This trading simulation provides a realistic environment for those learning to trade futures and options. TradeSim incorporates timely price data, providing participants an opportunity to test their skills and knowledge about the market. Prices are provided by DTN and FarmDayta, and are downloaded via HTTP protocol once every hour during the period from 6am until 7pm. Approximately 40 different commodity contracts are available on TradeSim. There are two versions of TradeSim. One version supports futures trading only while the other version supports futures and options trading.

TradeSim supports several exchanges. Each exchange may register several brokers, and each broker may have several traders. Users login into the system using their passwords and can perform actions limited to the level of their authority. All communication with the TradeSim is performed via an Internet browser (like Netscape or Microsoft Explorer).

A trader can submit an order to buy or sell a contract at any time of the day. S(he) chooses a commodity, particular contract available for trade at the time of request, number of contracts and type of the order. There are 3 types of orders the trader can submit into the system -- market, limit and spread orders. The trader is given the latest available price for the contract for information purposes. The order submitted by the user is filled with the next earliest hourly price of the trading session. All transactions are processed at the end of the day.

The trader can also obtain reports about the state of his(her) account, the list of executed and pending transactions, list of margin calls and simulation parameters such as commissions and margin amounts. Every day, each trader receives an e-mail showing trading activities for that day, open trades, and account status.

A broker establishes starting and ending dates for trading, the commission for each transaction and initial dollar endowment for all traders under his authority. A broker can also get summary reports about trader activities and accounts.


TradeSim is a simulator designed for educational purposes only. TradeSim is an educational simulator programmed to provide a basic understanding of the futures and options markets. Trading results do not necessarily reflect real prices or real conditions. Trading on TradeSim may not necessarily be repeated in actual markets. TradeSim is not a solicitation to buy or sell futures and options contracts. TradeSim does not recommend specific investments or trading strategies. Trading futures and options involves risks, and may not be suitable for all investors. Investors should be well educated and fully understand the "Risk Disclosure Documents", which is required by all clearing institutions, before making an investment decision. TradeSim is currently available to only educational classroom environments.
Please consult the following manuals for more information about TradeSim:
The TradeSim Team
Director: Professor Emeritus Raymond Leuthold
Related Project: HedgeSim

OFOR | Futures Resources | ACE Dept
UIUC home page | College of ACES
DTN www site | FarmDayta

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Last modified on December 27, 2003.

© Copyright Raymond M. Leuthold and the Office for Futures and Options Research, University of Illinios, 2005