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Lead Futures Trading Basics

Lead futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts in which the contract buyer agrees to take delivery, from the seller, a specific quantity of lead (eg. 25 tonnes) at a predetermined price on a future delivery date.

Lead Futures Exchanges

You can trade Lead futures at London Metal Exchange (LME).

LME Lead futures prices are quoted in dollars and cents per metric ton and are traded in lot sizes of 25 tonnes (55116 pounds).

Exchange & Product NameSymbolContract SizeInitial Margin
LME Lead Futures
(Price Quotes)
PB25 tonnes
(Full Contract Spec)
USD 5,500 (approx. 19%)
(Latest Margin Info)

Lead Futures Trading

Consumers and producers of lead can manage lead price risk by purchasing and selling lead futures. Lead producers can employ a short hedge to lock in a selling price for the lead they produce while businesses that require lead can utilize a long hedge to secure a purchase price for the commodity they need.

Lead futures are also traded by speculators who assume the price risk that hedgers try to avoid in return for a chance to profit from favorable lead price movement. Speculators buy lead futures when they believe that lead prices will go up. Conversely, they will sell lead futures when they think that lead prices will fall.

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