Futures and Options Associations and Organizations
Futures are simply contracts that specify the future sale of a physical commodity or something as intangible as a stock market index such as the Standard and Poor's 500 Index. Options, consisting of "calls" and "puts," are contracts that specify that a stock, commodity, or other vehicle must be sold to another investor if that investment reaches a certain price. Various organizations exist that provide newsletters, updates regarding new developments and laws, new software reviews, and other information related to the trading of futures and options. These can be useful for any investor, from beginner to advanced, interested in either futures contracts or options as an investment. The links herein relate to futures and options associations and organizations.
Committee on Options Proposals
Browse COOP's site for information on 40 member stock exchanges, news, and updates on the latest standardization achievements.
Futures Industry Association
Explore FIA's site listing brokers, futures commission agents, futures market information and summary of educational resources.
International Finance and Commodities Institute, Geneva, Switzerland
Discover the IFCI, a nonprofit organization pushing international commodity trading and the facilitating of futures and options, with events calendar.
Managed Funds Association
Browse MFA for managed futures, hedge funds, and fund of funds markets, with summary, member information, calendar, and resource links.
National Futures Association
Check the NFA for guidelines on the self-regulatory procedures in futures markets, with overviews, information, resources and reports.
OptionsCentral.com: Options Industry Council
Browse this council's site for information on facilitating the equity options market, with publications, calendar of events, and numerous members.
United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Check CFTC's summaries, news, and details on futures and options markets in the United States, with analysis, news, and resources.