Oil amidst the US Iran Conflict, Weekly Market Updates, CannonEdge Snapshot, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on March 10th, 2026

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At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument S2 S1 Pivot R1 R2

Gold (GC)

— April (#GC)

4938.53 5045.07 5127.73 5234.27 5316.93

Silver (SI)

— Mar. (#SI)

77.15 82.08 84.57 89.49 91.98

Crude Oil (CL)

— April. (#CL)

58.12 73.34 96.41 111.63 134.70

 Mar. Bonds (ZB)

— Mar. (#ZB)

114 14/32 115  18/32 116 5/32 117 9/32 117 28/32

 

Weekly Market Update

By Eli Gal Levy, Series 3 Broker

When markets are in disarray, I tend to listen to what top managers have to say. I thought Ed Yardeni summed it up best; I will point that in my opinion he always sounds optimistic, this time around not so much.

On Friday he said “this reminds him of 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine and the immediate response in the financial markets was huge increase in the price of oil and it reversed itself after a few months. But while it was happening the stock market got spooked and we saw a bear market in 2022.

But the economy remained resilient, it continued to grow, and he thinks we’re kind of in the same situation, though he thinks we’re more likely to get a correction, he thinks we’re in the middle of a correction that can take us down 10%. Clearly everything will depend on when are we going to see some tankers going through the strait of Hurmuz.

Until we see that this market is going to be under pressure because the price of oil is going to continue to go higher”. 

That’s not to say that things can’t turn on a dime, if you read my past articles, this market has some good points going for it. So, for now, the most important chart is Oil.

oil
As of this writing oil was as high as $119 – 3 hours ago and came back in to around $100, that’s very high volatility.

It’s all abought the degree and duration of the jump in oil prices. The questions I leave open are if crude oil quickly reverses is that not going to impact the US earnings? If oil prices stay high that’s where we can see the transmission mechanism actually impact earnings. 2022 was weak because GDP estimates were cut and EPS estimates were cut. But in our market, we’ve seen EPS estimates get raised. So are analysts going to start cutting EPS forecasts? Some analysts thought the forecast was high for the back half of this year anyway.

The estimates for EPS are at $314 which prices in 200 basis points of margin expansion. And for 2027 the forecasts are $363 that’s aggressive. The past few years have benefited from oil prices going down consistently, is that going to change now.

Analyst Matt Boss said “a 30% increase in gas, it abought a 9 billion headwind to consumer spending. Interesting metric is tax refunds in February are up 10% that’s roughly 9 to 10 billion $ headwind”.

I bring this up because last week we were up around 30% for oil, oil at $120 is close to 60%. Bottom line: how long will this war last and how much effect will it have on higher sustained oil prices. The U.S./Iran conflict is in its seventh day. Earlier this morning, U.S. President Donald Trump said there will be no deal with Iran to end the war without “unconditional surrender.”

The second thing I will keep an I out on is private credit, it was staring in the news last few weeks, talk about; that it started showing cracks. I tend to look at bond prices for companies that issue private credit.

The third sign I look at is the AI buildout, President Donald Trump talked up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to AI by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. Since they are some of the largest investors in the AI buildout, I view how their stock and bonds are trading.

All this leads to higher inflation. Which puts The FED is in a tuff spot, how can they lower interest rates if inflation might creep up with oil prices going higher.

In my last articles I pointed out that support for the SPX was the 100 Day Moving average and we bounced of that level a few times in the past few months. I also mentioned that the more we keep slamming into a door, eventually it opens and that’s what happened, we broke that level of support and closed below that level on Friday. Next level of support for the SPX comes in at the 200 DMA which currently sits at 6,582.

Last week the market trend was opening down and bouncing on most days and eventually we closed lower for the week. I will be watching for that trend to continue until proven otherwise or if positive news comes out regarding the war and its effect on oil. I will also be watching if the 100 DMA level will turn into resistance.

Russell 2000 Index (RUT −50 to 2,534)

The Russell 2000 Index (RUT) is on pace to finish the week down approximately 3.7%, pressured by a combination of rising oil prices and higher Treasury yields. Elevated yields tend to impact smaller companies more heavily because they rely more on borrowing, making financing costs more expensive. At the same time, higher oil prices raise input costs, compress profit margins, and create a broader headwind for the U.S. economy. As a result, it is not surprising to see the Russell 2000 underperform the larger major indices this week.

From a technical perspective, this week’s sell-off has pushed the index below key support levels, including the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) and the 100-day SMA.

Artificial intelligence (AI) disruption concerns around the software space eased up last week as the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV + $0.13 to $87.75) is on track to be up ~7.50% on the week. On the flipside, the PHLX Semiconductor Index was on track to register its worst weekly performance (-4%) since November.

Private credit concerns are still hovering over Wall Street.

On Wednesday, Blackstone’s flagship private credit fund (BCRED) was hit with record redemption requests. In response, Blackstone raised the fund’s repurchase cap and provided additional capital to meet all the requests. Elsewhere, earlier today BlackRock said that it is limiting withdrawals from one of its private credit funds following a surge in redemption requests.

Investors were seeking ~$1.2B in redemptions but only $620M was paid out.

On the economic front, this morning’s Nonfarm Payrolls report stands out and the report was discouraging. Employers cut 92,000 jobs in February vs. expectations for +55,000, which represents the largest monthly drop since the pandemic.

Q4 earnings scorecard: out of the 493 S&P 500 companies that have reported results, 65% have beat on the top line while 74% have beat on the bottom line. Revenue growth has been tracking at +9.23% year-over-year while EPS growth is +13.65%.

Cryptocurrency News

Over the weekend, Bitcoin initially sold off as investors reacted to developments in the Middle East. As the crypto market has matured, it has increasingly served as a real-time gauge of investor sentiment while traditional financial markets are closed.

During the week, sentiment improved as prediction markets began assigning higher odds to the passage of the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21) / CLARITY Act, helping push Bitcoin back above the $70,000 level. While the administration and much of the crypto industry continue to advocate for the bill, the banking sector has not significantly softened its opposition, particularly regarding provisions related to stablecoin rewards.

Bitcoin’s rally, however, stalled near $74,000, an area that coincides with the 50-day exponential moving average (EMA) and has acted as a technical resistance level.

Following the rejection at the 50-day EMA, Bitcoin could retest recent support levels. The first key level sits near $65,000, which roughly aligns with the network’s estimated production cost. A deeper pullback could bring prices toward $60,000, the recent swing low.

On-chain data is showing early signs of strengthening demand. Spot crypto ETPs have recorded two consecutive weeks of inflows, and large digital-native investors continue to accumulate.

Economic:

  • Monday (Mar. 9): no reports
  • Tuesday (Mar. 10): Existing Home Sales, NFIB Small Business Optimism
  • Wednesday (Mar. 11): Consumer Price Index (CPI), EIA Crude Oil Inventories, Mortgage Applications Index, Treasury Budget
  • Thursday (Mar. 12): Producer Price Index (PPI), Continuing Claims, EIA Natural Gas Inventories, Initial Claims, Factory Orders
  • Friday (Mar. 13): PCE Prices, GDP – Second Estimate, Personal Income, Personal Spending, University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment – Preliminary

 Here’s a breakdown of the reports:

  • Nonfarm Payrolls: Headline payrolls declined 92,000 in February, which was well below the +55,000 economists were expecting. There were also negative revisions to the prior two months totaling 69,000.
  • Unemployment Rate: Ticked up to 4.4% from 4.3% in the prior month (and above the 4.3% economists had expected)
  • Average Hourly Earnings: Increased 0.4% versus the +0.3% expected. This brings the year-over-year gain up to 3.8% from 3.7% in January and versus the +3.7% expected.
  • Average Workweek: 34.3 versus 34.3 expected.
  • ADP Employment Change: U.S. private employers added 63K jobs in February. This represented the largest monthly gain since last July and was above the 50K economists had expected.
  • Retail Sales: Declined 0.2% in January, the largest drop since last May, and worse than the flat reading economists were expecting. However, the Control Group measure of sales rose 0.4%.
  • ISM Manufacturing Index: 52.4% vs. 53.0% est.
  • S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing PMI – Final: Fell to 51.6 in February from 53.4 in January and below the 52.6 economists had expected.
  • ISM Non-Manufacturing Index: 56.1 highest since July of 2022.
  • S&P Global U.S. Services PMI: 51.7.
  • Import Prices: +0.2%.
  • Export Prices: +0.6%.
  • Productivity – Preliminary: +2.8% vs. +4.5% est.
  • Unit Labor Costs: +2.8% vs. +0.5% est.
  • Initial Jobless Claims: Initial applications for US jobless benefits were unchanged from last week at 213K, which was below the 215K economists had expected. Continuing Claims increased 35K from the prior week to a seasonally adjusted 1.868M.
  • EIA Crude Oil Inventories: +3.48M barrels.
  • EIA Natural Gas Inventories: -132 bcf.
  • The Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow “nowcast” for Q1 GDP was revised down 1.0% to 2.1% from 3.1% last Friday.

U.S. Treasury yields jumped across the board this week, and the yield curve saw some modest flattening. This week’s treasury selling is essentially tied to the ramp up in oil prices and the potential inflation implications. Compared to last Friday, two-year Treasury yields rose by ~18 basis points (3.561% vs. 3.379%), 10-year yields also increased ~18 basis points (4.142% vs. 3.962%), while 30-year yields (4.777% vs. 4.633%) saw a ~14 basis point lift.

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.

S
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

Cannon Edge — Your Daily Futures Snapshot for March 10th

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Daily Levels for March 10th, 2026

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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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Futures Brokers FYI: 10 Critical Upcoming Technological Developments in the Futures Brokering Industry for Traders

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Futures Brokers

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futures brokers

Futures markets have evolved dramatically over the past several decades. Electronic execution, algorithmic strategies, and institutional-grade analytics have reshaped how traders interact with global derivatives markets.

In this changing environment, futures brokers play a far greater role than simply executing orders. Modern brokerage firms provide infrastructure, research, technology integration, and risk tools that can significantly enhance a trader’s performance.

As markets become increasingly data-driven, choosing the right brokerage partner becomes a strategic decision. The most effective brokers combine cutting-edge platforms with experienced support teams.

Cannon Trading Company has established itself as one of the most respected firms in the industry, helping traders navigate futures markets for decades through technology, education, and execution expertise.

Understanding how brokers support traders in the modern era reveals why strong brokerage relationships remain essential.

Learn More HERE

The Evolution of Futures Trading Technology

The futures industry once relied on open outcry trading pits. Traders shouted orders on exchange floors and relied heavily on human intermediaries.

The introduction of electronic trading platforms changed everything.

According to CME Group historical market development data, electronic futures trading expanded dramatically during the early 2000s and quickly became the dominant execution method.

Modern trading platforms now allow traders to access global futures markets instantly.

Key technological advancements include:

  • High-speed electronic order routing
  • Cloud-based trading platforms
  • Advanced charting tools
  • Integrated risk management systems

Numbered innovations have also changed trader workflows:

  1. Algorithmic order execution
  2. Real-time market depth visualization
  3. AI-driven analytics
  4. Mobile futures trading access

Because markets evolve rapidly, futures brokers help traders stay competitive by offering access to the latest technology and execution tools.

Why Brokerage Technology Matters to Traders

Speed and accuracy matter enormously in futures markets. Price movements occur in milliseconds, especially in highly liquid contracts such as E-Mini index futures.

Technology provided by brokerage firms helps traders compete effectively.

For example, modern trading platforms allow traders to monitor multiple markets simultaneously.

Common platform features include:

  • Customizable dashboards
  • Real-time data feeds from CME markets
  • Automated order entry tools
  • Integrated news and analytics

Technology also supports better decision-making.

Numbered examples include:

  1. Backtesting strategies using historical futures data
  2. Simulating trades through demo environments
  3. Automating repetitive trading tasks
  4. Visualizing liquidity through order-flow tools

The best futures brokers ensure traders have access to these capabilities without requiring expensive infrastructure.

This democratization of technology has allowed independent traders to compete alongside institutional market participants.

Platform Integration and Execution Infrastructure

Execution infrastructure is one of the most important services provided by brokerage firms.

When a trader submits an order, that order must travel through secure routing systems to reach exchange matching engines.

Latency, reliability, and data integrity are critical.

Modern brokerage infrastructure typically includes:

  • Direct connectivity to CME exchange gateways
  • Redundant server networks
  • Real-time margin monitoring
  • Advanced order routing algorithms

These systems ensure trades execute quickly and accurately.

Key technological features include:

  1. Co-located servers near exchange data centers
  2. Smart order routing technology
  3. Integrated risk controls
  4. Multi-platform connectivity

Professional futures brokers maintain these systems so traders do not need to build expensive trading infrastructure themselves.

For many traders, this backend technology represents the difference between efficient trading and costly execution delays.

Advanced Market Data and Analytics

Data has become the most valuable resource in modern futures trading.

Market participants analyze order flow, volume patterns, volatility structures, and macroeconomic signals.

Brokerage firms help traders access this data efficiently.

High-quality futures platforms offer powerful analytical tools.

These tools often include:

  • Volume profile analysis
  • Depth-of-market visualization
  • Historical volatility metrics
  • Institutional order flow indicators

Analytics also support strategy development.

Examples include:

  1. Identifying liquidity clusters in E-Mini contracts
  2. Detecting momentum shifts in commodity futures
  3. Monitoring macroeconomic releases affecting currency futures
  4. Evaluating historical market correlations

Through these services, futures brokers transform raw market data into actionable insights.

This analytical edge is increasingly important as global markets grow more competitive.

Risk Management Tools Provided by Brokers

Successful futures trading requires strong risk management.

Futures contracts are leveraged instruments, meaning price movements can produce significant gains or losses.

Brokerage platforms help traders control exposure.

Key risk management tools include:

  • Real-time margin monitoring
  • Automatic stop-loss order functionality
  • Position sizing calculators
  • Portfolio exposure analysis

These tools protect traders from excessive risk.

Important automated safeguards include:

  1. Margin alerts when account equity drops
  2. Pre-trade risk checks
  3. Position limits for specific contracts
  4. Auto-liquidation safeguards during extreme volatility

Professional futures brokers integrate these systems directly into their trading platforms.

This ensures traders remain aware of their exposure at all times.

Such safeguards are particularly important during volatile market periods.

Algorithmic and Quantitative Trading Support

Algorithmic trading continues to expand across futures markets.

Institutional participants increasingly rely on automated strategies to execute trades efficiently.

Retail traders now have access to similar capabilities through brokerage platforms.

Many platforms supported by brokerage firms allow strategy automation.

Key capabilities include:

  • Custom scripting environments
  • API connections for automated trading
  • Strategy backtesting frameworks
  • Real-time algorithm monitoring

Algorithmic trading advantages include:

  1. Eliminating emotional decision-making
  2. Executing trades faster than manual input
  3. Managing multiple markets simultaneously
  4. Maintaining consistent strategy rules

With proper support from futures brokers, traders can deploy sophisticated algorithmic systems previously available only to hedge funds.

The democratization of algorithmic tools has significantly expanded trading opportunities.

Education and Market Guidance from Brokerage Firms

Technology alone does not guarantee trading success.

Education remains one of the most valuable services offered by professional brokers.

Experienced brokerage firms provide educational resources that help traders understand market dynamics.

Common educational offerings include:

  • Futures trading webinars
  • Market outlook reports
  • Strategy development tutorials
  • Platform training sessions

Structured learning opportunities may include:

  1. Beginner courses explaining futures contract mechanics
  2. Risk management workshops
  3. Platform walkthrough demonstrations
  4. Strategy development discussions

Educational guidance from futures brokers helps traders avoid common mistakes and develop disciplined trading approaches.

This guidance is particularly valuable for traders transitioning from equities into derivatives markets.

Why Cannon Trading Company Has Remained a Leading Brokerage

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Cannon Trading Company has built a strong reputation over decades of serving futures traders.

The firm combines deep industry experience with advanced technology access.

Its approach focuses on personalized support and robust trading infrastructure.

Key strengths include:

  • Access to leading futures trading platforms
  • Competitive commission structures
  • Experienced broker support teams
  • Educational resources for traders

Cannon Trading Company also provides connectivity to major exchanges such as CME Group.

Important brokerage advantages include:

  1. Reliable execution technology
  2. Strong client service reputation
  3. Flexible platform choices
  4. Long-standing regulatory experience

Unlike some firms that emphasize automation alone, Cannon Trading combines technology with human expertise.

This hybrid model helps traders navigate complex market environments.

Many traders trust the firm because it has consistently adapted to new market technologies while maintaining personalized client relationships.

Reputation and Trust in the Futures Brokerage Industry

Reputation plays a major role when selecting a brokerage partner.

Trust becomes critical when traders rely on a firm to handle funds, orders, and market access.

Platforms such as Trustpilot provide insights into client experiences with brokerage firms.

Reliable futures brokers typically share several common characteristics.

These characteristics include:

  • Transparent fee structures
  • Responsive customer support
  • Strong regulatory compliance
  • Proven execution reliability

Experienced brokers also demonstrate:

  1. Longevity in the industry
  2. Positive client feedback
  3. Continuous technology upgrades
  4. Commitment to trader education

Cannon Trading Company’s decades-long presence in the futures industry reflects its ability to maintain client trust while adapting to new technological demands.

This consistency remains one of the firm’s most valuable strengths.

The Future of Technology in Futures Brokerage

Technology will continue reshaping futures trading in the coming years.

Artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and automation are already influencing market behavior.

Brokerage firms will play a central role in making these innovations accessible to traders.

Expected developments include:

  • AI-driven trade signal generation
  • Predictive market modeling
  • Advanced risk management automation
  • Cloud-based multi-device trading systems

Future technological developments may include:

  1. Machine learning strategies analyzing CME data streams
  2. Automated portfolio rebalancing
  3. Real-time macroeconomic analysis engines
  4. Integrated cross-market trading dashboards

As these tools evolve, futures brokers will continue bridging the gap between advanced financial technology and individual traders.

Brokerage firms that combine innovation with experienced guidance will remain essential to traders seeking an edge in global futures markets.

Cannon Trading Company’s commitment to technology, education, and execution reliability positions it strongly for the next generation of futures trading.

FAQ

What do futures brokers actually do?

Futures brokers provide traders with access to futures exchanges such as CME Group. They facilitate order execution, provide trading platforms, offer market data, and manage account risk and margin requirements.

Why are futures brokers important for modern trading?

Modern futures markets require fast execution, advanced analytics, and reliable infrastructure. Brokers provide the technology, connectivity, and support that individual traders typically cannot build independently.

What technology do futures brokers provide traders?

Most brokerage firms provide:

  • Electronic trading platforms
  • Market data feeds
  • Algorithmic trading support
  • Risk management tools

These technologies help traders analyze markets and execute strategies efficiently.

Why is Cannon Trading Company considered a top brokerage?

Cannon Trading Company has served futures traders for decades. The firm offers advanced trading platforms, experienced broker support, strong exchange connectivity, and extensive educational resources.

How can technology improve futures trading performance?

Technology improves trading performance by enabling faster execution, better market analysis, improved risk management, and the ability to automate strategies.

Examples include algorithmic trading systems, advanced charting tools, and automated order routing.

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

Futures Brokers and You: 11 Important Facts for Mastering E-Mini Futures Trading Basics

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Mastering E-Mini Futures Trading Basics

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E-Mini futures have become one of the most actively traded derivatives in global markets. Introduced by CME to provide smaller, accessible contracts, E-Mini products opened futures participation to a broader audience while maintaining institutional-grade liquidity.

Understanding the mechanics of E-Mini futures trading is essential for modern traders. Equally important is the role that professional futures brokers play in navigating advanced markets, selecting reliable commodity trading platforms, and building strategies supported by experienced commodities brokers.

Technology continues reshaping futures markets. From faster execution to sophisticated data visualization, traders rely on brokerage infrastructure more than ever. Firms like Cannon Trading Company have built decades of expertise helping traders adapt to this technological evolution.

This guide explains the foundations of E-Mini futures trading and how the right broker partnership can dramatically enhance trading outcomes.

Learn More HERE

Understanding What E-Mini Futures Are

E-Mini futures are electronically traded futures contracts representing a fraction of the value of standard futures contracts. They were created by CME to make futures trading more accessible.

The most widely traded contract is the E-Mini S&P 500.

Key characteristics include:

  • Smaller contract size than standard futures
  • Electronic trading nearly 24 hours per day
  • High liquidity across global sessions
  • Margin efficiency compared with many equities

Because E-Mini contracts are standardized through CME, they offer consistent pricing and transparency. These qualities attract both institutional traders and individual participants.

However, successful participation requires infrastructure. Traders rely on experienced futures brokers to access exchanges, manage risk, and maintain reliable execution.

Modern commodity trading platforms provide depth-of-market tools, real-time charting, and order management systems necessary for active futures trading.

In addition, knowledgeable commodities brokers help traders interpret contract specifications, margin requirements, and settlement procedures.

The Evolution of E-Mini Futures Trading

Since their introduction in the late 1990s, E-Mini futures have transformed derivatives markets.

Originally designed to mirror larger index futures, they quickly gained popularity due to efficiency and lower capital requirements.

Several technological milestones accelerated growth:

  1. Electronic trading through CME Globex
  2. High-speed data feeds for market depth
  3. Algorithmic trading integration
  4. Advanced risk management systems

These developments changed the role of futures brokers.

Traditional brokerage once focused primarily on order execution. Today, brokers offer integrated trading ecosystems, combining education, technology, and execution.

Modern commodity trading platforms allow traders to analyze order flow, simulate strategies, and automate execution.

At the same time, experienced commodities brokers help traders understand the practical implications of volatility, contract rollover, and margin adjustments.

This combination of technology and human expertise forms the backbone of professional futures trading.

Why E-Mini Futures Remain Popular

E-Mini futures remain one of the most popular derivative instruments for several reasons.

First, they offer efficient exposure to major financial indexes.

Second, they allow traders to participate in both rising and falling markets.

Third, liquidity is extremely high.

Traders often choose E-Mini futures because:

  • They require less capital than full-size contracts
  • They trade nearly around the clock
  • Execution is typically extremely fast
  • Pricing transparency is strong

However, trading these contracts effectively still requires professional infrastructure.

Reliable commodity trading platforms ensure that orders reach exchanges quickly and accurately.

Meanwhile, experienced futures brokers help traders maintain proper risk controls and margin compliance.

Professional commodities brokers also provide insights into market structure, contract expiration cycles, and exchange rule changes.

These services become increasingly important as trading technology evolves.

Core Mechanics Every Trader Must Understand

Before trading E-Mini futures, traders must understand several key mechanics.

These fundamentals influence profitability and risk management.

Important concepts include:

  1. Contract specifications
  2. Tick size and tick value
  3. Initial and maintenance margin
  4. Expiration cycles
  5. Settlement procedures

Each element directly affects trading decisions.

For example, tick size determines how price movements translate into profits or losses.

Experienced commodities brokers often walk traders through these details during account setup and onboarding.

Professional futures brokers also provide margin guidance, ensuring traders understand the capital required to maintain positions.

Modern commodity trading platforms display these parameters automatically, helping traders monitor exposure in real time.

Understanding these fundamentals builds the foundation for consistent trading performance.

Technology and the Future of Futures Trading

Technology has become one of the most important factors in modern derivatives trading.

Today’s futures markets operate at extraordinary speed.

Execution latency, data quality, and platform stability all influence trading outcomes.

Advanced commodity trading platforms now include features such as:

  • Algorithmic order routing
  • Automated trade management
  • Real-time risk analytics
  • Order flow visualization tools

These tools give traders deeper insights into market behavior.

However, technology alone is not enough.

Experienced futures brokers help traders select appropriate platforms, configure data feeds, and ensure stable connectivity.

Professional commodities brokers also assist in understanding how automated systems interact with market volatility.

As markets become increasingly digital, the collaboration between traders and brokers becomes even more critical.

The Strategic Role of Futures Brokers

Professional brokerage support plays a vital role in futures trading success.

Quality futures brokers offer far more than simple order routing.

They provide expertise across multiple areas:

  1. Platform selection
  2. Risk management planning
  3. Execution optimization
  4. Regulatory compliance guidance

Many traders underestimate how valuable broker guidance can be.

During periods of extreme volatility, experienced brokers can provide insight into margin adjustments, exchange rule changes, and liquidity shifts.

Professional commodities brokers often serve as strategic advisors, helping traders refine trading plans and avoid costly mistakes.

In addition, brokers ensure traders have access to the most stable commodity trading platforms, minimizing downtime during active market sessions.

This partnership can significantly improve a trader’s long-term consistency.

Choosing the Right Commodity Trading Platforms

Platform selection is one of the most important decisions a futures trader makes.

The best commodity trading platforms combine reliability, speed, and analytical tools.

Important features to evaluate include:

  • Market depth visualization
  • Advanced charting capabilities
  • Order execution speed
  • Customizable risk controls

Many traders use multiple commodity trading platforms depending on their strategy.

Scalpers may prefer highly responsive interfaces designed for rapid execution.

Swing traders may prioritize analytical charting environments.

Experienced futures brokers help traders evaluate these differences and determine which platform best fits their strategy.

Meanwhile, knowledgeable commodities brokers often assist in configuring platform settings, ensuring traders understand order types, bracket orders, and automated risk management tools.

Proper platform selection can significantly influence execution efficiency.

Risk Management in E-Mini Futures Trading

Risk management remains the cornerstone of professional futures trading.

Even the best trading strategy can fail without proper risk controls.

Effective risk management involves both discipline and infrastructure.

Common techniques include:

  1. Position sizing rules
  2. Stop-loss placement
  3. Margin monitoring
  4. Portfolio diversification

Professional futures brokers help traders establish margin policies that prevent over-leveraging.

Advanced commodity trading platforms provide real-time monitoring of open positions and account equity.

Meanwhile, experienced commodities brokers help traders interpret volatility changes that may require adjustments to risk parameters.

These safeguards become especially important during major economic announcements or geopolitical events.

By combining technology with professional guidance, traders can manage risk more effectively.

Why Cannon Trading Company Stands Out

futures brokers

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Cannon Trading Company has built a reputation as one of the most respected brokerage firms in the futures industry.

Founded decades ago, the firm has consistently focused on client support, advanced technology, and market expertise.

Several factors contribute to its long-standing reputation.

Key advantages include:

  • Decades of brokerage experience
  • Access to multiple professional commodity trading platforms
  • Dedicated client support from experienced professionals
  • Competitive commission structures

Cannon Trading Company’s team includes knowledgeable commodities brokers who work closely with traders at every experience level.

These professionals help clients understand market structure, select platforms, and refine risk management practices.

In addition, the firm works with a wide network of futures brokers and technology providers, ensuring traders receive reliable exchange connectivity.

This combination of experience and innovation has helped Cannon Trading Company remain a trusted brokerage partner for decades.

The Human Advantage in a Technology-Driven Market

While automation continues transforming financial markets, human expertise remains indispensable.

Trading technology may execute orders instantly, but interpreting market context requires experience.

Experienced commodities brokers understand how macroeconomic factors influence futures markets.

Professional futures brokers also help traders interpret exchange announcements, margin adjustments, and contract changes.

Meanwhile, powerful commodity trading platforms provide the analytical tools necessary to evaluate these developments.

When traders combine technology with experienced brokerage support, they gain both speed and perspective.

This hybrid approach represents the future of successful futures trading.

Building Long-Term Success in E-Mini Futures

Mastering E-Mini futures trading requires discipline, education, and the right infrastructure.

Traders who succeed typically combine several key elements.

Successful trading often involves:

  • Continuous education
  • Reliable technology
  • Structured risk management
  • Experienced brokerage support

Professional futures brokers help traders build a structured approach to market participation.

Knowledgeable commodities brokers provide ongoing guidance as market conditions evolve.

At the same time, advanced commodity trading platforms allow traders to analyze market data, execute strategies, and manage positions with precision.

When these components work together, traders gain a significant advantage.

E-Mini futures trading is not simply about placing orders. It is about building a professional trading environment supported by technology, expertise, and disciplined strategy.

Cannon Trading Company has spent decades helping traders build exactly that kind of environment.

FAQ: E-Mini Futures Trading

What are E-Mini futures?

E-Mini futures are smaller versions of major futures contracts introduced by CME. They provide exposure to major financial indexes while requiring less capital than standard futures contracts.

Why are E-Mini futures popular among traders?

They offer high liquidity, nearly 24-hour trading, efficient margin usage, and transparent pricing through CME electronic markets.

What role do futures brokers play in trading?

Futures brokers provide exchange access, risk management guidance, execution infrastructure, and support for trading technology. Their expertise helps traders navigate complex futures markets.

Why are commodity trading platforms important?

Professional commodity trading platforms provide charting tools, order execution systems, and real-time risk monitoring that allow traders to manage positions effectively.

What do commodities brokers do?

Commodities brokers help traders understand futures contracts, margin requirements, trading strategies, and market structure. They also assist with platform configuration and account management.

Why choose Cannon Trading Company?

Cannon Trading Company offers decades of brokerage experience, access to advanced platforms, competitive commissions, and personalized support from knowledgeable brokerage professionals.

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

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

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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.

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Daily Levels for February 18th, 2026

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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)

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Find us on Trustpilot

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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.

Join our Private Facebook group

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Listen to our podcast: Subscribe on AppleSpotify, Amazon

or wherever you listen to podcasts!

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NFP Friday, Metal Margins Rise, Energies and Venezuela’s oil recovery, March Cotton, NEW Coinbase Bitcoin Products, Levels, Reports; Your 6 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on January 8th, 2026

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NFP Friday, Margin Increase on Metals

By Mark O’Brien, Senior Broker

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument S2 S1 Pivot R1 R2

Gold (GC)

— Feb(#GC)

4390.67 4427.93 4470.17 4507.43 4549.67

Silver (SI)

— Mar. (#SI)

72.46 75.35 78.97 81.86 85.47

Crude Oil (CL)

— Jan (#CL)

55.00 55.65 56.41 57.06 57.82

 Mar. Bonds (ZB)

— Mar (#ZB)

114 25/32 115 10/32 115 22/32 116 7/32 116 19/32
 Private sector job creation turned positive in December though at a bit softer pace than expected. December’s “Small Non-Farm Payrolls” (NFP) from processing firm ADP reported today that companies added 41,000 hires for the month, a reversal from the loss of 29,000 in November.

Up next, the Labor Dept. releases its monthly non-farm payrolls (NFP) report this Friday.

nfp

It’s widely considered to be one of the most important and influential measures of the U.S. economy. The report is released at 7:30 A.M., Central Time.

Metals:

On Monday, the CME Group raised margins on a number of precious metals futures contracts. Below are the new margins for the main precious metals futures contracts.

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Day trading margins vary among clearing firms / FCM’s. If needed, contact your Cannon Trading Co. broker for specifics.

Energy:

Traders following the U.S. arrest of Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro and resulting developments, for a thoughtful evaluation of future big picture take a look at a report released today by Energy Aspects. They’re a leading market intelligence provider for the energy and financial sectors. The brief 4-page report is Venezuela’s oil recovery: A long and daunting road. Visit their web site: https://www.energyaspects.com

Plan your trade and trade your plan.

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Coinbase Products available for trading on the StoneX (CannonX) Futures Platform! See details below:

Name Exchange Class Exchange Symbol CQG Symbol Size
nano XRP Coinbase Crypto XRP XRP 500 XRP
XRP Coinbase Crypto XRL XRL 10,000 XRPXRP
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

March Cotton

March Cotton is attempting to shift its formation back to the topside and is activating upside PriceCount objectives (assuming today’s early strength holds). The first count projects a run to the 66.11 area.

FREE TRIAL AVAILABLE

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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 January 8th, 2026

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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)

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Find us on Trustpilot

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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.

Join our Private Facebook group

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Listen to our podcast: Subscribe on AppleSpotify, Amazon

or wherever you listen to podcasts!

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FNLT (First Notice/Last Trading Day), New Cryptocurrency Products from Coinbase, March Mini Dow, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on January 6th, 2025

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More Cryptocurrency Available for Trading! First Notice/Last Trading Day (FNLT), Cash Settled

fnlt

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument S2 S1 Pivot R1 R2

Gold (GC)

— Feb(#GC)

4313.03 4384.47 4426.03 4497.47 4539.03

Silver (SI)

— Mar. (#SI)

70.15 73.13 75.48 78.46 80.81

Crude Oil (CL)

— Jan (#CL)

55.53 56.96 57.73 59.16 59.93

 Mar. Bonds (ZB)

— Mar (#ZB)

114 20/32 115 2/32 115 9/32 115 23/32 115 30/32

FNLT:

Below are the contracts which are entering First Notice or Last Trading Day (FNLT) for January. Be advised, the contracts below are deliverable. It is requested that all LONG positions be exited two days prior to First Notice and ALL positions be exited the day prior to Last Trading Day.

Plan your trades and trade your plans while there’s still time left!

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Cash Settled:

Below are the contracts which are cash settled for January.

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Coinbase Cryptocurrency Products available for trading on the StoneX (CannonX) Futures Platform! See details below:

Name Exchange Class Exchange Symbol CQG Symbol Size
nano XRP Coinbase Crypto XRP XRP 500 XRP
XRP Coinbase Crypto XRL XRL 10,000 XRPXRP
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

March Mini Dow

The rally in the March Mini Dow is extending into a new all-time high. At this point, the chart is taking aim at its second upside PriceCount objective off the ‘Liberation Day’ low.

FREE TRIAL AVAILABLE

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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 January 6th, 2026

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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)

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Find us on Trustpilot

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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.

Join our Private Facebook group

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Listen to our podcast: Subscribe on AppleSpotify, Amazon

or wherever you listen to podcasts!

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New Year = New Trading, Japanese Yen, RIP Jerry Lee Toepke, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows before Trading Futures on December 31st, 2025

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The Last Trading Day of 2025 before the New Year!

By Mark O’Brien, Senior Broker

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument S2 S1 Pivot R1 R2

Gold (GC)

— Feb(#GC)

4291.50 4325.90 4373.20 4407.60 4454.90

Silver (SI)

— Mar. (#SI)

67.53 71.78 74.92 79.17 82.32

Crude Oil (CL)

— Jan (#CL)

57.14 57.54 58.01 58.41 58.88

 Mar. Bonds (ZB)

— Mar (#ZB)

115 8/32 115 18/32 115 27/32 116 5/32 116 14/32

Bullet Points, Highlights, Announcements

new year

General:

We at Cannon Trading Co., wish you all a healthy, safe and prosperous new year.

Important:

For tomorrow, New Year’s Eve, all markets will be observing regular trading hours. There will be no early closing times.

For New Year’s day, all markets will open at their regular times and close at their regular times.

More general:

If the coming year looks anything like the last – or the year before it – volatility in the futures markets will remain ingrained and often extreme. Some markets set all-time highs for their trade price this year or in late 2024:

·      Orange juice (Sept. 2024)

·      Cattle (Aug. 2025)

·      Cocoa (Dec. 2024)

·      Coffee (Feb. 2025)

·      Copper (July 2025)

·      Bitcoin (Oct. 2025)

·      Stock indexes: S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000 (variably in Q-4 2025)

·      Gold, silver and platinum: this week!

Others are near historic, seasonal or long-term lows:

·      Natural gas

·      Soybeans, corn and wheat

·      Sugar

Japanese yen

On the last trading day of the year, futures markets often see a unique mix of light liquidity and sharp, order‑driven moves as traders square positions, roll contracts, or manage exposure ahead of expiration cycles. With many contracts approaching settlement windows and delivery considerations still in play, price action can become more technical and less fundamentally driven. It’s a day where disciplined risk management matters: thinner books can exaggerate moves, spreads may widen, and even routine hedging flows can create outsized volatility. For many traders, the focus shifts from seeking new opportunities to tightening risk, cleaning up books, and positioning smartly for the fresh trading year ahead.

Remembrance:

Back in May the trading community lost a gent with one of the most distinguished careers in commodities. Jerry Lee Toepke (tep-key) passed away on May 20, 2025, in Cottage Grove, Oregon. He was 75.

For over 40 years, Jerry’s expertise was widely recognized, leading him to speak at numerous conferences, seminars, and futures exchange functions. In recent years, he co-authored a book providing guidance on profitable spreads in the futures market and served as an editor for Moore Research Center‘s monthly report and various special publications. Jerry was a proud member of the Chicago Board of Trade and the National Futures Association.

Jerry graduated from Pekin High School, about an hour from Bloomington, Illinois, where he was born. He attended Northwestern University in the Chicago area, where he laid the groundwork for his remarkable career. Jerry’s kindness, warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his family and career will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Modified Trading Hours for New Years below.

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Daily Levels for Dec. 31st, 2025

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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

 U.S. government data may be impacted by the shutdown. ‘Tentative’ events are subject to delay, revision, or cancellation

provided by: ForexFactory.com

All times are Central Time ( Chicago)

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Find us on Trustpilot

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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.

Join our Private Facebook group

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Listen to our podcast: Subscribe on AppleSpotify, Amazon

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2026 Trends, March Soybean Oil, Levels, Reports; Your 4 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on December 17th, 2025

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 “Will these trends continue into 2026?”

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument S2 S1 Pivot R1 R2

Gold (GC)

— Feb(#GC)

4262.43 4297.97 4332.93 4368.47 4403.43

Silver (SI)

— Mar. (#SI)

61.26 62.49 63.35 64.58 65.44

Crude Oil (CL)

— Jan (#CL)

53.84 54.43 55.49 56.08 57.14

 Mar. Bonds (ZB)

— Mar (#ZB)

114 6/32 114 25/32 115 4/32 115 23/32 116 2/32

2026 – What You Need to Know

2026

As we head into 2026 and find the 2025 markets exhausted from geopolitics, deglobalization, the screwworm, the AI metals hoard, it’s fair to drop the monocle and grab the binoculars to potentially look into 2026: not understand, but to discern where or if we are in the commodity cycle. We are talking about commodity cycles here rather than equity cycles of which a majority of our blog addresses daily.

Yes, the global commodity markets are in the midst of a multi-year cycle as of December 16, 2025, characterized by structural supply constraints, divergent sector performance, and upward momentum in key areas like precious and industrial metals. This aligns with the early-to-mid stages of what many analysts describe as a prolonged bull phase or “Supercycle,” driven by energy transition demands, underinvestment in production over the past decade in livestock and mining, geopolitical tensions, and infrastructure needs.

However, the cycle is not uniform—energy and agriculture face downward pressure from surpluses and weak growth, creating a “great divergence” across commodities. We are firmly in a commodity cycle, but it’s selective: Bullish for transition metals and precious (e.g., copper +5–12% net into 2026; gold/silver ongoing highs) due to irreversible demand trends, while energy and ag face headwinds. Overall prices remain 23% above 2019 levels despite projected 2025 declines.

This environment favors active management and diversification, with commodities providing inflation hedging amid persistent >3% U.S. CPI readings. This divergence reflects structural bulls in “green” commodities (e.g., copper, uranium, silver) versus cyclical bears in oversupplied areas like oil.

             The question becomes “Will these trends continue into 2026?”

Analysts from BNY, Forbes, and Reuters note this cycle could last 7–15+ years, potentially extending into the 2030s due to policy shifts and deglobalization. The World Bank forecasts overall commodity prices dropping 7% in both 2025 and 2026 (fourth consecutive decline), hitting a six-year low in 2026, due to weak global growth, oil surpluses (up 65% vs. 2020 peaks), and policy uncertainty. Energy prices are expected to fall 12% in 2025 and 10% in 2026.

 As always, be prepared for sharp corrections and rebounds in these markets by utilizing protective option strategies and stops in tandem.

But what of the AI Industrial and precious metals hoard? Upside risks include sharper‑than‑expected rate cuts, stronger emerging‑market growth and faster energy‑transition spending, all of which would favor both industrial and precious metals. Downside risks are a deeper global slowdown, policy shocks (tariffs, export bans), or rapid supply additions in specific metals, any of which could cap or reverse the expected price gains.

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March Soybean Oil

March bean oil resumed its break into a new low. This has the chart taking aim at its second downside PriceCount objective to the 47.94 area.

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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 Dec. 17th, 2025

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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

 U.S. government data may be impacted by the shutdown. ‘Tentative’ events are subject to delay, revision, or cancellation

provided by: ForexFactory.com

All times are Central Time ( Chicago)

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Find us on Trustpilot

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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.

Join our Private Facebook group

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Listen to our podcast: Subscribe on AppleSpotify, Amazon

or wherever you listen to podcasts!

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Volatility at the close of the week, December Canadian Dollar, Levels, Reports; Your 4 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on December 5th, 2025

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Volatile Last Trading Day of the Week?

By Ilan Levy-Mayer, VP

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument S2 S1 Pivot R1 R2

Gold (GC)

— Feb(#GC)

4183.63 421.77 4231.43 4259.57 4279.23

Silver (SI)

— Mar. (#SI)

55.50 56.54 57.89 58.92 60.27

Crude Oil (CL)

— Jan (#CL)

58.32 59.04 59.53 60.25 60.74

 Mar. Bonds (ZB)

— Mar (#ZB)

115 18/32 115 27/32 116 7/32 116 16/32 116 28/32

Fridays can sometimes experience even higher volatility

ahead of the weekend.

volatility

Tomorrow may be one of these Fridays for a few reasons:

  • PCE and Univ. of Michigan reports
  • recent volatility and choppy action in stock indices
  • The much wider ATR and ranges on markets like silver, gold and copper with silver and gold trading at all-time highs.

Like in trading, Sports and many other endeavors in life…Preparation is sometimes 50% of the battle!

Be aware of volatility!

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December Canadian Dollar

The December Canadian Dollar completed the second downside PriceCount objective in October and stabilized with a sideways range bound trade. Now, if the chart can get two closes above the November high, it will activate upside counts as well.

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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 Dec. 5th, 2025

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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)

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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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Listen to our podcast: Subscribe on AppleSpotify, Amazon

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Range Bound Trading Strategies, NEW Trading Contest, March Soybean Meal, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Can’t-Miss Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on December 3rd, 2025

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Range Bound Strategies

by John Thorpe, Senior Broker

At-a-Glance Levels

Instrument S2 S1 Pivot R1 R2

Gold (GC)

— Feb(#GC)

4159.60 4200.40 4234.80 4275.60 4310.00

Silver (SI)

— Mar. (#SI)

56.51 57.89 58.61 59.99 60.70

Crude Oil (CL)

— Jan (#CL)

57.48 58.07 58.87 59.46 60.26

 Mar. Bonds (ZB)

— Mar (#ZB)

115 21/32 116 116 6/32 116 17/32 116 23/32

Range-Bound Defined and Best Strategies to Use.

range

A range-bound futures market is a market that repeatedly bounces between a clearly defined support and resistance level without making significant net progress in either direction for days, weeks, or even months.

Here are the key characteristics that define a range-bound futures market:

CLICK HERE FOR THE PDF SUMMARY

range
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March Soybean Meal

March Soybean Meal is activating downside PriceCount objectives off the November top. The first count projects a possible slide to the $311 area.

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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 Dec. 3rd, 2025

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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)

b8651bcf 4599 4a2d 84ab 832055ff4501

Find us on Trustpilot

stars

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.

Join our Private Facebook group

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Listen to our podcast: Subscribe on AppleSpotify, Amazon

or wherever you listen to podcasts!

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