Interactive Brokers ForecastEx Review (2026)
CFTC-regulated event contract exchange integrated into Interactive Brokers. Built for professional and institutional traders.
Overview
ForecastEx is a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market that Interactive Brokers acquired in 2022 and launched to customers shortly after. Event contracts are available inside the standard Interactive Brokers trading interfaces (TWS, WebTrader, mobile) alongside the brokerage’s core equities, futures, and options products.
The target audience is professional and semi-professional traders who already have an Interactive Brokers account. Product catalog emphasizes economic, policy, and some sports markets, with liquidity concentrated on headline contracts. API access and integration with IBKR’s order management tools make this the best option for traders who want to run event contract strategies programmatically.
For a retail-friendly alternative, see the Kalshi review or the Robinhood Event Contracts review.
Pros and cons
Pros
- CFTC-regulated, nationally available in the US
- Integrated directly into Interactive Brokers professional stack
- Full API access for programmatic trading
- Strong clearing and settlement infrastructure
- Natural home for traders who already use IBKR
Cons
- Product catalog narrower than Kalshi
- Not designed for retail newcomers
- Requires an Interactive Brokers account
- Mobile experience is functional but not purpose-built for event contracts
Frequently asked questions
What is ForecastEx?
ForecastEx is a CFTC-registered Designated Contract Market that Interactive Brokers acquired in 2022. It lists event contracts on economic, policy, and some sports outcomes, available through the standard IBKR trading platforms.
Do I need an Interactive Brokers account?
Yes. ForecastEx markets are accessed through your Interactive Brokers account, the same way you would access US equities or futures on IBKR.
Is ForecastEx better than Kalshi for professionals?
ForecastEx’s main advantage is integration with IBKR’s professional order management, API, and portfolio tools. Kalshi’s advantage is a broader product catalog, often deeper liquidity, and a purpose-built UX. Many professional traders use both.
Does ForecastEx offer political markets?
Catalog is narrower than Kalshi and skews toward economic indicators. Political market availability varies and is subject to the same CFTC correspondence that affects other US event contract platforms.
Is there a minimum account size?
Standard IBKR account minimums apply. There is no additional minimum specifically for ForecastEx.
New to prediction markets?
Read our full guide: How do prediction markets work? – a complete 2026 explainer covering pricing, platforms, resolution, and legal status.