Futures

Futures, like options and warrants, are derivatives. Derivatives get their value from an underlying security or asset. However, unlike options, futures are contracts that give you the right as well as the obligation to exercise that right by a specified time period.

Futures is a popular day trading contract. It enables traders to buy a certain quantity of an asset for a predetermined price date and price. However, unlike in options, the traders are obligated to buy and sell. Futures traders have to follow the terms and conditions of a contract.

Futures markets have always been used by many investors to have an idea on how the Australian share market will perform daily. Knowing whether the market will open with high or low value everyday helps the investor to decide on what to do with his stocks. In Europe and USA market, offshore futures review is one of the several ways to predict the direction of the market. This method is used to monitor how stock indices such as S&P 500 and FTSE traded the night before and this will help the investors determine the opening value of the particular stocks indices.

Where can I find a great FREE website that teaches stock market Trading and Investing?
It could be anything from stock market trading to Futures and Options or even Forex. Could be Day-trading, Online-trading, etc. Please feel free to list as many websites as you might know about - as long as they are FREE. Also, any good book suggestions and/or tips?

First of all - you should focus your learning on one or the other. I'm a trader myself and trading and investing are two totally different things.