Reading the right books can give traders a lasting edge. While market news and social media can provide quick updates, it’s often the deep, structured insights found in books that help traders understand how futures markets truly work. Whether you’re just starting out or refining a mature strategy, there’s a futures trading book out there that can level up your skills.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best futures trading books across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. You’ll find titles that cover technical analysis, risk management, trading psychology, and macro strategy, along with practical advice you can apply to your own trades.
Key Takeaways
- Reading futures trading books builds a strong foundation. The best books teach essential concepts like leverage, margin, and contract specs in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Intermediate and advanced traders benefit from strategy and psychology books. Titles that explore technical setups, risk management, and mindset help sharpen execution and discipline.
- Not all trading books are created equal. The most useful ones offer real-world examples, are written by credible traders, and are consistently recommended in the trading community.
- Choosing the right book depends on your goals. Whether you’re a beginner, a trend follower, or a systems trader, there’s a book tailored to your experience level and trading style.
Note: If you’re new to futures, MetroTrade’s free Learn series is a great complement to the books below.
What Makes a Great Futures Trading Book?
Not all trading books are created equal. The most useful ones share a few key traits:
- Clear explanations: Futures trading can be complex. A good book breaks down terms and strategies in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Real examples: Theory is helpful, but examples from real trades make strategies come to life.
- Practical value: The best books give you tools you can actually use. Whether it’s a strategy, a way to manage risk, or a method of analysis, the information should be usable.
- Credible authors: Books written by experienced traders, market analysts, or respected educators often stand the test of time.
- Strong community reviews: Look for books that consistently get recommended in trading communities, broker blogs, and reading lists.
Best Futures Trading Books for Beginners
If you’re just starting to explore the world of futures, these books will help you build a strong foundation.
1. A Complete Guide to the Futures Market by Jack D. Schwager
This book is a comprehensive introduction to futures trading that covers technical analysis, charting, systems, spreads, options, and more. Schwager’s writing is accessible, and the content is detailed enough to serve both beginners and intermediate traders. This guide helps you understand how futures markets work, how to analyze price patterns, and how to develop a trading plan.
2. Trading Commodities and Financial Futures by George Kleinman
Kleinman delivers a practical, real-world look at trading commodity and financial futures. The book covers everything from basic concepts to more advanced tools like seasonal strategies and order placement. It’s ideal for readers who want to understand the structure of futures markets while learning strategies that can be applied to live trading.
3. Getting Started in Futures by Todd Lofton
This book is designed for individual investors looking to understand how futures work. Lofton covers contracts, margin, trading mechanics, and basic charting without overwhelming jargon. It’s part of the trusted “Getting Started In…” Wiley series.
4. Futures 101 by Richard E. Waldron
This book breaks down futures markets from the ground up. Waldron covers everything from contract specifications to pricing, margin, and how traders use futures to hedge or speculate. It’s written for readers with little to no experience and is often used as a textbook in trading courses.
5. Day Trading Micro Futures for Income: The Beginner’s Gateway to Trading for a Living by Don Singletary
This is one of the most approachable futures trading books written specifically for retail traders. Singletary explains how micro futures contracts work, how to set up your trading platform, and how to manage trades with smaller account sizes. The tone is friendly, practical, and perfect for beginners who want to start trading futures without risking large amounts of capital.
Top Futures Trading Books for Intermediate Traders
If you already understand the basics and want to strengthen your skills, these books will help you go deeper into market analysis and strategy.
1. Technical Analysis of the Futures Markets by John J. Murphy
This is one of the most widely recommended books on charting and technical indicators. Murphy explains trendlines, moving averages, oscillators, and patterns in a clear and structured way. It’s a must-read for traders who use technical analysis in their decision-making.
2. Trend Following by Michael Covel
Covel explores trend-following strategies used by successful fund managers. The book shares insights from well-known traders and shows how following price trends can lead to long-term success. It includes real-world performance data and emphasizes discipline and risk control.
3. The Complete Guide to Futures Trading by Lind-Waldock
This guidebook, compiled by one of the most well-known futures brokers, offers a variety of strategies, technical tools, and risk management techniques. It’s a solid resource for intermediate traders looking to broaden their knowledge or refine their approach.
View this book on Google Books
4. The Disciplined Trader by Mark Douglas
Futures trading is as much about mindset as it is about math. Douglas focuses on the mental and emotional challenges traders face. He explains how fear, greed, and overconfidence affect trading performance and offers strategies to develop a disciplined mindset.
5. High Probability Trading Strategies by Robert C. Miner
Miner combines technical analysis with a step-by-step approach to identifying high-probability setups. He uses price action, indicators, and market structure to help traders time their entries and exits more effectively.
Advanced Futures Trading Books for Seasoned Traders
These titles are best for experienced traders looking to push the limits of their systems, strategies, or mindset.
1. Trading Systems and Methods by Perry J. Kaufman
This is a comprehensive guide to building and evaluating trading systems. Kaufman covers quantitative methods, technical indicators, and system optimization. It’s ideal for traders who want to build rule-based approaches or test automated strategies.
2. Following the Trend by Andreas Clenow
Clenow provides a detailed look at systematic trend-following using futures. He shares how professional traders structure portfolios, manage risk, and handle drawdowns. The book includes charts, backtests, and practical frameworks.
3. Mind Over Markets by James F. Dalton
This book is one of the most detailed introductions to Market Profile—a charting method used to analyze market behavior. Dalton helps traders understand volume, time, and price to uncover market structure and improve trade timing.
4. The New Market Wizards by Jack D. Schwager
This follow-up to Market Wizards includes interviews with successful traders from various markets, including futures. Schwager uncovers the thinking, discipline, and strategies behind their success. It’s an inspiring read with lessons that apply to any level of trading.
5. Trading in the Zone: Master the Market with Confidence, Discipline and a Winning Attitude by Mark Douglas
This book is a deep dive into the psychology of trading. Douglas explains how beliefs, emotions, and mental habits impact decision-making and performance. It’s not about charts or indicators, but about developing the discipline and confidence needed to execute your strategy without hesitation.
Books on Risk Management in Futures Trading
Trading without risk management is like driving without brakes. These books help traders build the mindset and tools needed to protect capital.
1. The New Trading for a Living by Dr. Alexander Elder
Elder blends trading psychology, technical analysis, and risk management into one cohesive framework. His writing is clear and accessible, and the lessons are grounded in years of trading and teaching.
2. Enhancing Trader Performance by Brett Steenbarger
This book explores how traders can optimize their performance using psychological tools and deliberate practice. Steenbarger’s background in both psychology and trading makes this a powerful resource for self-improvement.
3. Risk Management and Financial Institutions by John C. Hull
While this book is more academic, it offers a deep dive into risk models, position sizing, and capital requirements. It’s useful for advanced traders or those working with institutional clients.
4. Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk by Peter L. Bernstein
This isn’t a trading manual, but a fascinating history of how humans have measured and managed risk. It’s an engaging read that provides context for why risk matters so much in modern finance.
Books That Cover Futures from a Macro and Economic Angle
Understanding global economics can give traders an edge, especially when trading interest rate, currency, or commodity futures.
1. Principles for Navigating Big Debt Crises by Ray Dalio
Dalio explains how debt cycles shape economic trends and market behavior. He uses historical case studies to show how central banks respond to crises. It’s especially relevant for traders who follow macroeconomic futures.
2. Global Macro Trading by Greg Gliner
Gliner provides a practical guide to trading macro themes using futures and other instruments. The book covers interest rate policy, inflation, and geopolitical risk, making it valuable for futures traders with a global outlook.
3. The Alchemy of Finance by George Soros
Soros introduces his theory of reflexivity and how market perceptions influence prices. While abstract in places, the book is insightful for traders who want to think more deeply about market behavior.
Put Your Learning to the Test
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How to Choose the Right Book Based on Your Trading Goals
Your goals and experience level will determine which books are best for you:
- If you’re just starting out, choose books that explain the basics like contract specs, margin, and leverage.
- If you’re focused on strategy, look for books that include charting methods, setups, or backtesting.
- If you’re struggling with discipline, trading psychology books can help you manage emotions and build habits.
- If you want to trade full-time, advanced books on systems or macro trading can help prepare you.
Ask yourself: Do I want to better understand the market, build a system, or improve my mindset? The answer will point you to the right title.
Where to Buy the Best Futures Trading Books
You can find most of these books at:
- Amazon – usually has both new and used copies, plus Kindle editions.
- Audible – for those who prefer audiobooks.
- Publisher websites – like Wiley or McGraw-Hill, especially for textbooks.
- Libraries – great for previewing titles before you commit to a purchase.
Prefer to Learn Online? Explore Our Learn Series
If you’re looking for an easier way to start learning the futures markets, MetroTrade offers a complete 24-part educational series designed specifically for beginners.
Each article in the MetroTrade Learn series breaks down one key futures concept at a time using plain language, real-world examples, and clear visuals to make complex topics easy to understand. It’s completely free and available on our website.
What You’ll Learn in the Series
- The basics of what futures contracts are and how they work
- How leverage, margin, and tick sizes affect every trade
- The most common order types and how to use them
- How to manage risk, avoid common trading mistakes, and read market data
- Step-by-step guides to major asset classes like energy, metals, crypto, and more
Whether you’re just starting or reviewing core concepts before diving into a book, the MetroTrade Learn series is a perfect starting point for self-paced education.
Start with Part 1: Introduction to Futures
Conclusion
Futures trading is a skill that takes time, discipline, and ongoing learning. Reading high-quality books is one of the best ways to develop a deeper understanding of the markets and build a more confident trading approach. Whether you’re looking for your first futures book or your tenth, the titles above can help you level up your knowledge and performance.
Ready to apply what you’ve learned? Create your free MetroTrade account today and start exploring the futures markets with zero risk in simulated or live trading.
FAQs
What are the best futures trading books for beginners?
The best futures trading books for beginners include A Complete Guide to the Futures Market by Jack D. Schwager, Getting Started in Futures by Todd Lofton, and Trading Commodities and Financial Futures by George Kleinman. These books explain contracts, leverage, margin, and trading strategies in simple, beginner-friendly terms.
Are there any free futures trading books available online?
Yes. Some brokers, trading education platforms, and libraries offer free eBooks and PDFs about futures trading. You can also access free educational content through MetroTrade’s 24-part Learn Series, which covers futures basics, strategy, and risk management in plain language.
Can reading books really improve your futures trading performance?
Yes. Reading high-quality futures trading books builds knowledge, structure, and discipline. Books teach proven strategies, technical analysis, and risk control techniques that help traders make more informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.
Which books are best for learning technical analysis in futures trading?
Technical Analysis of the Futures Markets by John J. Murphy and High Probability Trading Strategies by Robert C. Miner are two of the best futures trading books for technical analysis. They explain chart patterns, indicators, and timing tools that help traders analyze market trends.
How do I choose the right futures trading book for my goals?
Choose a futures trading book based on your experience and interests. Beginners should focus on introductory guides that explain contract structure and leverage. More advanced traders can explore books on strategy, psychology, or system building. Always check reviews and the author’s credibility before buying.
Do professional traders still read books to improve their futures strategies?
Yes. Many professional traders still read and reference the best futures trading books to refine their strategies and mindset. Classics like Trading in the Zone by Mark Douglas and Trend Following by Michael Covel remain part of many traders’ ongoing education.
The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered trading, investment, tax, or legal advice. Futures trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation. Always consult with a licensed financial professional before making any trading decisions. MetroTrade is not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of this content.