Who are we
About us
McVean Trading and Investments, LLC is a futures commission merchant based in Memphis, Tennessee founded in 1986 and specializing in the livestock, grain, and financial markets, both domestically and internationally.
Our staff of over 80 employees and associated persons includes professional traders, analysts, and support staff that currently serve over 2,100 accounts with equity in excess of $338 million (March 31, 2025).
As a commodities investment firm, we emphasize that the risks involved in investing in commodity futures are substantial; only speculative capital should be invested. Most accounts are managed under a “discretionary” agreement wherein your trader exercises trading control. Each trader independently establishes his/her own investment requirements.
McVean Trading’s differentiating factors include proprietary research, specialization in agricultural and livestock markets, years of trading expertise, professional money management, and investment portfolio diversification.
Confirmation of every trade executed for your account will be either mailed or emailed to you on the next business day after the purchase/sale; you will also receive monthly summary statements. Up-to-the-minute account balances can be provided over the phone via 1-800-374-1937.
A futures trading account offers higher liquidity than many other investments. Generally, we can wire a portion of your account funds to your bank within 24 hours of your request. However, under certain market conditions, it may be difficult or impossible to liquidate a position. This can occur, for example, when the market reaches a daily price fluctuation limit (“limit move”).
At the end of each year, the open domestic positions in your account are "marked to market" to determine a year-end value. Capital gains or losses on domestic futures trading are treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term. In general, domestic commodity losses may be "carried back" three years to offset commodity gains. As always, your tax advisor should be consulted for specific information.
We do not charge front-end fees nor participate in any profits earned. For non-retirement accounts, McVean Trading is compensated on a per-contract commission basis. Retirement accounts are charged a monthly fee based on equity. With the exception of IRA custodian, foreign exchange, and clearing and execution fees, there are no other charges or fees assessed against your account.
McVean Trading & Investments, LLC is registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a futures commission merchant. We are a member of the National Futures Association, a self-regulatory organization for the futures industry.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
our Philosophy
Our mission is to create and preserve wealth for our clients through successful long-term trading in the futures markets.
We are committed to helping investors achieve meaningful diversification by participating in markets that move independently of stocks, bonds and other traditional investments.
Our objective with respect to profitability is to significantly outperform traditional investments over five- and ten-year time frames. We must accept greater risk to achieve this goal. We recognize that this objective may not be achieved, and that there is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading.
We pledge to invest our own capital in the trading opportunities offered to our clients.
Finally, we will make every effort to ensure that each opportunity is also an educational experience for those who wish to broaden their investment horizons.
Charles D. McVean
January 10, 1942 - June 6, 2021
Charles D. McVean was Chairman Emeritus of McVean Trading & Investments, LLC.
Mr. McVean graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University. He began his trading career in the grain industry, first with Cook Industries of Memphis, TN, and then with the Louis Dreyfus Corporation of New York City, both major international grain-trading firms.
Returning to Memphis in 1974, Mr. McVean joined REFCO Inc., one of the largest commodity brokerage/research firms in the world, and focused his attention on cattle trading. He went on to become one of three principals of the firm. Mr. McVean founded McVean Trading and Investments, LLC with Mike Wharton in 1986 and served as Chairman until his retirement.
His leadership and strategic vision was the foundation for the firm’s success.