Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions or would prefer to speak to us personally, please call us toll-free at (800)396-6030 and one of our representatives will gladly asssist you. You may also email your questions to info@firstamericanfutures.com

What are commodities?
Commodities are tangible goods used on a day to day basis where prices can be dependent on all kinds of variables. They make up different sectors such as energy, metals, grains, and financials to name a few. These markets are trade on several different exchanges through out the world in open out cry trading as well as electronically.

What are futures?
Futures are markets made by buyers and sellers anticipateing what the price will be in the future. The futures markets are a zero sum game that means for every buyer there has to be a seller and vise versa. These markets are used for risk management and speculation on a daily basis. These contracts are built on a leverage position in many different specifications depending on the commodity.

What exactly are single stock futures?
An eighteen year ban on Single Stock Futures has been lifted so that this product can be traded in the United States. These contracts are already traded in london on the LIFFE exchange. Single Stock Futures are a leverage based trading vehicle for securities. This SSF market is bringing the futures industry in conjunction with the SEC (Securities Exchange Commission), NFA (National Futures Association) and the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) to form a large regulatory board for the new Single Stock Futures.

You can learn more about this exciting new market by receiving a free issue of the new Stock Futures and Options magazine and contacting First American Futures, Inc. for the latest developments. We look forward to having you visit this site for updates on this exciting new market and e-mailing you to provide new information on all regulatory issues.

How can I get started?
By opening an account at First American Futures, Inc. you can trade all futures markets. We currently trade all active futures markets. The account forms are available for opening all types of futures accounts via this site.

How much capital is required?
The requirements proposed on margin for the new SSF market is 20% of market value for the equity price. At this margin policy the margin could fluctuate on a day to day basis or minute by minute. For a stock trading at $20 the margin to control 100 shares of that stock would be $400 per contract (100 shares). That means every dollar that the stock moves would be a $100 bill.

How can I fund my account?
A cashiers check or wire transfer are preferred. A personal check is accepted but takes longer to process because of the grace period with a deposit. All checks must be made payable to Peregrine Financial Group, Inc. which is our clearing firm based in chicago.

How do I wire funds?
The account must be opened with the proper paperwork in the account form booklet. After the account is opened you will be in touch with your broker to get the transfer number know as the bank routing number for the funds to be deposited in you account. Monthly statements are mailed for your records about you account activity.

When can I start trading?
As soon as the account paperwork is approved and opened you are ready to trade all futures markets currently open.

What other securities does First American Futures, Inc. trade?
We do not trade any securities at this firm. We specialize in futures trading only and believe that if you focus on one aspect of the market you can be the best.