The John Walsh Agency has surveyed more than a thousand experienced futures brokers and asked what, in their experience, caused most futures traders to lose money. Perhaps you may recognize some of your strengths and weaknesses. Yet, many of the reasons given are very similar from broker to broker and client to client. The repetitions stand to demonstrate that, alas, many futures traders lose money for many of the same reasons. Perhaps these statements from experienced brokers can make a contribution to you, who make this sometimes fickle, often intricate, always interesting marketplace of futures trading possible. Here is what they said:

These account executives represent the trading experience of more than 20,000 futures traders. In addition, most of these Account Executives (AEs) have also traded or are currently trading for themselves. Their answers are not summarized because different traders make (and lose) money for different reasons.

The following materials describe an investment in futures. You should be aware that Futures & options trading is not suitable for all individuals. The degree of leverage available can lead to large profits as well as large losses. Past performance is not indicative of future results. If you do not acknowledge the risks described above, the following materials should not be used for the purposes of making an informed decision regarding an investment in futures or options.

The risk of loss in futures is substantial. An investor could potentially lose more than their initial investment.

Stop loss orders may not limit your losses to the amount intended. Certain market conditions may make it difficult or impossible to execute such orders.