Best Futures to Trade in 2024

Futures trading continues to attract retail and institutional investors in 2025, offering a blend of risk, strategy and real-world market exposure. From hedging against inflation to riding geopolitical headlines, futures provide a high-octane corner of the financial markets. 

But while the upside potential is massive, so is the volatility – making it critical to pick the right contracts and brokers.

Top Futures to Watch in 2025

• Crude Oil (WTI) Futures
• Gold Futures
• Natural Gas Futures
• Copper Futures
• Soybean Futures

Whether new to futures or a seasoned trader, the five contracts below capture outsized attention this year due to macroeconomic trends, tariff policy shifts and global market volatility.

1. Crude Oil (WTI) Futures

Crude oil remains a powerhouse contract in 2025. With ongoing geopolitical tensions, surprise OPEC+ production decisions and a continued tariff chess match between the U.S. and China, WTI futures have become a real-time barometer for macro risk sentiment.

Why Trade It?

• High volatility and strong directional movement
• Proxy for inflation, geopolitical tension and global demand
• Available on major platforms like Plus500 with tight spreads and built-in risk tools

2. Gold Futures

Gold continues to glitter as inflation fears, Fed rate cuts and global instability make investors flock to safety. In 2025, central banks are buying gold at record levels and the dollar's recent softness has only amplified demand.

Why Trade It?

• A classic hedge against uncertainty
• Responds quickly to macro events and currency movements
• Liquid and widely accessible through brokers like Plus500

3. Natural Gas Futures

This year, natural gas is seeing major volatility due to climate unpredictability, green transition turbulence and shifting export flows. It's one of the most reactive contracts on the board, which means both risk and opportunity.

Why Trade It?

• Major upside potential with every weather or inventory surprise
• Tied to global energy flows and political disruption
• Plus500 allows natural gas trading with real-time risk management

4. Copper Futures

Copper prices are bouncing between optimism and recession risk. As a barometer for industrial demand, copper is tightly correlated to infrastructure spending, China’s economic recovery and the EV supply chain.

Why Trade It?

• Strong macroeconomic signal
• Opportunities tied to global infrastructure and EV demand
• High liquidity and manageable contract size for retail traders

5. Soybean Futures

Soybeans are up this year thanks to unpredictable weather, trade tensions and demand from China. Agricultural commodities like soybeans are no longer niche – they’re essential in a world where food security is front-page news.

Why Trade It?

• Sensitive to global supply-demand shocks
• Affordable entry point with sharp price action
• Relevant geopolitical and economic exposure

Best Brokers for Futures Trading in 2025

• Best for Mobile Users: Plus500
• Best for Fund Investing: Charles Schwab
• Best for Active and Global Traders: Interactive Brokers
• Best for Futures Trading: TradeStation
• Best for Advanced Futures Trading: NinjaTrader

Before diving into futures, picking the right broker – especially one that aligns with your strategy and risk tolerance is essential. Here's a fresh look at Benzinga’s top broker picks for 2025:

Best for Mobile Users: Plus500

Plus500 offers one of the most intuitive mobile platforms for futures trading. With access to commodity, crypto, index and energy futures, it's a great entry point for retail traders who want flexibility and speed.

Pros:

• Low minimum deposit
• Access to diverse futures products (crypto, metals, indices, more)
• Transparent commission structure (e.g., $0.49 for micro contracts)

Cons:

• Limited advanced research tools compared to institutional platforms

Best for Fund Investing: Charles Schwab

Schwab brings trust, scale and service. If you're a long-term investor dabbling in futures, this full-service platform makes blending futures into a broader portfolio easy.

Pros:

• Robust customer support
• Low fees and smart advisory services

Cons:

• Limited crypto access

Best for Active and Global Traders: Interactive Brokers

IBKR remains a favorite among global traders thanks to low fees, expansive market access and a deep toolbox.

Pros:

• $0.85 futures commissions
• Low margin rates
• 50+ order types and global exchange access

Cons:

• Platform complexity may overwhelm beginners

Best for Futures Trading: TradeStation

TradeStation excels with its futures-specific accounts (TS GO and TS Select), deep product list and 24/7 access.

Pros:

• Dedicated account types for futures traders
• Access to 150+ futures products

Cons:

• Limited to no forex exposure

Best for Advanced Traders: NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader is tailored for the experienced crowd. It offers low commissions, algorithmic trading support and a powerful charting suite.

Pros:

• $0.09 commissions on micro contracts
• Huge third-party ecosystem for custom tools

Cons:

• More advanced than some users require
• High withdrawal fee

How to Start Trading Futures in 2025

Futures trading demands preparation. Begin by choosing a reputable broker (like those listed above), open a futures-enabled account and spend time in a simulator if you're new to the game. Understand contract sizes, margin requirements and market hours.

Use tools like stop-loss orders, trailing stops and take-profit levels to manage your risk. Platforms like Plus500 offer these features intuitively tailored to mobile and desktop users alike.

As always, the key to futures success isn’t just picking the right contract – it’s executing with discipline.

Futures Are Fast, but They’re Not for Everyone

In 2025, futures remain one of the fastest, most responsive ways to engage with macroeconomic trends. But volatility is a double-edged sword. Whether you’re trading oil, gold, soybeans or index futures, know your market, strategy and broker.

Plus500, Interactive Brokers, Schwab and others give traders of all levels the tools they need to participate – but you will only thrive with a solid risk strategy.

Curious about how futures work or how to develop your approach? Explore Benzinga’s Futures & Options Courses and take your trading to the next level.