resource: their broker. A skilled broker has the experience and insight to help you optimize your potential. Sometimes, a simple conversation with your broker is all it takes to gain a strategic edge in the markets.
For more information on futures and how they can help you achieve your financial goals, schedule a free one-on-one consultation with a StoneX broker today.