FAQS

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Commodities Brokerage

Understanding the difference between Research by Ritchie and New Frontier Capital Markets, LLC.


I started Research by Ritchie as a way to distribute my writing and research to producers interested in receiving it. 


I am also a series 3 licensed commodities broker, known as an Associate Person (AP).  This means that I am licensed to buy or sell commodities futures contracts and options. As an AP, I must operate under an Introducing Broker (IB). New Frontier Capital Markets, LLC (NFC Markets) is the IB that I’ve been with since 2014.  We “clear” our trades thru R.J. O’Brien, an FCM.  The structure can be a little bit confusing, so I’ve included a diagram below:

  • How does commodities trading work?


  • How are you different than a stockbroker?


  • Where are you located?

    I am in Austin, TX. My coworker, Daniel Bluntzer, is in Robstown, TX and NFC Markets head office is in Chicago, IL.

  • What should I expect when I call your office?

    Daniel and I share a main office line 361-387-2600. This ensures that your call is answered if one of us is away from our desk or not in the office. If you call my direct line 512-827-7967, then I will answer the phone if I am available.

  • How do I open a trading account?

    Before opening an account, I like to visit over the phone. Once we know each other better, I can either email you the account paperwork or direct you to the online application. After completing the paperwork, it typically takes one to two days to open the account. 

  • I have an account open with another brokerage firm, can I transfer it to you?

    Yes, absolutely. It is a relatively simple process.

  • What does it cost?

    It is completely free to open an account, even if you do not put any money in it. In fact, we typically recommend opening an account even if it do not plan to trade immediately. This ensures that when you are ready to hedge or trade, we do not waste time - the market moves quickly.


    Once the account is open and you begin trading, commissions are $25 in, $ 25 out per contract per side, which is an industry standard. For example: if you buy 1 October Live Cattle futures contract, you are charged $25. If you buy 2, then it is $50. 

  • What are your business hours?

    I am usually in my office from 7:50 am to 4:00 pm CT Monday through Friday.

Research Analysis

  • What type of research and analysis do you do?

    Describe your research - you can talk about custom research projects, your newsetter, blog etc.

  • Why do I need research?

    Explain why your research is important to the client.

  • I have a one-time project. How much do you charge?

    This varies by project type and time. Give me a call to discuss the project and we can work together to find an appropriate amount.

  • What type of payment methods do you accept?

    To subscribe to the newsletter, you will go through the PayPal app, which uses a credit card.

  • Can I get a full refund?

    Since I offer a free trial and the ability to cancel at any time, I do not offer refunds.

  • I can’t find my original receipt. What should I do?

    A monthly receipt should be sent you the email address you provided. If you have not received it, please send me an email kristinm@nfcmarkets.com.

Education and Speaking

  • What sort of topics to speak about?

    Generally, I can provide fundamental overview and outlooks for the cattle & beef industry, cotton, and corn. I’ve also given lecture on risk management, hedging, and future & options trading. 


  • Where have your spoken before?

    • South Texas Cattlemen’s Clinic in Brenham, TX
    • Ranch Management Graduate Program at Texas A&M University Kingsville
    • Females in Food Community- Mix & Mingle
    • New Mexico Southwest Beef Symposium in Tucumcari, NM 
    • TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course- College Station, TX

  • What sort of educational opportunities do you provide?

    I am willing to travel to feedyards, meetings, and classrooms to explain risk management and hedging. Or, if you are having a difficult time understanding margin or anything related to hedging, I am more than happy to visit over the phone and send supplemental information.


  • Do you charge to speak at an event?

    It typically depends on the event, location, and preparation length. I like to take every opportunity to share my knowledge and research on market dynamics. 

  • How far in advance should I let you know?

    Let me know as soon as possible; however, always feel free to call even if the event is fast approaching. My schedule is usually flexible.