Soybean Futures
What are soybean futures?
Soybean futures are one of the most widely traded agricultural futures contracts. Soybeans have a wide range of uses and serve as a central ingredient in many food products and are used as a renewable resource with many industrial applications. Soybean futures can give traders another way to potentially help manage risk and diversify their portfolios with this popular agricultural commodity. In recent years, CME Group has introduced mini soybean futures which are 1/5th the size of the standard soybean futures contract.
How to trade soybean futures
Soybean futures can be traded on the thinkorswim® trading platforms.
Soybean futures contract specifications
Considering trading soybean futures? Here are the soybean futures contract specifications.
| Exchange, Symbol | Chicago Board of Trade, /ZS |
| Multiplier | 50 |
| Minimum Tick Size and Value | 0.25 = $12.50 |
| Settlement | Physical1 |
| Trading Hours | 8 pm ET to 8:45 am ET, Sunday – Friday and 9:30 am – 2:20 pm ET, Monday - Friday |
Advanced Trading Platforms and Education
At Schwab, you also get access to advanced trading platforms and education, where you can take advantage of market research, real-time soybean futures quotes, and other specialized tools.
Why consider trading soybean futures?
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Investors can use oilseeds like soybean futures to hedge or diversify their portfolio using investments that have a low correlation with their financial assets.
Traders can use soybean futures to speculate on the price of soybean, which can change based on a number of different factors including fluctuations of crop output by farmers due to weather events, changes in demand from developing countries that use soybean feeds for livestock and in oils, and the value of the U.S. dollar. Options on soybean futures are also available.
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It is important to understand the benefits and risks involved with soybean futures before placing a futures trade. With soybean futures you can trade outside of the traditional market hours associated with equities and take advantage of potential trading opportunities regardless of market direction. Soybean futures also provide the ability to trade with greater leverage and can allow a more efficient use of trading capital. However, trading leveraged products like soybean futures is not suitable for all investors. It involves risks that greater losses can occur with smaller market movements, and more than your initial investment can be lost.
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Futures trading at Schwab
Take advantage of specialized education, platform, and support.
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Ready to start trading soybean futures with Schwab?
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Just getting started with futures? Learn more about futures and the unique advantages and risks of futures trading.