In today’s fast-paced financial markets, fintech firms are redefining how investors trade, access data, and manage risk. But behind every seamless trading experience lies a critical layer of infrastructure that most users never see: the clearing and settlement processes This is where Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) come in. Understanding the Role of an FCM […]
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, U.S. futures markets will operate on a modified trading schedule. Most CME futures products will remain open for trading, though trading hours may be adjusted for certain products. Please note that U.S. banks will be closed on this holiday. As a result, no deposits or withdrawals will […]
Reliable market data is the lifeblood of every futures trader. Whether you are scalping the E-mini S&P or managing a large portfolio of commodity positions, the speed and accuracy of your data feed can mean the difference between a winning trade and a missed opportunity. At Ironbeam we connect traders and Introducing Brokers to a […]
Trading Futures During the Unemployment Report Why It Matters Every first Friday of the month, futures traders around the world focus on one number: the U.S. unemployment report, released at 7:30 AM CST. The unemployment rate is a key signal of the economy’s strength and directly influences Federal Reserve policy. It’s one of the most […]
What is Micro Ether? Micro Ether (MET) is a CME-listed futures contract sized at 0.1 ether, designed to give traders a smaller, more precise way to manage Ethereum price risk in a regulated marketplace with USD cash settlement to a transparent benchmark rate. The micro size helps align notional exposure with strategy needs without overcommitting […]
Four times a year the futures markets experience quarterly expiration. The next one is on Friday, September 19, 2025. On these days stock index futures, stock index options, and stock options all expire at once, which traders call triple witching. Triple witching is not mysterious, but it can create unusual trading conditions. Large institutional players […]
Quick take Day trading focuses on opening and closing futures positions within the same session to avoid overnight exposure and capture intraday moves, often using lower day trade margins and faster execution workflows. Swing trading holds positions for several days to weeks to target larger trend moves, accepting overnight risk in exchange for fewer trades […]
Markets have largely priced a September cut, with most estimates centering on a 25 bp move and a smaller probability of 50 bp, which can drive Treasury prices up and yields down into and after the event. Positioning and expectations matter: surprises versus what is priced tend to move bonds most on decision day. […]
At Ironbeam, we’re committed to providing traders with the very best platforms and tools to succeed in the futures markets. One of the platforms we’re most proud to offer is Sierra Chart, a professional-grade trading and charting solution trusted by serious traders worldwide. If you’re new to Sierra Chart, you may be wondering: Why does […]
Ironbeam is excited to announce the launch of trading for two highly anticipated cryptocurrency futures contracts: Micro XRP and Micro Solana. As digital currencies continue to grow in popularity and market presence, Ironbeam remains committed to providing futures traders access to the latest and most innovative futures products. Trade Micro XRP and Micro Solana […]
