Futures & options brokers for European traders

Exchange-traded futures and options are an alternative to CFDs: prices come from a central exchange, positions are cleared through a clearing house, and costs are transparent. They suit traders with larger accounts because contract sizes are big – although micro contracts on CME have lowered the entry point.

European traders typically access Eurex, CME and ICE through multi-asset brokers such as Interactive Brokers and Saxo, specialist firms such as WH SelfInvest, or US futures commission merchants that accept international clients.

#Considerations

• Margin is set by the exchange and broker, not ESMA's CFD caps; losses can exceed your deposit because negative balance protection is a CFD rule.
• Data fees for real-time exchange data.
• US brokers serving EU residents are not EU-authorised; your protection then depends on US rules.