Lesson 1: What are Futures?
In this video, I break down what futures contracts are and why they matter, in simple, beginner-friendly terms. You’ll learn how these contracts work, who uses them, and how they help manage risk in markets like oil, wheat, the S&P 500, and even Bitcoin. From hedging strategies to how futures are traded and settled, this lesson gives you a solid foundation to understand one of the most important tools in finance.
Video By Daniel Ledenev
Lesson 2: Futures VS Other Instruments
In this video, I explain how futures contracts differ from other financial instruments like stocks, bonds, and options, in clear, beginner-friendly language. You’ll learn what sets futures apart, why they aren’t traditional investments, and how they’re used for hedging and speculation. By comparing futures to more familiar assets, this lesson helps you build a solid understanding of what makes futures unique, how they function, and where they fit in a broader financial strategy.
Video By Daniel Ledenev
Lesson 3: Futures Markets & Participants
In this video, I break down the different types of participants in the futures market, from hedgers looking to reduce risk to speculators seeking profit. You’ll learn how these two groups interact, why both are essential, and who’s actually trading futures today. Whether it’s airlines, hedge funds, or retail traders, this lesson explains the roles, goals, and impact each player has on market movement and liquidity.
Video By Daniel Ledenev
Lesson 4: Margin, Leverage, and Risk
In this video, I explain how margin and leverage work in futures trading, and why understanding them is critical to managing risk. You’ll learn what margin really means, how leverage amplifies both gains and losses, and what happens when trades go against you. I walk through real examples, break down how margin calls work, and cover the key principles of risk management every futures trader needs to know before placing a trade.
Video By Daniel Ledenev
Lesson 5: Common Futures Contracts
In this video, I break down the most commonly traded futures contracts; including index futures like the S&P 500 (ES), commodities like crude oil and gold, currencies like the Euro (6E), and interest rate futures like the 10-Year Treasury (ZN). You’ll learn how each contract works, what it represents, and how traders use them to hedge risk or speculate on price movements. I also cover tick values, contract sizes, and the role of micro futures for smaller accounts.
Video By Daniel Ledenev
Lesson 6: Real Trading Examples + Chart Analysis
In this video, I walk through real futures trading setups using tick charts, VWAP, EMA crossovers, and price structure. You’ll see how I use technical confluence, resistance zones, and execution tools to take both long and short trades in the ES and NQ markets. I also break down how professional traders think through price action, avoid traps, and build a full story before entering a trade, not just reacting to indicators. This is where strategy meets structure.
Video By Daniel Ledenev
Lesson 7: Order Types & Trade Execution
In this video, I break down how to properly enter and manage trades in the futures market. You'll learn the key order types; market, limit, stop, and stop-limit, and when to use each one. I show how to execute breakout vs. pullback trades, how to place smart stop-losses, and how to use OCO (One-Cancels-Other) orders to automate your risk and target. If you’ve ever had a good setup go wrong because of bad execution, this lesson is for you.
Video By Daniel Ledenev
Lesson 8: Margin Requirements & Position Sizing
In this video, I break down what margin really means in the futures market, and how to size your trades the right way. You’ll learn the difference between initial vs. maintenance margin, day vs. overnight margin, and how to calculate risk-based position size. I also cover micro contracts, leverage, and the common mistakes that wipe out small accounts. If you’re not sure how many contracts to trade or why your trades feel too risky, this lesson will clear it up.
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Video By Daniel Ledenev
Lesson 9: Economic Events & Market Reaction
In this video, I break down how key economic events move the futures market, and how you can prepare for them. You'll learn what CPI, NFP, FOMC, JOLTS, and PMI actually mean, why they're so important, and how they impact contracts like ES, NQ, ZN, and GC. Whether you trade technicals or not, macro data sets the tone for the entire market. This lesson gives you the tools to approach news days with clarity and confidence.
Video By Daniel Ledenev