Risk Control
Software Index
First Futures, a brokerage originating from China, has garnered mixed reviews from various sources. Established in 1995, the firm claims to offer a range of trading services including futures, CFDs, and commodities. However, the overall perception of the broker is marred by concerns regarding its regulatory status and user experiences. Notably, while some users report positive interactions, a significant number express frustration over withdrawal issues and lack of comprehensive support. This review aims to dissect the key features and insights derived from multiple sources, offering a balanced perspective on First Futures.
Note: It's important to highlight that the regulatory landscape varies significantly across regions, and First Futures operates under the oversight of the China Financial Futures Exchange (CFFEX). The approaches taken in this review aim for fairness and accuracy, reflecting the broker's standing in the market.
Category | Rating (out of 10) |
---|---|
Account Conditions | 5.5 |
Tools and Resources | 6.0 |
Customer Service and Support | 4.5 |
Trading Setup (Experience) | 5.0 |
Trustworthiness | 5.0 |
User Experience | 5.7 |
Additional Rating (Fees) | 5.2 |
How We Rate Brokers: Ratings are based on user feedback, expert opinions, and factual data regarding the broker's services.
First Futures, officially known as Yide Futures Co., Ltd., is based in Tianjin, China, and is regulated by the CFFEX. With nearly three decades of experience, the broker offers various trading platforms, although it does not support popular options like MetaTrader 4 or 5. Instead, it provides proprietary platforms tailored for futures and CFDs. The range of tradable assets includes forex, commodities, and indices, catering to a diverse clientele.
Regulated Regions:
First Futures is primarily regulated in China by the CFFEX, which is the sole financial futures exchange in the country. This regulatory framework offers a degree of security; however, the lack of broader international regulation raises concerns for potential investors.
Deposit/Withdrawal Currencies:
Deposits can be made in multiple currencies, including RMB, USD, and EUR. However, users have reported challenges regarding withdrawal processes, with many expressing dissatisfaction over delays and restrictions.
Minimum Deposit:
The minimum deposit for opening an account with First Futures is RMB 50,000 for a standard account and RMB 100,000 for a VIP account. This relatively high entry point may deter smaller investors.
Bonuses/Promotions:
While specific promotional offers are not extensively detailed, some sources indicate that First Futures may provide bonuses for new accounts. However, users should approach such offers with caution, as they can often come with stringent withdrawal conditions.
Tradable Asset Classes:
First Futures allows trading in a variety of asset classes, including forex, commodities, and indices. This diversity is beneficial for traders looking to explore different markets.
Costs (Spreads, Fees, Commissions):
The cost structure at First Futures appears competitive, with spreads for major currency pairs floating around 1-2 pips and commissions for futures contracts typically around $1 per contract. However, a lack of transparency in trading fees has been highlighted by users.
Leverage:
Leverage ratios offered by First Futures can reach up to 1:100 for futures contracts, which is relatively high. However, this also comes with increased risk, particularly in the volatile futures market.
Allowed Trading Platforms:
First Futures does not support MT4 or MT5, which may limit its appeal to traders familiar with these platforms. Instead, it offers proprietary platforms that some users find less intuitive.
Restricted Regions:
While specific geographical restrictions are not well-documented, the broker primarily serves clients within China and may have limitations for international clients.
Available Customer Service Languages:
Customer support is available primarily in Chinese, which could pose a challenge for non-Chinese speaking clients. Reports indicate that the quality of customer service is lacking, with long response times and limited availability.
Category | Rating (out of 10) |
---|---|
Account Conditions | 5.5 |
Tools and Resources | 6.0 |
Customer Service and Support | 4.5 |
Trading Setup (Experience) | 5.0 |
Trustworthiness | 5.0 |
User Experience | 5.7 |
Additional Rating (Fees) | 5.2 |
Account Conditions (5.5): The high minimum deposit requirement may exclude many potential traders. While the firm offers different account types, the lack of flexibility in account options is a drawback.
Tools and Resources (6.0): First Futures provides some educational resources and market analysis tools, but the absence of demo accounts is a significant limitation for new traders.
Customer Service and Support (4.5): User experiences indicate that customer service is often unresponsive and lacks the necessary support for resolving issues, particularly concerning withdrawals.
Trading Setup (Experience) (5.0): The proprietary trading platforms may not meet the expectations of traders accustomed to more established platforms like MT4. The user interface is reportedly less intuitive.
Trustworthiness (5.0): While regulated by CFFEX, the lack of broader international oversight raises questions about the broker's reliability. User complaints regarding withdrawal issues further contribute to this perception.
User Experience (5.7): While some users report positive experiences, the overall sentiment is mixed, with many expressing frustration over operational inefficiencies.
Additional Rating (Fees) (5.2): The fee structure appears competitive, but the lack of clarity regarding certain costs can lead to unexpected expenses for traders.
In conclusion, the First Futures review presents a brokerage with a long-standing history but marred by significant concerns regarding user experience, customer support, and regulatory clarity. Potential investors should weigh these factors carefully against their trading needs and objectives before engaging with First Futures.