Forex futures are financial derivatives. They are essentially contracts that specify when a party must buy or sell a currency and for how much. This guide to forex futures explains how they work, supporting brokers, plus popular trading strategies. We also compare forex futures vs forwards and options.
Best Forex Futures Brokers in Canada
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- GBPUSD Spread: 1.5
- EURUSD Spread: 0.9
- EURGBP Spread: 1.5
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- GBPUSD Spread: 0.2
- EURUSD Spread: 0.0
- EURGBP Spread: 2.8
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- GBPUSD Spread: 1.4
- EURUSD Spread: 1.0
- EURGBP Spread: 1.5
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- GBPUSD Spread: 0.5
- EURUSD Spread: 0.1
- EURGBP Spread: 0.6
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- GBPUSD Spread: 0 - 1.0
- EURUSD Spread: 0 - 1.0
- EURGBP Spread: 1 - 2.5
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- GBPUSD Spread: 2.4
- EURUSD Spread: 0.4
- EURGBP Spread: 1.4
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- AvaTrade 4.9/5 AvaTrade delivers 50+ currency pairs with tight spreads from 0.9 pips and zero commissions. Trade majors, minrs, and exotics 24/5 on leading forex platforms, notably MT4, with sophisticated charting tools and forex education to sharpen your edge, including a dedicated guide to 'Currency Trading'.
- InstaTrade 3.0/5 InstaTrade offers a huge selection of around 100 currency pairs. It provides spreads starting at 0.0 on majors, plus integrated forex analysis in the web platform, featuring signals, plus technical and fundamental summaries. Additionally, InstaTrade offers educational modules covering forex basics for beginners, including margin trading and risk management.
- Ingot Brokers 4.3/5 Ingot Brokers offers forex trading on a modest suite of 30+ currency pairs with raw spreads on the MT5 platform. There are also no restrictions on short-term trading strategies, including hedging, scalping and the use of Expert Advisors (EAs).
- Switch Markets 4.2/5 The range of 60+ major, minor and exotic currency pairs is fairly competitive, especially with spreads from 0 pips in the Pro account. Experienced traders can also access VPS hosting and Expert Advisors to run algo trading strategies with minimal downtime.
- JustMarkets 3.9/5 JustMarkets offers a good selection of 65+ forex pairs, which can be traded through the MT4 and MT5 platforms. High leverage is available from the offshore branch, and the broker also offers very tight spreads starting from 0.1 with no commission on the Pro account.
- IFC Markets 2.9/5 IFC Markets delivers a solid forex trading experience with 50+ currency pairs, including majors, minors, and exotics. In our hands-on testing, execution was reliable and spreads were competitive - particularly on floating spread accounts via MT5, where major pairs like EUR/USD dropped as low as 0.4 pips during high liquidity.
Forex Futures Comparison
| Broker | Forex Assets | EUR/USD Spread | Forex App Rating | Minimum Deposit | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | 50+ | 0.9 | $300 | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, JFSA, BVI, FSRA/ADGM, AFM, CMA-Kenya, CIRO (via Friedberg Direct) | |
| InstaTrade | 65 | 0.0 | - | $1 | - |
| Ingot Brokers | 30+ | 1.0 | - | $10 | ASIC, CySEC, JSC, FSA, CMA-Kenya |
| Switch Markets | 60+ | 0.1 | - | $50 | VFSC |
| JustMarkets | 65+ | 0 - 1.0 | - | $1 | CySEC, FSA, FSCA, FSC, BVIFSC |
| IFC Markets | 50+ | 0.4 | - | $1 | BVI FSC |
Community Sentiment
See how users rate these brokers based on the average customer ratings submitted on DayTrading.com, plus ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.
| Broker | Our Users' Rating | Trustpilot Score | Trustpilot Reviews | iOS App Rating | Android App Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | 13696 | ||||
| InstaTrade | 16 | ||||
| Ingot Brokers | 57 | ||||
| Switch Markets | - | 964 | |||
| JustMarkets | - | 4500 | |||
| IFC Markets | - | 570 |
AvaTrade
Celebrating 20 Years in the industry, AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets.
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
AvaTrade quick facts
- GBPUSD Spread
- 1.5
- EURUSD Spread
- 0.9
- EURGBP Spread
- 1.5
- Total Assets
- 50+
- Platforms
- WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, ZAR
Pros
- AvaFutures traders can now use TradingView for 100+ indicators, screeners and a calendar, the sharing of trade ideas, commissions from $0.45, intraday margins from $60, and access to exchanges like CME and EUREX.
- Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.
- AvaTrade launched AvaFutures to offer low-margin access to global markets, then expanded in 2025 as one of the first brokers to add CME’s Micro Grain Futures.
Cons
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
- The AvaSocial app is good but not great – the look and feel, plus the navigation between finding strategy providers and account management needs upgrading to rival category leaders like eToro.
- While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
InstaTrade
InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, fast execution that can hit sub 10ms, and VPS hosting, making it a strong fit for algo traders deploying fast-paced, high-volume trading strategies.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
InstaTrade quick facts
- GBPUSD Spread
- 0.2
- EURUSD Spread
- 0.0
- EURGBP Spread
- 2.8
- Total Assets
- 65
- Platforms
- InstaTrade Gear, MT4
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, RUB
Pros
- InstaTrade delivers an excellent suite of charting tools for day traders with its web trader comprising 250+ indicators, 11 chart types and a user-friendly design.
- Despite an average investment offering of around 300 assets, InstaTrade offers a particularly strong suite of currency pairs, catering to advanced traders seeking opportunities in volatile exotics.
- VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.
Cons
- Our analysis of third-party user reviews about the InstaTrade and wider InstaForex brands found instances of withdrawal complaints and account blocks.
- InstaTrade sports one of the most cluttered websites and client cabinets in the industry, potentially overwhelming new traders, especially compared to XTB’s intuitive trading journey and resources.
- InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
Ingot Brokers
Ingot Brokers is a good choice for day traders looking for a no-frills broker with a wide range of instruments. Experienced traders will appreciate access to the advanced MT5 platform, although beginners may be disappointed in the lack of educational resources.
William Berg, Reviewer
Ingot Brokers quick facts
- GBPUSD Spread
- 1.4
- EURUSD Spread
- 1.0
- EURGBP Spread
- 1.5
- Total Assets
- 30+
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, AUD
Pros
- Traders can access the market-leading MT4 and MT5 platforms, collectively offering dozens of advanced technical indicators and charting tools for detailed analysis
- Multiple free payment methods are available, including bank transfers and crypto payments
- Ingot Brokers holds multiple regulatory licenses, including two from the top-tier regulators, ASIC and CySEC
Cons
- Despite improvements in the Resources Hub, the broker’s education and market research still trail many competitors
- The range of 30+ currency pairs is below the industry average and won’t be sufficient for serious forex traders
- The ECN account offers fewer assets than the other account types
Switch Markets
Switch Markets is a good option for active traders familiar with MetaTrader and looking for resources to inform trading decisions and strategies with coaching, market analysis, and a huge suite of 20+ trading calculators and tools. Its algo trading infrastructure is also excellent, including a free premium VPS.
William Berg, Reviewer
Switch Markets quick facts
- GBPUSD Spread
- 0.5
- EURUSD Spread
- 0.1
- EURGBP Spread
- 0.6
- Total Assets
- 60+
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, CHF
Pros
- Switch Markets has bundled four tools at no charge for clients maintaining a $50 balance: a VPS, AlgoBuilder AI with natural-language prompts, Trackatrader for advanced analytics, and PineConnector.
- There's complimentary access to the MarketMovers education resources, market analysis, and one-on-one coaching that isn't provided by most brokers.
- Traders can access copy trading solutions via the MetaTrader Trading Signals tools and duplicate positions of experienced traders in real-time.
Cons
- Despite improvements, spreads are still not the most competitive for Standard account holders based on our analysis, averaging around 1.5 pips on EUR/USD.
- There's no proprietary software or app, making it primarily a MetaTrader-only broker, though the addition of the PineConnector bridge allows traders to execute trades directly from TradingView charts.
- Switch Markets' regulatory credentials have worsened since its ASIC coverage, via its operations as a Corporate Appointed Representative (CAR) under OneRoyal, lapsed in 2024.
JustMarkets
With some of the most affordable pricing in the game and access to the powerful MT4 and MT5 platforms, JustMarkets is a good choice for any investor.
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
JustMarkets quick facts
- GBPUSD Spread
- 0 - 1.0
- EURUSD Spread
- 0 - 1.0
- EURGBP Spread
- 1 - 2.5
- Total Assets
- 65+
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, ZAR, MYR, IDR, AED, NGN, THB, VND, KWD, CNY
Pros
- Tight spreads from 0 pips
- Fast order executions from 0.01 seconds
- MetaTrader 4 integration
Cons
- Limited availability with clients not accepted from the US, UK, Japan, Germany and other countries
IFC Markets
IFC Markets is best suited to active traders who want flexibility, with a choice of micro and standard accounts, minimum deposits from just $1, plus the ability to blend multiple assets into a single synthetic instrument on the user-friendly NetTradeX platform – a feature we’ve not seen elsewhere.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IFC Markets quick facts
- GBPUSD Spread
- 2.4
- EURUSD Spread
- 0.4
- EURGBP Spread
- 1.4
- Total Assets
- 50+
- Platforms
- NetTradeX, MT4, MT5
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, JPY
Pros
- The NetTradeX platform’s PCI feature lets you build your own synthetic instruments – a truly standout feature enabling you to trade complex macro views or hedged positions as a single chartable asset.
- With leverage up to 1:400 and $1 account minimums, IFC Markets offers easy entry for beginners and high-leverage traders. Unlike brokers under stricter ESMA or ASIC rules, its offshore regulation allows more flexible margin and account options.
- We’ve seen meaningful improvements over time, including the addition of a Standard ECN account on MT5 and expanded synthetic instruments on NetTradeX, showing IFC Markets is evolving to better serve active traders.
Cons
- With 10+ account types across 3 platforms, it’s hard to know what suits you initially, potentially confusing beginners. During setup, we had to cross-check multiple account specs to avoid mismatches.
- Support hours are regional and weekday-only. During late trades, don’t expect to get help via chat or phone – a big miss for day traders operating in global markets.
- While ECN spreads on MT5 were tight in our tests, fixed spreads on MT4 are wide (1.8 pips on EUR/USD), and crypto spreads are very high (500+ pips on ETH/USD).
What Are Forex Futures?
Futures are a straightforward derivative contract. A derivative is when a financial instrument derives its value from the price fluctuations of another. For example, the value of a derivative linked to a foreign exchange pair, say USD/GBP, is simply a function of price movements between those currencies.
Importantly, forex futures often have their own symbols. For instance, on CME’s Group website EUR/USD has the symbol “6E”.
Spot Forex vs Futures
Many traders ask what the difference is between trading currencies using spot forex or futures. Here are the most significant considerations:
- Price – Spot forex is trading the exchange rates as they stand in the present. Futures are based on what they will be in the future (or what participants are willing to pay)
- Timeframes – Spot implies the “swap” of currencies when the trade is made. Futures delay this until the contract’s specified time
- Scale – Retail investors can trade spot forex, using leverage, for relatively small amounts. Futures generally require a much larger capital outlay and attract larger institutions (who might be hedging) and speculators trading larger sums
Forex Futures vs Forwards
The main difference between forwards and futures contracts is that the latter are standardized. This means forex futures come in set sizes and do not allow customization. Also, clearing houses settle them according to standard procedures. Forex futures are the most popular with retail investors.
Trading With Forex Futures
Retail and institutional investors use forex futures for hedging and speculation.
Hedging With Futures
Investors who hedge through forex futures aim to reduce exposure to currency exchange-rate fluctuations. Institutional investors tend to benefit the most from this strategy, though retail traders can also take advantage of it to a lesser degree. While forex futures-based hedging always makes mathematical sense, its effects may be insignificant on a smaller scale.
Let us consider the following example: A US company expects to receive EUR 1 million for its services rendered in Europe.
The payment will be made in 5 months. The current EUR/USD exchange rate is 1.12. That means the EUR 1 million translates to USD 1,120,000. Any drop in the exchange rate would mean significant losses for the US company. If the rate were to drop to 1.10, it would generate a $20,000 loss.
The spot forex market does not offer the company a practical way to protect the transaction.
It can, however, sell eight EUR 125,000 forex futures, which would all result in a profit if the exchange rate were to drop. This profit would then offset the losses resulting from the transaction itself.
This example also clarifies the practice’s limitations for retail traders.
Speculation
Many traders use the forex market for speculation. They buy a specific currency, such EUR, and when the relative value goes up, they sell it for profit. The downside of this technique is that it becomes impossible to generate a profit if the price drops. This means that if you were looking to profit from the anticipated drop in value of the Russian Ruble in the Ukraine conflict, for example, you may struggle.
Futures address this issue. Traders who predict a currency’s value will decline may sell futures rather than purchase them.
In contrast to the forex market, futures are subject to exchange regulations. Due to the wide variety of contract sizes offered, they are suitable for retail investors. On the other hand, institutional investors may benefit from their liquidity, which makes them an excellent choice for those looking to take large positions.
Contract Specifications
As outlined above, forex futures contracts are standardized. They have a set size, date of expiry, settlement rules, and many characteristics that differentiate them from other contracts.
One essential feature is the tick, which is unique to each contract. It symbolizes the minimum price fluctuation. The best way to understand the tick is through an example. On the CAD/USD pair, the tick size is $0.0001 for every CAD. With contracts standardized to CAD 100,000, this translates to $10 moves up or down.
Retail traders find regular FX futures contracts to be time-consuming and inconvenient. Fortunately, there are mini contracts available too. E-minis or e-micros, are 1/10th of the size of a regular contract.
What Is Trading Margin In Forex Futures?
The clearing houses that settle the contracts often require an initial margin from FX traders. This margin acts as a guarantee for the investor that their account can afford to support the trades.
The maintenance margin is tracked, and when it drops below a set amount, it triggers a margin call. At this point, investors need to deposit more to raise their margin level back above the preset mark. If they don’t, the exchange closes their trades.
Exchanges, such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), list exact maintenance requirements for all supported contracts on their websites.
Where Can Investors Trade Forex Futures?
The CME is the worldwide leader in forex futures trading. The exchange has been experimenting with cryptocurrency and fiat options, in addition to ‘traditional forex futures. Other exchanges with high trading volumes include the Intercontinental Exchange and Eurex.
Investors can trade forex futures live through an open cry-out system. However, this option has already been phased out by many exchanges. The most straightforward way is through electronic means, i.e. the internet.
Forex futures represent just another way to trade currencies. Other methods used by investors to trade forex include:
Market Analysis Tools
Both technical and fundamental analysis are used when trading forex futures, similar to stocks. Technical analysis studies the price movement of the forex market using real-time or historical charts. The investor examines important market data such as price and volume to predict future trends.
The most significant difference between forex futures and stocks analysis comes from the use of fundament research. Forex traders must understand macroeconomic fundamentals and forecasting methods. In contrast, stock market investors derive their fundamental analysis from a company’s financial statements, health, competitors, and wider market sentiment.
Global events affect forex futures. Inflation, deflation, interest rates, political unrest, sanctions, and commodities prices are a few of the most influential factors. Usually, a change in any of them will impact the value of a currency.
For example, the Japanese yen is particularly sensitive to energy cost, which is a commodity. This is due to Japan being one of the biggest energy producers in the world.
Final Thoughts
Investors frequently use forex futures to hedge or speculate on foreign exchange rates. Socio-economic factors usually impact the price of currencies, and you must take them into consideration when creating trading strategies. You also need to be aware of the margin size as it can magnify profits and losses. See our list of the best forex futures brokers to start trading today.
FAQ
What Is The Difference Between Forex And Index Futures?
Both forex and indices, like the S&P 500, have futures. However, they are different asset classes. Forex is used for currency trading, while indices represent a cluster of stocks. One of the pros of index futures is their exposure to a wide range of investments. They are diversified from the start.
Forex Vs. Futures Day Trading, Which Is Better?
Forex involves trading currency pairs, while futures day trading applies to many financial assets, including stocks, options, forex, bonds, and indices. They have a contract that specifies the future time and price of the sale. You should choose the option which best suits your trading style.
Forex Futures – How Do They Work?
FX futures are contracts for currencies that indicate the cost of a future exchange. Top forex day trading platforms and brokers, such as FOREX.com, generate spot rates. In turn, these rates are utilized as a basis for the futures’ price quotes.
What Are The Forex Futures Trading Hours?
The main forex market is open in three sessions. Here are the GMT periods. The Asian session is between 11 PM and 8 AM, the European session is open from 10 PM to 5 AM, and the North American window is held from 12 PM to 8 PM. If you are from a different time zone, such as India, Australia, or the USA, you must convert this to your local time.
What Are Forex News APK Solutions?
APK or Android Application Packages are the files a developer uses to group an Android app. It is best to avoid websites offering APK versions of forex trading apps and stick with reputable sources as they may contain viruses. Mobile phones are particularly vulnerable to malware.
FAQ
What Is A Currency Futures Contract?
A currency futures contract is an agreement between two parties to exchange currency on a preset date in the future, at an agreed exchange rate.
The contract enables both parties to mitigate risk and establish an exchange rate today, for a time in the future.
This contract can subsequently be brought and sold for speculation, but ultimately, on the day of expiry, the currencies will be exchanged at the agreed rate.
Are Futures Settled Daily?
Futures are marked to market daily, and changes are settled accordingly until the expiry date of the contract.
Can Futures Be Sold Before Expiry
Yes. A futures contract can be sold prior to expiry. The contract can also be nullified if a contract of the opposing direction and value is opened – thus ‘closing’ the original.
Why Do Futures Expire?
The day on which goods or currency are exchanged is known as the expiration date. The transaction must eventually occur, or else there will be no underlying deal from which the derivative may ‘derive’ a price.
Where Can I Trade Forex Futures?
These brokers all offer futures trading in Canada;
The Best Forex Futures Brokers in Canada
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- Demo account
- Min. deposit: $300
- Min. trade: 0.01 Lots
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- Demo account
- Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, JSC, FSA, CMA-Kenya
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
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- Demo account
- Regulator: CySEC, FSA, FSCA, FSC, BVIFSC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
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- Demo account
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA, MAS, SFC, ASIC, CIRO, JFSA, SC
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.