Is the main benefit of futures the leverage and out of hours trading? I was thinking about trading DIA rather than the Dow mini
Taxation DIA... capital gains depending on holding period. Wash-sale rules also apply. YM... capital gains 60% longterm 40% shorterm, regardless of holding period and no wash-sale rules. Per trade capital requirements and costs DIA... short or long, exact out-of-pocket capital is dependent on price. In addition to commissions, borrow costs, locate fees, etc may be applicable. YM... short or long, regardless of price out-of-pocket capital remains the same for both short and long trades, with no additional borrow costs, locate fees, etc. Commisions/fees are per contract, paid when entering, and when exiting the market. NB: performance bond (margin) requirements are set by the exchange per product. Brokers/FCMs can modify day-trading performance bond (margin) requirements, but must adhere to exchange requirements or higher, for positions held that span trading sessions.