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Algo Futures Trading

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Cannon Operations

Algo Futures Trading

Algorithmic Futures Trading

algo futures trading

The futures markets have always been innovation-driven, from open outcry pits to electronic matching engines. Today, algo futures trading and algorithmic futures trading dominate global derivatives volume across CME-listed equity index, energy, agricultural, metal, and interest rate contracts. As exchange infrastructure, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data science evolve, traders must adapt to an environment where speed, automation, and analytics define competitive advantage.

This in-depth guide explores the latest technological advancements powering algo futures trading, how professional brokers help traders implement and manage algorithmic futures trading systems, and why Cannon Trading Company has remained a top choice for futures traders for decades.

Learn More HERE

The Evolution of Algo Futures Trading

The transition from pit trading to electronic trading at CME created the foundation for modern algo futures trading. Electronic order books enabled programmable execution, allowing traders to deploy rules-based systems instead of manual discretionary orders.

Algorithmic futures trading began with simple rule engines:

Moving average crossovers
Breakout systems
Volume-based entries
Time-of-day strategies

Today, however, algo futures trading includes:

Machine learning signal generation
Adaptive volatility modeling
Order book imbalance detection
Latency-sensitive execution algorithms
Portfolio-level risk engines

CME’s Globex electronic platform enables near-instant matching, making algorithmic futures trading viable for retail and institutional traders alike. The democratization of execution speed, combined with broker-provided APIs, has allowed individual traders to compete in ways previously reserved for hedge funds.

New Technological Advancements in 2026

The year 2026 has introduced a suite of technological breakthroughs that have redefined the possibilities of algo futures trading. We have moved beyond basic automation into the realm of truly “intelligent” systems.

Machine Learning and Predictive Microstructure

Modern algorithmic futures trading now leverages unsupervised machine learning to identify shifting market regimes. Unlike older “static” algorithms that might fail when market conditions change (from trending to sideways), today’s systems can adjust their parameters in real-time. By analyzing the order book depth and “iceberg” orders at the CME, these algorithms predict short-term price movements with localized accuracy.

Cloud-Native Low Latency Infrastructure

The days of needing a physical server rack next to the exchange are evolving. Hybrid cloud solutions now allow for proximity hosting that rivals traditional co-location. This allows for algo futures trading strategies to run on high-performance virtual private servers (VPS) that are “cross-connected” to the exchange gateways. This reduces the “slippage” that occurs when a trade is triggered at one price but executed at another.

Generative AI for Strategy Optimization

One of the most significant shifts in algorithmic futures trading is the use of Generative AI to “stress-test” code. Instead of simple backtesting against historical data, traders now use AI to create synthetic “black swan” scenarios. This ensures that an algorithm is robust enough to handle the 10% outlier events that typically wipe out less prepared participants.

How Your Broker Helps Navigate Advancements

While the technology is impressive, it is often inaccessible without the right intermediary. This is where the value of a specialized broker becomes clear. Navigating the world of algo futures trading requires more than just a login; it requires an ecosystem.

Access to Specialized Platforms like E-Futures

Brokers provide the gateway to sophisticated software like the E-Futures platform. E-Futures is designed to handle the high data throughput required for algorithmic futures trading. Your broker assists by configuring these platforms to ensure that the data feeds are “unfiltered” and “direct,” providing the raw numbers your algorithm needs to make split-second decisions.

Customized Risk Management Controls

The CME mandates strict risk management protocols to prevent “flash crashes.” A dedicated broker helps you set up pre-trade risk filters. These are safety nets that live on the broker’s server, ensuring that if your algo futures trading script goes haywire—perhaps by attempting to buy more contracts than your account allows—the trade is blocked before it even reaches the exchange.

Navigating Connectivity and API Integration

Implementing algorithmic futures trading often requires connecting custom code (Python, C++, or Java) to a broker’s API. A top-tier broker provides the technical support to ensure your API “handshake” is secure and persistent. They act as the liaison between your code and the exchange’s execution engine, ensuring that your E-Mini or micro-contract orders are routed via the most efficient path.

Why Cannon Trading Company is a Top Choice

algo futures trading

For decades, Cannon Trading Company has remained a cornerstone of the futures industry. Their longevity is not a result of luck, but a commitment to adapting alongside the evolution of algorithmic futures trading.

A Legacy of Integrity Since 1988

In an industry where firms often vanish as quickly as they appear, Cannon Trading Company has provided continuous service for nearly 40 years. This historical perspective is vital for algo futures trading participants who need a stable partner. They have navigated every market cycle, from the early days of electronic trading to the AI-driven markets of 2026.

Superior Ratings on Trustpilot

Client satisfaction is the ultimate metric of a broker’s efficacy. Cannon Trading Company consistently maintains high marks on Trustpilot. Traders frequently cite the “human touch” as their reason for staying. Even in a world of algorithmic futures trading, having a Series 3 licensed broker available via phone to discuss a technical glitch or a margin requirement is an invaluable asset.

Diverse Platform Offerings

Cannon Trading Company doesn’t force traders into a one-size-fits-all solution. They offer a “buffet” of high-performance platforms, including E-Futures and others optimized for the E-Mini markets. This allows an algo futures trading enthusiast to choose the specific execution environment that best suits their code’s latency requirements and complexity.

The Role of E-Mini Contracts in Algorithm Development

The E-Mini revolutionized the world of algorithmic futures trading by making high-liquidity markets accessible at a lower capital requirement. For those developing new algo futures trading systems, the E-Mini S&P 500 or the E-Mini Nasdaq-100 provides the perfect “laboratory.”

Because these contracts are traded 24/5 on the CME, they provide a continuous stream of data. This allows for the refinement of algorithms across different time zones and volatility profiles. When a trader works with Cannon Trading Company, they gain access to specialized margin rates for these contracts, which is essential for “scaling up” an algorithm as it proves its profitability.

Real-World Execution: From Code to CME

To succeed in algo futures trading, one must understand the journey of an order. When your algorithm identifies a pattern in the E-Mini Dow, it sends an instruction through the broker’s API. From there, the order travels through the broker’s infrastructure, undergoes a risk check, and is finally matched at the CME.

A broker like Cannon Trading Company optimizes this path. They ensure that your algorithmic futures trading system isn’t bogged down by “hop-heavy” routing. By providing direct market access (DMA), they minimize the time between the algorithm’s decision and the exchange’s confirmation. This “round-trip” time is the difference between a profitable trade and a missed opportunity in the fast-paced world of algo futures trading.

The Synergy of Human Expertise and Machine Precision

The most common misconception about algorithmic futures trading is that it is a “set it and forget it” endeavor. In reality, the most successful participants are those who combine their algo futures trading logic with the institutional wisdom of a broker.

Cannon Trading Company excels here by providing “brokers who understand the tech.” If the CME issues a new regulation regarding automated trading, or if there is a scheduled maintenance window for the E-Futures server, your broker proactively informs you. This synergy ensures that your algorithmic futures trading strategy remains compliant and operational, even when the underlying technology undergoes rapid shifts.

Building Your Trading Future

The evolution of algo futures trading has democratized the markets, allowing individual traders to compete with the giants of Wall Street. However, the complexity of 2026’s markets requires a partner that offers more than just a trading terminal.

By choosing Cannon Trading Company, you are aligning yourself with a firm that has a proven track record on Trustpilot, deep roots in the CME ecosystem, and a specialized understanding of algorithmic futures trading. Whether you are focused on the E-Mini indices or commodities, the combination of the E-Futures platform and professional brokerage support provides the foundation needed for long-term success.

FAQ Section

Q: Is algo futures trading suitable for beginners?

A: While algorithmic futures trading requires a technical learning curve, it is highly beneficial for beginners because it enforces discipline. Using a platform like E-Futures through Cannon Trading Company can help beginners automate basic risk management.

Q: What is the minimum capital required for algorithmic futures trading?

A: This depends on the contract. Trading E-Mini contracts requires more margin than “Micro” contracts. Cannon Trading Company can help you determine the appropriate capital based on your specific algo futures trading strategy.

Q: Do I need to be a programmer to use algorithmic futures trading?

A: Not necessarily. While many build custom code, there are “no-code” and “low-code” solutions available on platforms like E-Futures that allow you to build an algo futures trading system using visual logic.

Q: How does the CME regulate algorithmic futures trading?

A: The CME has specific rules regarding “messaging” and “order-to-fill” ratios to ensure market stability. Professional brokers like those at Cannon Trading Company ensure your algorithmic futures trading activities stay within these regulatory boundaries.

Q: Why is Cannon Trading Company’s Trustpilot score important?

A: In the algo futures trading space, technical issues can arise. A high Trustpilot score indicates that the broker is responsive and effective at resolving client issues, which is critical for automated systems.

Q: Can I trade E-Mini contracts 24 hours a day?

A: Yes, the CME offers nearly 24-hour trading for E-Mini products. This allows your algorithmic futures trading systems to capture opportunities in global markets regardless of your local time.

Try a FREE Demo!

Ready to start trading futures? Call us at 1(800)454-9572 (US) or (310)859-9572 (International), or email info@cannontrading.com to speak with one of our experienced, Series-3 licensed futures brokers and begin your futures trading journey with Cannon Trading Company today.

Disclaimer: Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involve substantial risk of loss and are not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Carefully consider if trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time.

Important: Trading commodity futures and options involves a substantial risk of loss. The recommendations contained in this article are opinions only and do not guarantee any profits. This article is for educational purposes. Past performances are not necessarily indicative of future results.

This article has been generated with the help of AI Technology and modified for accuracy and compliance.

Follow us on all socials: @cannontrading

First Notice Ahead PLUS: Metal HALTS, Weekly Brazilian Real, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on February 26th, 2026

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Cannon Operations

First Notice Day Ahead

By Mark O’Brien, Senior Broker

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument	S2	S1	Pivot	R1	R2
Gold (GC) — April (#GC)	5081.67	5128.83	5183.07	5230.23	5284.47
Silver (SI) — Mar. (#SI)	83.95	86.23	88.79	91.07	93.62
Crude Oil (CL) — April. (#CL)	64.25	64.86	65.73	66.34	67.21
Mar. Bonds (ZB) — Mar. (#ZB)	117 13/32	117 20/32	117 29/32	118 4/32	118 13/32

General:

Trading in CME Globex metals and natural gas futures and options markets were halted today due to technical issues impacting traders across the globe. CME Group later opened its Globex natural gas futures and options markets at 12:50 Central Time.

Metals futures reopened soon after. The exchange operator stated its support team were investigating the matter and pointed to a cooling issue at one of its data centers.

CME later said all day orders and good-till-date (GTD) orders for today would be canceled, while good-till-canceled (GTC) orders that had already been acknowledged would remain working.

More General:

Heads up: this Friday, Feb. 27 is First Notice Day for several major March futures contracts. All long positions in these, if held through First Notice Day are contractually committing to take delivery of the underlying physical commodity. Notable among them:

→ 50,000 bushels of corn, soybeans, wheat, oats (about five semi-truck trailers full)

→ 1,000 or 5,000 ounces of silver

→ 25,000 pounds of copper (equal in wieght to two grown elephants)

→ A 2-, 5-,10-yr. treasury note, or a 30-yr. treasury bond with a face value of $100,000 at maturity.

Avoid taking delivery by liquidating long positions tomorrow. Do not risk holding any long positions overnight into Friday and risk your account receiving a delivery notice. It is a complex and costly procedure to cancel this process, called a retender.

Contact your Cannon Trading Co. broker if you have any questions regarding this or any future First Notice Day, or other important dates on the futures calendar.

Metals:

Which metals futures contracts settle with long positions obligated to receiving the actual physical commodity or short positions obligated to delivering it? Alternatively, which ones settle “in cash,” with a calculated financial settlement price offsetting both long and short positions on the final settlement date?

Below are the settlement conditions for a selection of major metals futures contracts:

Introducing Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot

Cannon Edge is our new daily feature designed to give traders a fast, actionable overview of key futures markets. Each post delivers:

Current price and daily % change
30‑day and 52‑week highs/lows
PROPRIETARY Short‑term and long‑term trend signals
Coverage across equity indices, metals, energies, currencies, and ags

Whether you’re scanning for breakout setups, trend reversals, or just staying informed — Cannon Edge puts the data in your hands before the open.

Built for speed. Backed by insight. Powered by CQQ.

Weekly Brazilian Real

The Weekly Brazilian Real has resumed its rally into new highs. If the move can be sustained, the second upside PriceCount projects a possible run to the .20440 area. Strength in the Real futures reduces profitability to the Brazilian producer and tends to subdue farmer selling.

FREE TRIAL AVAILABLE

The PriceCount study is a tool that can help to project the distance of a move in price. The counts are not intended to be an ‘exact’ science but rather offer a target area for the four objectives which are based off the first leg of a move with each subsequent count having a smaller percentage of being achieved.

It is normal for the chart to react by correcting or consolidating at an objective and then either resuming its move or reversing trend. Best utilized in conjunction with other technical tools, PriceCounts offer one more way to analyze charts and help to manage your positions and risk.

Learn more at www.qtchartoftheday.com

Trading in futures, options, securities, derivatives or OTC products entails significant risks which must be understood prior to trading and may not be appropriate for all investors. Past performance of actual trades or strategies is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Daily Levels for February 26th, 2026

Want to feature our updated trading levels on your website? Simply paste a small code, and they’ll update automatically every day!

Click here for quick and easy instructions.

Economic Reports

provided by: ForexFactory.com

All times are Central Time ( Chicago)

Find us on Trustpilot

Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time.

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or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Silver COT PLUS: May Cotton, New Crypto Contracts, CannonEdge, Levels, Reports; Your 6 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on February 25th, 2026

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Cannon Operations

Silver COT

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument	S2	S1	Pivot	R1	R2
Gold (GC) — April (#GC)	5025.40	5101.20	5185.30	5261.10	5345.20
Silver (SI) — Mar. (#SI)	82.71	84.96	86.86	89.11	91.00
Crude Oil (CL) — April. (#CL)	64.70	65.46	66.30	67.06	67.90
Mar. Bonds (ZB) — Mar. (#ZB)	117 17/32	117 25/32	117 31/32	118 7/32	118 13/32

Much, like yesterday’s exploration of the recent silver volatility by Eli Levy on this forum.

silver

Silver Volatility

I wanted to add to the conversation by including the differences in the Commodity Futures Trading Commissions Weekly Commitment of Traders (COT Report). The before and after data of that historical spike and selloff in that market illustrate yesterday’s blog. Follow the tables Commitments of Traders | CFTC

In the Commitment of Traders report:

what were the major differences between Comex silver positions on January 27th and February 3rd 2026?

Non‑commercials cut longs and shorts, commercials covered a chunk of shorts, spreads ticked up, and total open interest dropped notably between 27 Jan and 3 Feb 2026 for COMEX silver futures.

Key numbers: standard silver (5,000 oz)

All figures are futures‑only, contracts of 5,000 oz.

Data from the CFTC legacy COMEX silver futures‑only reports for positions as of 27 Jan and 3 Feb 2026.

Major positioning shifts

Open interest contraction: OI fell about 8.6% (156,637 → 143,180), indicating broad position liquidation across categories rather than a one‑sided build.
Spec liquidation and short‑cover: Non‑commercials reduced longs by ~4.6k and shorts by ~6.8k, with a bigger cut on the short side, so the spec net long actually increased slightly even as gross length came down.
Commercial short‑covering: Commercials cut longs by ~9.5k and shorts by ~7.9k; their net short remained large but narrowed modestly as they covered more shorts than longs in absolute terms.
More spread activity: Non‑commercial spreads rose by 2,650 contracts, so a larger share of remaining interest was in calendar/relative value rather than outright directional risk.

Micro silver (1,000 oz)

In micro silver, OI dropped from 36,204 to 32,004, with non‑commercial longs down a bit, shorts slightly lower, and spreads up, while commercial participation was negligible on both dates.

Note on Spreads:

You’ll see spreads are the only category to increase OI above: spreads between front month and deferred only serve to reduce margins and price volatility in a carrying charge market. Thereby, not liquidating the position, but locking in a loss if long or gain if short without offsetting the initial position.

Introducing Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot

Cannon Edge is our new daily feature designed to give traders a fast, actionable overview of key futures markets. Each post delivers:

Current price and daily % change
30‑day and 52‑week highs/lows
PROPRIETARY Short‑term and long‑term trend signals
Coverage across equity indices, metals, energies, currencies, and ags

Whether you’re scanning for breakout setups, trend reversals, or just staying informed — Cannon Edge puts the data in your hands before the open.

Built for speed. Backed by insight. Powered by CQQ.

May Cotton

May cotton stabilized its extended slide this month and activated upside PriceCount objectives. The chart is extending its recovery and taking aim at the second count which projects a possible run to the 66.68 area which is consistent with a challenge of the January high.

FREE TRIAL AVAILABLE

Learn more at www.qtchartoftheday.com

Daily Levels for February 25th, 2026

Want to feature our updated trading levels on your website? Simply paste a small code, and they’ll update automatically every day!

Click here for quick and easy instructions.

Economic Reports

provided by: ForexFactory.com

All times are Central Time ( Chicago)

Find us on Trustpilot

Call Now

Join our Private Facebook group

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Listen to our podcast: Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Amazon

or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Silver Futures Amidst the Ongoing News Cycle PLUS: CannonEdge, New Crypto Products, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on February 24th, 2026

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Cannon Operations

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument	S2	S1	Pivot	R1	R2
Gold (GC) — April (#GC)	5073.50	5163.50	5210.40	5300.40	5347.30
Silver (SI) — Mar. (#SI)	82.99	85.72	87.29	90.02	91.59
Crude Oil (CL) — April. (#CL)	64.46	65.45	66.36	67.35	68.26
Mar. Bonds (ZB) — Mar. (#ZB)	116 25/32	117 11/32	117 24/32	118 10/32	118 23/32

Weekly Market Update

By Eli Gal Levy, Series 3 Broker

silver

Silver Futures: Markets Edge Higher in Choppy Week as Investors Digest Heavy News Flow

I was wondering what to write about first this week, and silver futures seem to be an interesting story that is worth noting.

The Silver “Endgame”: Why the Next 96 Hours Matter

If you feel like the silver market is screaming, it’s because it is. After the historic chaos of January 30th—when silver plunged from $121 to the $60s in a single session—we are now entering a second “danger zone.”

As we look at the week ahead, the focus isn’t just on the price; it’s on the physical reality of the vaults. Here is what you need to know for your portfolio.

1. The Ghost of January 30th

Many analysts blamed the late-January crash solely on the “Warsh Shock” (the nomination of Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair). While that was the spark, the fuel was the February First Notice Day. Traders holding February contracts were staring down a deadline: pay 100% cash to take physical delivery or get out.

Because the market was over-leveraged, the “exit door” was too small for everyone to fit through at once. The result? A 30% liquidation event that reminded us that “paper silver” only works until someone asks for the metal.

2. The Shanghai Divergence

While Western markets are still licking their wounds at $87/oz, China is telling a different story. In Shanghai, silver continues to trade at a massive premium—at times 10% to 15% higher than New York. I read that the premium is because China charges a VAT for delivery, but after reading more, I see the VAT is on the buyer who takes delivery, not the seller.

Why? Because the East isn’t trading paper; they are consuming metal. Between the solar boom and EV manufacturing, China’s silver inventories are at 10-year lows. We are witnessing a global arbitrage where silver is being vacuumed out of Western vaults (COMEX) to satisfy Eastern industrial demand.

3. Red Alert: Friday, February 27th

The February contract is settling now, but the real monster is the March (SIH26) contract.

The Date: This Friday, February 27, is First Notice Day for March futures.

Silver – The Math:

There are currently hundreds of millions of ounces of “paper” silver claimed in March contracts, but COMEX registered inventories have dipped below 90 million ounces.

If even a fraction of March holders decide they want the physical metal instead of a cash settlement, the exchange will face a structural emergency.

Market Outlook: We may see volatility over the next four days.

The Bottom Line:

Watch through Friday’s Notice Day. If we don’t get the same result as the last notice day, that may signal that the “weak hands” have been flushed out and the physical buyers are in control. If you’re trading the March contract, ensure you have your exit or roll strategy finalized by Thursday morning. I will be writing an article in more detail on a prominent theory that suggests we are witnessing a fundamental shift in how silver is priced.

READ THE REST

Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time. I am registered solely as a commodities broker. Any references, recommendations & information contained in this article are of opinion only, should not be considered investment advice. And do not guarantee any profits.

Name	Exchange	Class	Exchange Symbol	CQG Symbol	Size
nano XRP	Coinbase	Crypto	XRP	XRP	500 XRP
XRP	Coinbase	Crypto	XRL	XRL	10,000 XRP
nano XRP Perp-Style	Coinbase	Crypto	XPP	XPP	500 XRP
nano Solana	Coinbase	Crypto	SOL	SOL	5 Solana
nano Solana Perp-Style	Coinbase	Crypto	SLP	SLP	5 Solana
Solana	Coinbase	Crypto	SLC	SLC	100 Solana
nano Ether Perp-Style	Coinbase	Crypto	ETP	ETP	0.1 Ethereum
Ether	Coinbase	Crypto	ETI	ETI	10 Ethereum
nano Ether	Coinbase	Crypto	ET	NET	0.1 Ethereum
nano Bitcoin	Coinbase	Crypto	BIT	BIT	0.01 Bitcoin
nano Bitcoin Perp-Style	Coinbase	Crypto	BIP	BIP	0.01 Bitcoin

Introducing Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot

Cannon Edge is our new daily feature designed to give traders a fast, actionable overview of key futures markets. Each post delivers:

Current price and daily % change
30‑day and 52‑week highs/lows
PROPRIETARY Short‑term and long‑term trend signals
Coverage across equity indices, metals, energies, currencies, and ags

Whether you’re scanning for breakout setups, trend reversals, or just staying informed — Cannon Edge puts the data in your hands before the open.

Built for speed. Backed by insight. Powered by CQQ.

Daily Levels for February 24th, 2026

Want to feature our updated trading levels on your website? Simply paste a small code, and they’ll update automatically every day!

Click here for quick and easy instructions.

Economic Reports

provided by: ForexFactory.com

All times are Central Time ( Chicago)

Find us on Trustpilot

Call Now

Join our Private Facebook group

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Listen to our podcast: Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Amazon

or wherever you listen to podcasts!

The Week Ahead: 10 Fed Speeches PLUS: State of the Union address Tuesday, Tradingview Indicators, May Soybeans, Levels, Reports; Your 6 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures the Week of February 23rd, 2026

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Cannon Operations

Cannon Futures Weekly Letter

In Today’s Issue #1279

The Week Ahead – Iran Deadline, State of Union, Fed Speeches
Futures 101 – Trading Signals AVAILABLE on TradingView!
Cannon Edge – Your Futures trading Map for the week ahead!
Hot Market of the Week – May Soybeans
Broker’s Trading System of the Week – NQ Day Trading System
Trading Levels for Next Week
Trading Reports for Next Week

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument	S2	S1	Pivot	R1	R2
Gold (GC) — April (#GC)	4956.43	5035.97	5078.83	5158.37	5201.23
Silver (SI) — Mar. (#SI)	74.72	79.47	82.03	86.77	89.33
Crude Oil (CL) — April. (#CL)	65.19	65.79	66.41	67.01	67.63
Mar. Bonds (ZB) — Mar. (#ZB)	116 18/32	117	117 15/32	117 29/32	118 12/32

What Futures Traders Should Watch This Week

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

fed

Shutdown? 10 Fed Speeches, including State of The Union

The Stalemate on Capitol Hill festers, how long will the “essential” employees go without pay before the safety of our air traffic system falters? 10 fed speeches for the market to digest. Speaking of digesting, some investors may need antacid while others will be celebrating like a tailgate party at the national championship game.

Tuesday, President Trump will be presenting the State of the Union Address to the Congress divided. Bring your popcorn.

Whether the event is positive or negative will be provided by the evening session, real time, tune into your trading platforms to view any potential fireworks. Re: the Fed, of note, there will be 10 Fed speakers during daytime trading hours throughout the week. (see below for times)

We’ll see you next week! Please enjoy a safe and memorable weekend.

Earnings Next Week:

· Mon. Dominion Resources

· Tue. Home Depot, Realty Income, American Tower

· Wed. Nvidia, HSBC Holdings, TJX Companies, Lowe’s

· Thu. Salesforce, Intuit, Dell, Vistra

· Fri. Quiet

FED SPEECHES: (all times CST)

· Mon. Waller 7:00am

· Tues. Goolsbee 7:00 am, Bostic 8:00, Collins 8:00, Waller 8:15, Cook 8:30

· Wed. Barkin 8:45 am, Musalem 12:20

· Thu. Bowman 9:00 am

· Fri. Jefferson 11:00 am

Econ Data: (all times CST)

· Mon. Natl Activity Index, Factory Orders, Dallas Fed

· Tue. Redbook YoY, Case Shiller, Consumer Conf, Dallas Fed svcs,

· Wed. EIA Crude stocks.

· Thu. Jobless claims, Nat Gas Stocks,

· Fri. Core PPI, CHGO PMI, Construction Spending, Baker Hughes Rig count

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Introducing Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot

Cannon Edge is our new daily feature designed to give traders a fast, actionable overview of key futures markets. Each post delivers:

Current price and daily % change
30‑day and 52‑week highs/lows
PROPRIETARY Short‑term and long‑term trend signals
Coverage across equity indices, metals, energies, currencies, and ags

Whether you’re scanning for breakout setups, trend reversals, or just staying informed — Cannon Edge puts the data in your hands before the open.

Built for speed. Backed by insight. Powered by CQG.

Hot Market of the Week

Hot market of the week is provided by QT Market Center, A Swiss army knife charting package that’s not just for Hedgers, Cooperatives and Farmers alike but also for Spread traders, Swing traders and shorter time frame application for intraday traders with a unique proprietary indicator that can be applied to your specific trading needs.

Free Trial Available

May Soybeans

May soybeans satisfied the second upside PriceCount objective to the $11.61 area and are now reacting with a potential key reversal to the downside. At this point, IF the chart can sustain further upside, the November highs would be the next layer of overhead to contend with before any possibility of taking aim at the third count.

Learn more spreads and seasonal patterns in commodity futures HERE

Learn more at www.qtchartoftheday.com

Brokers Trading System of the Week

Abacus Raider Xtreme Trading System

System Description

Market Sector: Stock Indexes

Markets Traded: NQ ,

System Type: Day Trading

Suggested Capital: $9,500

Developer Fee per contract: $175.00 Monthly Subscription

By utilizing negative correlations between positions, a low level of capital requirement is retained but with greatly increased profit potential over time.

All trades are strictly limited to a duration of only a few minutes to minimize risk and provide an unparalleled risk/reward profile. The system is available in the NQ market only (no MNQ).

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Learn More

Disclaimer The risk of trading can be substantial and each investor and/or trader must consider whether this is a suitable investment. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

System Trades Disclosure:

System Description

“System Description” is based upon information obtained from specific system marketing documents, system developers and/or system vendors themselves. While the information is believed to be reliable, we cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy.

Actual Monthly Performance

The table and charts represent the monthly/quarterly/annual summation of actual trades based on system-specified contract(s) executed through Striker Securities, Inc. using the referenced trading system or system vendor for the stated time period. Commissions and monthly vendor fees are deducted from the tabulation. Results are based on 1 contract.

If a client trades 2 contracts his gain or loss is twice as displayed (and so on). This table is presented for information purposes only and is not a solicitation for the referenced system or vendor. The purpose of this information is for clients to compare their brokerage statements to what is displayed on Striker’s site. Striker as a matter of policy has no ownership with the referenced system or vendor or any other trading system or vendor.

Past trade history may not be indicative of future results. The results indicated here may or may not be typical of the performance of this system and, ALTHOUGH WE BELIEVE THIS INFORMATION TO BE ACCURATE, CANNON TRADING COMPANY MAKES NO ENDORSEMENT OF THIS OR ANY SYSTEM NOR WARRANTS ITS PERFORMANCE.

This is not the only trading system that Striker executes for its clients. Potential traders should carefully investigate, evaluate and compare trading systems before investing capital. Some or all trading systems may involve an inappropriate level of risk for potential traders. It is the nature of commodity trading that where there is the opportunity for profit, there is also the risk of loss.

In opening an account through CANNON TRADING COMPANY, Customer acknowledges and agrees that he/she will rely solely upon the information that CANNON TRADING COMPANYprovides to you. Thus, all prior third-party materials provided are superseded by the information and disclosures provided by CANNON TRADING COMPANY.

Important Information About this Trading System Analysis

Statistics, tables, charts and other information on trading system monthly performance are based on actual trading unless otherwise specified. Actual dollar and percentage gains/losses experienced by investors would depend on many factors not accounted for in these statistics, including, but not limited to, starting account balances, market behavior, developer fees, incidence of split fills and other variations in order execution, and the duration and extent of individual investor participation in the specified system.

While the information and statistics given are believed to be complete and accurate we cannot guarantee their completeness or accuracy as they results are key punched and subject to human error. Performance information is not the performance of a single account, but a compilation of several accounts over time, and is based on the physical trading ticket.

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL/ INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND USED BY CURRENT CLIENTS TO AUDIT THEIR STATEMENTS TO STRIKER SITE. These results are not indicative of, and have no bearing on, any individual results that may be attained by the trading system in the future.

This trading system, like any other, may involve an inappropriate level of risk for prospective investors. THE RISK OF LOSS IN TRADING COMMODITY FUTURES AND OPTIONS CAN BE SUBSTANTIAL AND MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS. Prior to purchasing or leasing a trading system from this or any other system vendor or investing in a trading system with a registered commodity trading representative, investors need to carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for them in light of their own specific financial condition.

In some cases, futures accounts are subject to substantial charges for commission, management, incentive or advisory fees. It may be necessary for accounts subject to these charges to make substantial trading profits to avoid depletion or exhaustion of their assets. In addition, one should carefully study the accompanying prospectus, account forms, disclosure documents and/or risk disclosure statements required by the CFTC or NFA, which are provided directly by the system vendor and/or CTA’s.

The information contained in this report is provided with the objective of “standardizing” trading systems measurements, and it is intended for educational /informational purposes only. All information is offered with the understanding that an investor considering purchasing or leasing a system must carry out his/her own research and due diligence in deciding whether to purchase or lease any trading system noted within or without this report. This report does not constitute a solicitation to purchase or invest in any trading system which may be mentioned herein.

CANNON TRADING COMPANY AND STRIKER SECURITES, INC. MAKES NO ENDORSEMENT OF THIS OR ANY OTHER TRADING SYSTEM NOR WARRANTS ITS PERFORMANCE. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION TO PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIBE TO ANY TRADING SYSTEM.

Futures Trading Disclaimer:

Transactions in securities futures, commodity and index futures and options on futures carry a high degree of risk. The amount of initial margin is small relative to the value of the futures contract, meaning that transactions are heavily “leveraged”. A relatively small market movement will have a proportionately larger impact on the funds you have deposited or will have to deposit: this may work against you as well as for you.

You may sustain a total loss of initial margin funds and any additional funds deposited with the clearing firm to maintain your position. If the market moves against your position or margin levels are increased, you may be called upon to pay substantial additional funds on short notice to maintain your position. If you fail to comply with a request for additional funds within the time prescribed, your position may be liquidated at a loss and you will be liable for any resulting deficit.

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Daily Levels for Feb. 23rd, 2026

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Trading Reports for Next Week

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Premium TradingView Indicators PLUS: Intraday Indicator Examples, April Crude Oil, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on February 20th, 2026

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Cannon Operations

Unlock Your Edge with Premium TradingView Indicators

By Ilan Levy-Mayer, VP

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument	S2	S1	Pivot	R1	R2
Gold (GC) — April (#GC)	4939.33	4978.47	5010.63	5049.77	5081.93
Silver (SI) — Mar. (#SI)	74.87	76.54	77.97	79.64	81.08
Crude Oil (CL) — April. (#CL)	64.07	65.38	66.08	67.39	68.09
Mar. Bonds (ZB) — Mar. (#ZB)	117 2/32	117 12/32	117 18/32	117 28/32	118 2/32

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…and much more built into the logic behind the scenes.

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Introducing Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot

Cannon Edge is our new daily feature designed to give traders a fast, actionable overview of key futures markets. Each post delivers:

Current price and daily % change
30‑day and 52‑week highs/lows
PROPRIETARY Short‑term and long‑term trend signals
Coverage across equity indices, metals, energies, currencies, and ags

Whether you’re scanning for breakout setups, trend reversals, or just staying informed — Cannon Edge puts the data in your hands before the open.

Built for speed. Backed by insight. Powered by CQQ.

April Crude Oil

April Crude Oil has resumed its rally into a new high which has the chart approaching its third upside PriceCount objective to the 67.22 area which is consistent with a challenge of the contract high from last summer. It would be normal to get a near term reaction from this level in the form of a consolidation or corrective trade, at least. IF we can sustain further upside we would be left with the low percentage fourth count to aim for near $80.

FREE TRIAL AVAILABLE

Learn more at www.qtchartoftheday.com

Daily Levels for February 20th, 2026

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METALS have ENTERED THE CHAT!!!! PLUS: Copper, May Canola, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on February 19th, 2026

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Cannon Operations

Short trading Week

By Mark O’Brien, Senior Broker

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument	S2	S1	Pivot	R1	R2
Gold (GC) — April (#GC)	4803.90	4902.70	4967.30	5066.10	5130.70
Silver (SI) — Mar. (#SI)	69.86	73.53	75.93	79.60	82.00
Crude Oil (CL) — Mar. (#CL)	60.84	63.04	64.23	66.43	67.62
Mar. Bonds (ZB) — Mar. (#ZB)	117 4/32	117 11/32	117 23/32	117 30/32	118 10/32

General:

Yesterday and today, four holidays from different cultures and religions overlapped in a rare calendar-timed line-up thanks to several long solar, lunar and lunisolar calendar cycles. So . . .

Happy Lunar New Year (yesterday)
Happy Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras (yesterday)
Happy Ash Wednesday
Happy 1^st day of Ramadan.

Metals:

metals

With metals prices dominating futures traders’ headspace, it was notable that UBS, the multinational investment bank and financial services firm based in Switzerland, gave a “what’s next for commodities,” update this week and metals took center stage. UBS is the world’s largest private bank with over $6.1 trillion in assets. It manages the largest amount of private wealth in the world and is a leading market maker. So, their insights are probably worth monitoring.

Here are a few highlights:

Copper

After copper futures prices hit a record high in late January before consolidating, UBS projects, “further supply shortages for copper . . . . that should support prices over the medium term, while structural drivers (e.g., electrification) underpin long-term demand.

Precious metals futures prices including gold, while volatile, rose in January as political, geopolitical, and economic uncertainties drove “safe haven” demand. The bank “see(s) gold resuming its climb, rising as high as $6,200/oz by mid-year, supported by central bank and investor demand, large fiscal deficits, lower real U.S. interest rates, and geopolitical risks.”

Metals 2026

In short, they believe fundamentals remain supportive for the metals sector. More broadly, their view is that “commodities are set to play a more prominent role in portfolios in 2026, in our view, offering diversification amid supply-demand imbalances, geopolitical risks, and the global energy transition. We like broad commodity exposure, and continue to favor gold, which we see as an attractive hedge.”

New 100 ounce Silver contract! This contract is now available on our FREE CannonX platform with symbol SICH26. Demo available here.

Introducing Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot

Cannon Edge is our new daily feature designed to give traders a fast, actionable overview of key futures markets. Each post delivers:

Current price and daily % change
30‑day and 52‑week highs/lows
PROPRIETARY Short‑term and long‑term trend signals
Coverage across equity indices, metals, energies, currencies, and ags

Whether you’re scanning for breakout setups, trend reversals, or just staying informed — Cannon Edge puts the data in your hands before the open.

Built for speed. Backed by insight. Powered by CQQ.

May Canola

The rally in May canola has broken out above the November high, opening the topside for a run to the third upside PriceCount objective to the 686 area. It would be normal for the chart to react from this level in the form of a near term or corrective trade, at least. At this point, IF you can sustain further upside we are left with the low percentage fourth upside count to aim for in the 773 area.

FREE TRIAL AVAILABLE

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Daily Levels for February 19th, 2026

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FOMC Tomorrow PLUS: Lunar New Year Notice, Dual Dissent Comparison, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on February 18th, 2026

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Cannon Operations

FOMC Approaching!

Lunar New Year Holiday Notice – Hong Kong & China

Please note that February 17–19 is a public holiday in Hong Kong and China in observance of the Lunar New Year.

We wish all our traders across the Far East a Happy Lunar New Year and a prosperous year ahead.

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument	S2	S1	Pivot	R1	R2
Gold (GC) — April (#GC)	4721.33	4808.67	4951.53	5028.87	5161.73
Silver (SI) — Mar. (#SI)	67.88	70.55	74.49	77.16	81.09
Crude Oil (CL) — Mar. (#CL)	60.43	61.31	62.63	63.51	64.83
Mar. Bonds (ZB) — Mar. (#ZB)	117 9/32	117 19/32	118	118 10/32	118 23/32

FOMC Minutes Ahead!

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

fomc

Tomorrow marks the first time this year investors receive the fed minutes from the January 26-27 meeting. Additional volatility could be the order of the final hours of trading tomorrow as these minutes included 2 dissenting opinions.

Based on FOMC press releases, the eight FOMC meetings in 2025 saw significant divisions, with nine total dissents among 95 votes cast, making unanimous decisions relatively rare. Dissenting votes occurred in multiple 2025 meetings, including two at the July meeting and two at the October meeting, reflecting high disagreement.

In July 2025, a rare dual dissent occurred with two governors opposing a rate decision.

It had been more than three decades since two Federal Reserve Board governors dissented on an interest-rate decision at the same Fed policy meeting for the same reason, two dissenters Bowman and Waller both supported a rate cut (October had 1 governor wanting a .50 point cut while the other dissenter opted for a remail policy what actually happened was a .25 point cut.) Investors treated this news with disappointment generating a nearly 400-point 3-week slide in the S&P 500 index.

That kind of internal division is rare, and markets pay attention to it.

Investors are watching for discussions on inflation, the labor market, and the “one-time” effect of tariffs, which may influence future policy decisions.

According to Mark Spitznagel, Founder and Chief investment officer at Universa Investments,

“The upward momentum in US Equities is likely to persist”

He suggested in an interview that investor exuberance could propel the S&P 500 to 8,000 or beyond before a sharp reversal occurs. As of Tuesday morning, the index was trading close to 6,800.

The Fed Minutes will be released @ 1:00pm CST.

He expressed concern that if the Fed keeps Interest Rates elevated for an extended period, companies may find it difficult to secure funding.

“With the Fed holding steady, markets are likely to anticipate further rate cuts as economic conditions gradually weaken”

Introducing Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot

Cannon Edge is our new daily feature designed to give traders a fast, actionable overview of key futures markets. Each post delivers:

Current price and daily % change
30‑day and 52‑week highs/lows
PROPRIETARY Short‑term and long‑term trend signals
Coverage across equity indices, metals, energies, currencies, and ags

Whether you’re scanning for breakout setups, trend reversals, or just staying informed — Cannon Edge puts the data in your hands before the open.

Built for speed. Backed by insight. Powered by CQQ.

Daily Levels for February 18th, 2026

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Economic Reports

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Weekly Market Update PLUS: New Crypto Contracts, CannonEdge, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Cannon Operations

Weekly Market Update

By Eli Gal Levy, Series 3 Broker

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument	S2	S1	Pivot	R1	R2
Gold (GC) — April (#GC)	4929.90	4970.40	5022.40	5062.90	5114.90
Silver (SI) — Mar. (#SI)	72.65	74.57	76.50	78.42	80.35
Crude Oil (CL) — Mar. (#CL)	61.89	62.76	63.23	64.10	64.57
Mar. Bonds (ZB) — Mar. (#ZB)	117 12/32	117 22/32	118	118 10/32	118 20/32

Weekly Market Update

market

The good the bad and the ugly; this market as of late feels like a western movie. Maybe we’re just so used to the market going up. Where will the next catalyst for this market come from? The price action is pointing to consolidation phase. Leadership has flipped to other areas such as energy, staples, materials. There is too much volatility as of late. NDX broke below its upward sloping trendline from December lows. Everything I am reading, hearing and seeing is causing me to turn more cautious on this market.

???

How can the market go higher without tech? Did anyone see that financials (XLF) stalled as well. We’ve had 3 notable pullbacks this year so far in the S&P500 and they all stopped and found support around 6800 on the SPX. So right now, it’s a 3% pullback around the 100 Day Moving Average. And then the buyers come in. That is the key number I am looking at if that support breaks, Houston we have an alert. It seems the market is lucky to avert danger; there was a chance that the jobs report and CPI could go in the wrong direction and start painting a stagflation picture. Is AI recking tech so bad that its bad for the market? David Einhorn from greenlight capital was quoted saying “I think this is the most expensive market we’ve been in”.

DOW

DOW 50,000: an underlying assumption in both the bond and stock markets has been that the Fed would resume cutting rates after Jerome Powell steps down when his term as chair ends in May and is replaced by Kevin Warsh, who has endorsed rate cuts. The chair has just one vote out of 12 on the Federal Open Market Committee. If the anticipated rate-cut scenario doesn’t play out, and the AI hits keep on coming, the Dow 50,000 print may be the peak for a while.

RSP

RSP which is the equal weight S&P500 has been the leading ETF this year as opposed to the S&P. the Industrials sector is 16% of the RSP and Industrials have been going up. Over the last 10 years the CapEx companies have been cap light, high margins, and solid recuring revenues. Are now becoming CapEx very heavy, more debt and lower margins. The market is in a digestive stage of how do we value these stocks going forward. While we do see this economic expansion which is in the center of what RSP gives you such as Industrials. I keep hearing that valuations are too high.

Earnings

And perhaps we should have a new valuation paradigm? I would hold off on the latter until proven to be correct. Earnings have outperformed by 5% for 10 straight quarters. We’ve come to expect that from earnings season. Speaking of CapEx raises in spending by the mega cap companies, they were substantial. Shouldn’t that spending lift the SMH sector, I only saw the memory chips going up and that’s a disconnect to keep an eye out for.

Investors Intelligence’s tally of opinions showed bulls topping bears by 40 percentage points, a reading in the 90 percentiles of positivity, according to Jeff deGraaf, founder and chairman of Renaissance Macro Research. That elevated sentiment suggested at least some near-term caution, he wrote in a client note on Thursday morning. Traders should be patient, buying dips instead of chasing strength, he wrote.

“If tech cannot get an AI-driven valuation premium, one must wonder if any sector can earn its way into a better multiple in the next few years,” Colas writes.

Retail sales were a bad miss. And stocks continue to go up because of a K shape recovery, UBS says we believe the backdrop remains favorable; driven by resilient economic growth, supportive federal reserve policy and AI investment and adoption. Earnings are getting revised higher and that may be a reason markets are maintaining the gains of past days. Transport and Industrial are confirming just that and that’s where momentum has been. CSX which is in railways is at a 52-week high that points that the market believes in a growing industrial.

Growth

Earnings growth in the emerging markets in 2025 outpaced the US, US is around 14% emerging markets around 29 %, add to that the declining value of the dollar. The broadening thesis is supported by earnings and it’s not just domestic in the emerging market.

The markets seem to be transitioning in this 4^th year of a bull market from a momentum multiple driven market to an earnings driven market, traditionally and historically over the last 80 years when the S&P moves into more of an earnings driven market, the returns are roughly half that of the momentum driven market. Barclays on Wednesday upgraded value, downgraded momentum and cautions on small caps. Am going to note that small caps finally are seeing on annualized basis positive earnings. And momentum is currently pivoting more towards quality and value.

We don’t have the ability to accurately assess what and how AI is going to be disruptive to certain sectors. This week we saw news that AI is disruptive to software, trucking, commercial real estate. And the market sold these sectors.

YIELDS

The Bond market is relatively calm and that is good for credit availability and the cost of capital not being a moving target. In Treasuries, the benchmark 10-year note yield dropped as low as 4.05% on Friday, down about 23 basis points from a couple of weeks earlier and the lowest level since late October, when it dipped under the 4%

The bullish bond backdrop was further bolstered by economic data, notably a smaller-than-expected rise of 0.2% in the consumer price index for January, the smallest increase since July. That boosted the odds that the Fed would cut interest rates by more than half a percentage point by year end.

I asked ChatGPT what’s the total value of all gold Vs. the US market and she answered Gold-30-40 trillion, US market capitalization 69 trillion.

Weekly Commodities Futures Overview (Week of Feb 9–13, 2026)

Market theme: Mixed performance with energy and some soft commodities under pressure, while precious metals remained relatively firm and grains were broadly stable. Volatility was heightened by macro uncertainty, holiday-thin trading, and positioning adjustments after recent rallies.

Energy Commodities

Crude Oil (WTI & Brent)

WTI crude futures traded around the $62–63/bbl zone into Friday.
Brent crude hovered near $68/bbl by week’s end. The weekly move was modest and flat to slightly down overall, reflecting consolidation after recent geopolitical driven rallies.

Key drivers:

Ongoing geopolitical risk premium (U.S.–Iran talks) keeps prices supported.
But overall direction was sideways with traders booking profits after recent gains.

Natural Gas

Natural gas futures declined over the week, with prices near $3.04/MMBtu around Feb 16 — marking a notable weekly drop.

Summary (Energy):

WTI & Brent: Mild net declines / sideways.
Natural gas: Significant weekly weakness — one of the bigger movers lower on the energy side.

Precious & Industrial Metals

Gold

Gold futures held around the $5,000/oz level into mid-week and finished with relatively modest weekly gains vs. the prior Friday. Prices were still elevated from recent strength earlier in the month.

Silver

Silver underperformed gold with prices near ~$75/the ounce mid-Feb, reflecting a stronger pullback this week.

Platinum & Palladium

Platinum was slightly down; palladium ticked modestly higher, but overall moves were smaller compared with gold and silver.

Industrial Metals (Copper, Aluminum)

Copper futures drifted mildly lower over the week.
Aluminum showed some decline early then modest recovery, finishing the trading week with small net changes.

Summary (Metals):

Gold: modest weekly gains / holding firm.
Silver & Platinum: lower.
Industrial metals: overall soft or mixed with no strong directional trend.

Agricultural Commodities

Grains

Using broad market data:

Wheat futures were higher on the week, supported by topping activity and export dynamics.
Corn futures saw small positive weekly change.

Softs & Others

Commodities like sugar and coffee generally stayed muted with soft to slightly mixed weekly results.

Summary (Agriculture):

Wheat & Corn: modest up moves.
Soft commodities: flat to slightly mixed.

Top Weekly Movers – Commodities Futures

Upside / Outperformers

Gold futures: Held gains and remained resilient around key technical levels.
Wheat & Corn: Modest weekly strength among ag futures.

Downside / Underperformers

Natural gas futures: Among the largest weekly declines in the energy complex.
Silver: Weaker relative to gold.
Crude oil (WTI & Brent): Slightly down or flat through profit-taking and consolidation.

Key Market Drivers Last Week

1. Positioning after big rallies

Positioning shifts in metals and energy have led to profit-taking, particularly in silver and natural gas.

2. Geopolitics & macro data

Talks between the United States and Iran shape energy risk premiums, but haven’t triggered new directional breakouts.

3. Holiday-light trading

Thin volumes around Presidents’ Day and Lunar New Year contributed to choppy price action and sharper short-term moves.

What to Watch Next Week

Geopolitical developments (U.S.–Iran negotiations).
U.S. economic data & Fed expectations — dollar strength/weakness will influence metals and energy.
Weather in North America — especially for natural gas demand forecasts.

Disclaimer: Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions and other financial instruments involve substantial risk of loss and are not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Carefully consider if trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time. I am registered solely as a commodities broker. Any references, recommendations & information contained in this article are of opinion only, should not be considered investment advice. And do not guarantee any profits.

Name	Exchange	Class	Exchange Symbol	CQG Symbol	Size
nano XRP	Coinbase	Crypto	XRP	XRP	500 XRP
XRP	Coinbase	Crypto	XRL	XRL	10,000 XRP
nano XRP Perp-Style	Coinbase	Crypto	XPP	XPP	500 XRP
nano Solana	Coinbase	Crypto	SOL	SOL	5 Solana
nano Solana Perp-Style	Coinbase	Crypto	SLP	SLP	5 Solana
Solana	Coinbase	Crypto	SLC	SLC	100 Solana
nano Ether Perp-Style	Coinbase	Crypto	ETP	ETP	0.1 Ethereum
Ether	Coinbase	Crypto	ETI	ETI	10 Ethereum
nano Ether	Coinbase	Crypto	ET	NET	0.1 Ethereum
nano Bitcoin	Coinbase	Crypto	BIT	BIT	0.01 Bitcoin
nano Bitcoin Perp-Style	Coinbase	Crypto	BIP	BIP	0.01 Bitcoin

Introducing Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot

Cannon Edge is our new daily feature designed to give traders a fast, actionable overview of key futures markets. Each post delivers:

Current price and daily % change
30‑day and 52‑week highs/lows
PROPRIETARY Short‑term and long‑term trend signals
Coverage across equity indices, metals, energies, currencies, and ags

Whether you’re scanning for breakout setups, trend reversals, or just staying informed — Cannon Edge puts the data in your hands before the open.

Built for speed. Backed by insight. Powered by CQQ.

Daily Levels for February 17th, 2026

Want to feature our updated trading levels on your website? Simply paste a small code, and they’ll update automatically every day! Click here for quick and easy instructions.

Economic Reports

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Government Shutdown Looming PLUS: Core PCE, Chicago – KC Wheat Spread, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Can’t Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures this Presidents’ Day Weekend 2026

Posted on February 13, 2026 by Cannon Operations

Cannon Futures Weekly Letter

In Today’s Issue #1278

The Week Ahead – Core PCE, Earnings, Pres. Day Schedule
Futures 101 – Trading Signals AVAILABLE on TradingView!
Cannon Edge – Your Futures trading Map for the week ahead!
Hot Market of the Week – March KC- Chicago Wheat Spread
Broker’s Trading System of the Week – NQ Day Trading System
Trading Levels for Next Week
Trading Reports for Next Week

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument	S2	S1	Pivot	R1	R2
Gold (GC) — April (#GC)	4848.17	4951.23	5010.17	5113.23	5172.17
Silver (SI) — Mar. (#SI)	71.13	74.04	76.65	79.56	82.17
Crude Oil (CL) — Mar. (#CL)	61.61	62.21	62.73	63.33	63.85
Mar. Bonds (ZB) — Mar. (#ZB)	116 18/32	117 5/32	117 18/32	118 5/32	118 18/32

What Futures Traders Should Watch This Week

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

shutdown

We may come in Monday with a partial government shutdown for the third time in 5 months.

By the way, Presidents Day Monday the financial markets will only be open for a portion of the day and the Ag markets will be closed. Please see the schedule below for trading hours.

Highlights next week will include FOMC minutes, 7 fed speakers, and 4298 earnings reports (significant earnings listed below as well)

DHS runs out of money Friday night, the 13^th of Feb.

This time around, FEMA, TSA, ICE, CPB the Coast Guard will not be funded as all agencies are part and parcel of the Department of Homeland Security. The same faction that wanted to defund the police want to defund ICE .Probabilities increased for a stalemate as of this writing, Senators are leaving D.C. for the holiday weekend per U.S. News.

What will air travel in the U.S. Look like without paid TSA employees? What will National Security look like without paid CPB or ICE agents. Secret Service employees also fall under DHS. How will the markets react?

It certainly looks like we’ll be seeing quite a bit of action in the markets next week shutdown or not. We have quite a few economic data points in addition to Energy numbers, for the Natural Gas and Crude markets released the same day, Thursday, rather than Wed. and Thursday.

We’ll see you next week! Please enjoy a safe and memorable weekend.

Earnings Next Week:

· Mon. Presidents Day Holiday

· Tue. Palo Alto Networks, Cadence Design Systems, Republic Services, Vulcan Materials (construction)

· Wed. Booking Holdings, Analog Devices, DoorDash, Moody’s, Occidental Petrol

· Thu. Walmart, Newmont Mining, Deere and Co., Constellation Energy,

· Fri. Warner Brothers.

FED SPEECHES: (all times CST)

· Mon. Bowman, 7:25 am

· Tues. Barr, 11:45 am

· Wed. Bowman 12 noon

· Thu. Bostic 7:20 am, Bowman 7:30 am, Kashkari 8:00 am

· Fri. Jefferson 11:00 am

Econ Data: (all times CST)

· Mon. Presidents Day Holiday

· Tue. NY Empire MFG Index.,Redbook YoY, NAHB Hsg Mkt Index,

· Wed. ADP emp. Change, Bldg Permits, Housing Starts Durable Goods, Ind. Prod, FED MINUTES

· Thu. Jobless claims, Nat Gas Stocks, and Crude Stocks, Philly Fed, Pending Home Sales

· Fri. Core PCE, GDP, Consumer Sentiment, New Home Sales Baker Hughes Rig count

President’s Day (Mon, Feb 16th) Holiday Trading Schedule:

Interest Rates

Sunday – 5:00 PM CT Open

Monday – 12:00 PM CT Halt

5:00 PM CT Re-Open

Energy

Sunday – 5:00 PM CT Open

Monday – 1:30 PM CT Halt

5:00 PM CT Re-Open

Equities

Sunday – 5:00 PM CT Open

Monday – 12:00 PM CT Halt

5:00 PM CT Re-Open

Grains

Sunday – Closed

Monday – Closed

5:00 PM CT Re-Open

FX

Sunday – 5:00 PM CT Open

Monday – 4:00 PM CT Close

5:00 PM CT Re-Open

Metals

Sunday – 5:00 PM CT Open

Monday – 1.30 PM CT Halt

5:00 PM CT Re-Open

Livestock

Monday – Closed

Tuesday 8:30 AM CT Re-Open

Cryptocurrencies

Sunday – 5:00 PM CT Open

Monday – 4:00 PM CT Close

5:00 PM CT Re-Open

Sugar, Coffee, Cotton, Cocoa, FCOJ

Monday – Closed

Tuesday – Regular Hours

Canola

Monday – Closed

Tuesday – Regular Hours

U.S. Dollar Index

Monday – Regular Hours

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Introducing Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot

Cannon Edge is our new daily feature designed to give traders a fast, actionable overview of key futures markets. Each post delivers:

Current price and daily % change
30‑day and 52‑week highs/lows
PROPRIETARY Short‑term and long‑term trend signals
Coverage across equity indices, metals, energies, currencies, and ags

Whether you’re scanning for breakout setups, trend reversals, or just staying informed — Cannon Edge puts the data in your hands before the open.

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Hot Market of the Week

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March KC – Chicago Wheat Spread

The March KC – Chicago wheat spread extended its slide to a new low and satisfied the first downside PriceCount objective. It would be normal for the chart to react from this level in the form of a near term consolidation or corrective trade. If we can sustain further weakness, the second count would project a possible break to the -9 area. A trade below the December reactionary low would formally negate the remaining unmet upside counts.

Learn more spreads and seasonal patterns in commodity futures HERE

Learn more at www.qtchartoftheday.com

Brokers Trading System of the Week

Abacus Raider Xtreme Trading System

System Description

Market Sector: Stock Indexes

Markets Traded: NQ ,

System Type: Day Trading

Suggested Capital: $9,500

Developer Fee per contract: $175.00 Monthly Subscription

System Description:

A day trading system currently traded by the developer who has 15+ years’ experience. It is based on the successful Abacus Raider NQ system but expanded significantly to generate an average of 15-25 trades a month. By utilizing negative correlations between positions, a low level of capital requirement is retained but with greatly increased profit potential over time. All trades are strictly limited to a duration of only a few minutes to minimize risk and provide an unparalleled risk/reward profile. The system is available in the NQ market only (no MNQ).

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Learn More

System Trades Disclosure:

System Description

Actual Monthly Performance

The results indicated here may or may not be typical of the performance of this system and, ALTHOUGH WE BELIEVE THIS INFORMATION TO BE ACCURATE, CANNON TRADING COMPANY MAKES NO ENDORSEMENT OF THIS OR ANY SYSTEM NOR WARRANTS ITS PERFORMANCE. This is not the only trading system that Striker executes for its clients. Potential traders should carefully investigate, evaluate and compare trading systems before investing capital.

Some or all trading systems may involve an inappropriate level of risk for potential traders. It is the nature of commodity trading that where there is the opportunity for profit, there is also the risk of loss. In opening an account through CANNON TRADING COMPANY, Customer acknowledges and agrees that he/she will rely solely upon the information that CANNON TRADING COMPANYprovides to you. Thus, all prior third-party materials provided are superseded by the information and disclosures provided by CANNON TRADING COMPANY.

Important Information About this Trading System Analysis

This trading system, like any other, may involve an inappropriate level of risk for prospective investors.

THE RISK OF LOSS IN TRADING COMMODITY FUTURES AND OPTIONS CAN BE SUBSTANTIAL AND MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS. Prior to purchasing or leasing a trading system from this or any other system vendor or investing in a trading system with a registered commodity trading representative, investors need to carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for them in light of their own specific financial condition.

The information contained in this report is provided with the objective of “standardizing” trading systems measurements, and it is intended for educational /informational purposes only.

All information is offered with the understanding that an investor considering purchasing or leasing a system must carry out his/her own research and due diligence in deciding whether to purchase or lease any trading system noted within or without this report. This report does not constitute a solicitation to purchase or invest in any trading system which may be mentioned herein.

Futures Trading Disclaimer:

A relatively small market movement will have a proportionately larger impact on the funds you have deposited or will have to deposit: this may work against you as well as for you. You may sustain a total loss of initial margin funds and any additional funds deposited with the clearing firm to maintain your position.

If the market moves against your position or margin levels are increased, you may be called upon to pay substantial additional funds on short notice to maintain your position. If you fail to comply with a request for additional funds within the time prescribed, your position may be liquidated at a loss and you will be liable for any resulting deficit.

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Daily Levels for Feb. 16-17th 2026

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Trading Reports for Next Week

First Notice (FN), Last trading (LT) Days for the Week:

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FAQ Section

First Notice Day Ahead

By Mark O’Brien, Senior Broker

At-a-Glance Levels

Gold (GC)

Silver (SI)

Crude Oil (CL)

Mar. Bonds (ZB)

General:

More General:

→ 50,000 bushels of corn, soybeans, wheat, oats (about five semi-truck trailers full)

→ 1,000 or 5,000 ounces of silver

→ 25,000 pounds of copper (equal in wieght to two grown elephants)

→ A 2-, 5-,10-yr. treasury note, or a 30-yr. treasury bond with a face value of $100,000 at maturity.

Metals:

Below are the settlement conditions for a selection of major metals futures contracts:

Introducing Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot

Current price and daily % change

30‑day and 52‑week highs/lows

PROPRIETARY Short‑term and long‑term trend signals

Coverage across equity indices, metals, energies, currencies, and ags

Built for speed. Backed by insight. Powered by CQQ.

Weekly Brazilian Real

Daily Levels for February 26th, 2026

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Silver COT

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

At-a-Glance Levels

Gold (GC)

Silver (SI)

Crude Oil (CL)

Mar. Bonds (ZB)

Much, like yesterday’s exploration of the recent silver volatility by Eli Levy on this forum.

Silver Volatility

In the Commitment of Traders report:

Key numbers: standard silver (5,000 oz)

All figures are futures‑only, contracts of 5,000 oz.​

Data from the CFTC legacy COMEX silver futures‑only reports for positions as of 27 Jan and 3 Feb 2026.​

Major positioning shifts

Micro silver (1,000 oz)

Note on Spreads:

Introducing Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot

Current price and daily % change

30‑day and 52‑week highs/lows

PROPRIETARY Short‑term and long‑term trend signals

All figures are futures‑only, contracts of 5,000 oz.

Data from the CFTC legacy COMEX silver futures‑only reports for positions as of 27 Jan and 3 Feb 2026.