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Category: Day Trading

Here is a subject that a lot of people don’t understand at all. Day Trading can be risky. So, it is something that you should stay away from unless and until you are absolutely sure about what you are doing.

There are a number of items about Day Trading such as the minimum mantaince requirementand more that need to be taken into consideration. With the blogs and write-ups listed in this section, you can learn a great deal about day trading.

We at Cannon Trading can help you understand the different concepts of trading and present you with the latest information on the same. Our team of professional and smart people can help you in your day trading transactions and more. In order to understand day trading more clearly, we advise that you go through all the write-ups listed in this category archive on Day Trading.

Jobless Claims, PMI, Cattle, Crude Oil, Levels, Reports; Your 6 Expert, Crucial Need-To-Knows For Trading Futures on August 21st, 2025

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Jobless Claims, PMI, Cattle, Crude Oil

Bullet Points, Highlights, Announcements

By Mark O’ Brien, Senior Broker

General:

Keep an eye out for a raft of economic reports tomorrow morning, all of which could create bumpy price movement in stock index, energy, interest-rate and other asset classes.

At 7:30 A.M., Central Time the Labor Department will release its weekly Initial jobless claims data, which looks at claims for unemployment benefits filed by unemployed individuals with state unemployment agencies.

At the same time, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia will release its monthly Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey. The survey tracks business conditions and provides short-term forecasts in a specific region: the manufacturing sector in eastern and central Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware, it also provides insight into the manufacturing sector throughout the country.

Next, at 9:45 will be The S&P Purchasing managers’ index (PMI), which is comprised of data derived from monthly surveys of private sector company S&P Global. The S&P PMI survey covers manufacturing, services and some construction.

Then at 10:00, the National Association of Realtors will report on Existing Home Sales in the United States which measures the change in the number of existing residential buildings that were sold during the previous month. This report helps to gauge the strength of the U.S. housing market and is a key indicator of overall economic strength.

At the same time, The Conference Board will release its Leading Economic Index (LEI), another indicator designed to forecast future economic activity. The LEI can be used to anticipate economic turning points and guide trading strategies.

Livestock

Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures continued their meteoric rise today as a tight supply of cattle, surging wholesale beef prices and a decrease in slaughter rates supported prices. CME October live cattle futures ended 3.750 cent higher at 235.175 cents per pound. September feeder cattle rose 6.375 cents to 358.800 cents per pound. Both closing prices represent all-time record high closing prices for the two futures contracts.

Energy

Crude oil futures traded higher after the Energy Information Agency reported a larger-than-expected 6 million barrel decline in U.S. crude oil inventories for last week. The new front month October futures contract traded to an intraday high of $63.01/barrel, up $1.24/barrel before falling back slightly to within pennies of its 100-day moving average: $62.63.

Despite near-term support from lower inventories, the longer-term outlook is bearish. A supply glut is expected as OPEC+ restores output and trade tensions are weighing on demand with industry executives exclaiming the return of previously curtailed oil production by OPEC+ members is cutting into U.S. shale growth.

Chart Watch: Oct Crude 25

“Crude Oil Is At A Critical Technical Price Juncture! The Index is short from 9 days ago and There Are No bearish PriceCounts In Place. The market looks to be coiling!”

Daily Levels for Aug. 21st, 2025

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Economic Reports

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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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FOMC, Gold, Cocoa, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on August 20th, 2025

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Cannon Operations

FOMC Minutes Tomorrow & Gold Bear Put Spread Insight

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

Markets have been calm so far this week (FOMC Minutes tomorrow)

What goes up must come down?

Does Newtons law of Gravity capsulized by the quote” what goes up, must come down” apply metaphorically to prices on assets? this quote reminds us of the inherent predictability and order found in nature by earths gravitational pull.

The question becomes, what pulls asset prices down? and how does the investor protect or benefit from forces pulling prices down?

Since the forces pushing prices of assets lower are much harder to determine than a simple law like gravitational pull without doubt make what goes up must come down a truest statement, that doesn’t mean we can’t protect our investments or even benefit from selloffs of commodities, equities and other assets we hold.

Gold will be a good example to explain 2 common risk management strategies since this asset has been range bound for some time now, having become comfortable in a relatively narrow price range since Memorial Day after a runup to start the year.

One report indicates that gold opened at $2,633 per ounce on January 2, 2025, and as of August 15, 2025, it was trading around $3,383 per ounce, marking a 24.9% increase,

Protecting your long gold futures contracts, GLD ETF or your personal gold stash you can use futures options as an insurance policy to cover your downside risk.

You believe the price of gold is ready to fall on a breakout to the downside. You can buy Comex Gold Puts. How Gold Puts Work:

Buying a Put

You buy a gold put option when you expect gold prices to fall.
The put gains value as gold declines.
If gold drops below the strike price, you can:

Sell the put at a profit, or
Exercise it to take a short position in gold futures at the strike price.

Gold option premiums consist of intrinsic value and time value:

Premium=Intrinsic Value+Time Value\text{Premium} = \text{Intrinsic Value} + \text{Time Value}Premium=Intrinsic Value+Time Value

Intrinsic Value = Max(Strike − Futures Price, 0)
Time Value = Based on volatility, time to expiration, and interest rates

For example:

If gold = $3380.00 and your put strike = $3400.00:

Intrinsic = $20
If option trades at $28 → Time Value = $8

A bear put spread is an options strategy used when you expect the price of gold to decline moderately.

You buy a put option (higher strike) and sell a put option (lower strike) with the same expiration date.

The long put gives you downside profit potential.
The short put helps reduce the cost of the trade.
This caps both your risk and your max profit.

Click here for the Gold Bear Put Spread Cheat Sheet.

Please click here to access the: Comex Gold Bear Put Spread Cheat Sheet. We will be happy to walk you through and answer any questions, just give us a call.

Tomorrow:

Econ Data: EIA Crude Stocks, 17-week T-Bill auction, FOMC Minutes. Jackson Hole symposium begins

FED: 2 speakers

Earnings: TJX Companies, Lowes, Analog Devices Inc. Target

Tariff news: Anything goes!

Click here for the Gold Bear Put Spread Cheat Sheet.

Dec. Cocoa

December cocoa completed its first upside PriceCount objective and is correcting lower. IF the chart can resume its rally with new sustained highs, the second count would project a possible run to the 9379 area. It takes a trade above the June reactionary high to formally negate the remaining unmet downside objectives

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 Aug 20th, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Volatility, December Oats, Levels, Reports; Your 4 Important Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on August 19th, 2025

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Volatility

Quiet Start to the Week—Volatility Ahead with Powell & PMI

volatility

️ Monday Market Brief – August 18, 2025

Low Volume, Calm Waters… Before the Storm?

Today’s trading session opened with notably light volume across major asset classes—a familiar rhythm for an August Monday. With many market participants still in vacation mode and key macro events on the horizon, it’s no surprise we’re seeing range-bound price action and muted volatility.

That calm won’t last long. By Thursday, the tempo is expected to shift dramatically as a wave of economic data hits the tape. PMI reports and the Philadelphia Fed survey will headline the day, offering fresh clues on growth and inflation trends. Then on Friday, all eyes will turn to Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks following the Jackson Hole symposium—a moment that often sets the tone for monetary policy heading into Q4.

Trading Insight

Recognizing the type of day ahead—like today’s low-volatility, sideways grind—can dramatically improve your tactical edge. In environments like this, fading the extremes of volume or volatility bands (buying the lows, selling the highs) tends to outperform breakout strategies. Of course, it’s always easier to see the ideal play in hindsight—but developing that intraday awareness is a skill worth sharpening.

Stay nimble, stay curious, and keep your powder dry for the back half of the week.

Joseph Easton, breaks down trading options in ten easy steps.

December Oats

December oats are showing some stability after satisfying their second downside PriceCount objective earlier this month. At this point, IF the chart can sustain further weakness, the third count would project a possible run to the $3.18 area which is consistent with a test of the contract low.

And that’s December Oats for you, Traders! Make it a great trading week!

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 Aug 19th, 2025

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

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Economic Reports

provided by: ForexFactory.com

All times are Eastern Time ( New York)

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Futures Options Broker

Posted on July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Futures Options Broker

The Growing Relevance of Futures Options Brokers in Modern Trading

In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, the role of a futures options broker has become more critical than ever. With the explosion of algorithmic and AI-powered futures options trading platforms, more traders—from retail to institutional—are seeking experienced and technologically advanced brokerages to help navigate the complexities of commodities trading and speculative derivatives. This is where brokerage services like E-Futures.com shine, delivering unparalleled expertise, reliability, and technological edge through their top-tier platform, CannonX powered by CQG.

To understand what makes a futures broker options provider like E-Futures.com exceptional in 2025, we must first explore the historical development of futures options trading, including the pivotal moments and individuals that shaped the speculative markets we know today.

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Historical Origins of Options in Speculation and Commodity Markets

Ancient Roots of Options Trading

Though futures options trading may seem like a product of modern finance, its roots stretch back thousands of years. One of the earliest known uses of options-like contracts occurred in ancient Greece. The philosopher Thales of Miletus reportedly used early options contracts to secure the rights to olive presses in advance of harvest, anticipating high demand. This speculative use of future rights demonstrated the powerful concept of leveraging predictions about future value.

The concept resurfaced in early Japanese rice markets in the 1600s. The Dojima Rice Exchange in Osaka became the world’s first formal commodity trading exchange, where merchants employed forward contracts and proto-options to hedge against price fluctuations. These mechanisms were vital in establishing confidence and liquidity in agricultural markets—principles that remain foundational to futures options trading today.

The Birth of Modern Futures and Options Markets

The modern era of commodities trading began with the founding of the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) in 1848. Initially focusing on agricultural futures contracts, the CBOT provided a formalized structure to a previously informal network of spot trading and forward agreements. Traders could now lock in prices for commodities like corn and wheat, reducing exposure to volatility.

By the 1970s, the CBOT and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) began introducing standardized futures options trading contracts. These contracts allowed speculators to trade options on futures contracts themselves—a significant leap in market complexity and flexibility.

The 1973 introduction of options on futures was revolutionary, enabling traders to control leveraged positions in commodities with reduced upfront capital and predefined risk. This development transformed how both hedgers and speculators approached the market.

Key Innovators Behind Futures Options Trading

Fischer Black and Myron Scholes

The creation of the Black-Scholes model in 1973 by Fischer Black and Myron Scholes—later extended by Robert Merton—provided the mathematical foundation for pricing options. Their work enabled market participants to determine fair values for options based on volatility, time to expiration, and interest rates.

This pricing model, while initially developed for stock options, was quickly adapted for futures options trading, fueling the growth of options markets globally. Their work earned Scholes and Merton a Nobel Prize in Economics (Fischer Black died before he could be awarded).

Leo Melamed and the CME

Leo Melamed, a former chairman of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, was instrumental in transforming Chicago into the global hub of commodity trading innovation. Under his leadership, the CME launched the International Monetary Market and introduced financial futures, including options on currency and interest rate futures.

Melamed was a strong advocate for electronic trading and helped lay the groundwork for today’s high-speed futures options trading platforms. His vision of global access, market transparency, and trader education still informs how brokerages like E-Futures.com operate.

The Role of Regulation

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) was created in 1974 to regulate the U.S. derivatives markets, followed by the National Futures Association (NFA) in 1982. These organizations provided crucial oversight and investor protection, helping to legitimize futures broker options services and foster trust in the emerging industry.

Today’s Futures brokers USA, including E-Futures.com, operate under these regulatory bodies, ensuring that traders are protected and markets remain transparent.

Why E-Futures.com Is a Top Choice Futures Options Broker in 2025

A Legacy of Trust and Performance

With 38 years of experience in the industry, E-Futures.com has developed a reputation for excellence among independent traders, institutional clients, and regulators alike. With multiple 5 out of 5-star ratings on TrustPilot, the brokerage’s reliability, customer service, and trading infrastructure have earned the trust of thousands of users globally.

Unlike newer entrants to the space, E-Futures.com offers a rare combination of institutional-grade infrastructure and boutique-level support.

Industry-Leading Technology: CannonX Powered by CQG

One of the cornerstones of E-Futures.com’s success is its CannonX powered by CQG platform. Known for its speed, reliability, and precision, CannonX combines CQG’s institutional-grade backend with Cannon Trading Company’s intuitive user experience. It enables traders to execute strategies in real-time across global markets with deep liquidity and cutting-edge analytics.

For serious traders seeking a powerful, responsive interface with real-time charting and order routing capabilities, CannonX is among the top futures options trading platforms available in the market today.

Key benefits of CannonX powered by CQG:

Lightning-fast execution
Comprehensive options analytics
Advanced charting tools for commodity trading
Seamless mobile and desktop integration

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Unmatched Customer Support and Regulatory Integrity

E-Futures.com is distinguished among Futures brokers USA for its emphasis on client relationships. All clients receive one-on-one onboarding, platform training, and 24/7 support from experienced brokers—many with decades of market experience.

Regulatory compliance is a cornerstone of their operation. As an NFA-member and CFTC-regulated broker, E-Futures.com operates with full transparency and client protection protocols.

Whether you’re a retail trader new to futures options trading or a high-volume professional looking to optimize your execution strategy, E-Futures.com offers a secure and supportive environment to trade with confidence.

Comprehensive Range of Tradable Instruments

Traders at E-Futures.com gain access to a diverse array of tradable products:

Agricultural, energy, metals, and soft commodity trading
Interest rate, equity index, and currency futures
Options on futures, including calendar spreads and complex strategies

The firm’s deep understanding of both underlying commodities trading and options mechanics makes it a top-tier partner for executing sophisticated trades.

Education and Risk Management Tools

Unlike many platforms that leave traders to learn by trial and error, E-Futures.com invests heavily in trader education. Resources include:

Live webinars and archived tutorials
Strategy-specific guides for futures options trading
Platform walkthroughs for CannonX and CQG
Customized risk management templates

This dedication to education helps traders avoid common pitfalls and build sustainable, long-term trading strategies.

The 2025 Landscape: Why a Trusted Futures Options Broker Matters Now More Than Ever

Increased Volatility and Market Interconnection

The second half of 2025 is shaping up to be a period of increased volatility and global market uncertainty. With ongoing geopolitical tensions, shifting interest rate policies, and fluctuating commodity prices, traders need precision tools and reliable execution more than ever.

A brokerage that combines the experience, reputation, and platform sophistication of E-Futures.com ensures traders can stay agile, informed, and efficient.

Rise of Algorithmic and AI-Powered Trading

As more traders deploy automated strategies and AI-powered systems, the reliability and latency of a trading platform becomes paramount. Platforms like CannonX powered by CQG are specifically built for this next generation of trading strategies, offering API access, backtesting capabilities, and integrated market data.

Partnering with a futures broker options firm that understands this tech evolution is critical in maintaining a competitive edge.

Compliance and Safety

In an era of data breaches and financial fraud, regulatory compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential. Futures brokers USA like E-Futures.com that comply strictly with CFTC and NFA guidelines offer traders peace of mind that their capital and data are secure.

As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, brokers with a track record of ethical behavior and transparency will thrive. E-Futures.com is not just a technology provider, but a fiduciary partner.

Conclusion: Futures Broker Options and the Path Forward

The development of futures options trading is a story of innovation, risk management, and speculative opportunity. From ancient Greek philosophers to modern-day electronic platforms like CannonX powered by CQG, options and futures have evolved to meet the changing needs of traders and hedgers across centuries.

In this complex and ever-changing ecosystem, choosing the right brokerage partner is one of the most important decisions a trader can make. With its decades of experience, sterling reputation, regulatory compliance, and cutting-edge platform, E-Futures.com remains one of the premier Futures brokers USA for traders in 2025.

Whether you’re seeking to trade agricultural contracts, hedge geopolitical risk, or leverage volatility in metals and energy, E-Futures.com provides the technological muscle and human insight necessary to succeed.

For any serious trader or investor looking to excel in futures options trading, there’s no better partner than a brokerage that merges institutional performance with personalized service.

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 E-Futures.com 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

NFP Tomorrow, September Dollar Index, Levels, Reports; Your 4 Crucial Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on August 1st, 2025

Posted on July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 by Cannon Operations

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NFP Tomorrow

By Ilan Levy-Mayer, VP

nfp

Prepare for Tomorrow’s First Friday: NFP Meets Month-Start Volume

Tomorrow marks the first Friday of the month, which means two things for futures and FX traders: the release of the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report and the natural volume uptick that often comes with month-beginning flows. Combining a high-impact economic release with typically heavier order flow sets the stage for elevated volatility—and potential opportunity.

Why NFP Drives Volatility

– The headline jobs number and the unemployment rate are among the most influential data points for Fed policy expectations.

– Surprises (even by a few thousand jobs) can trigger immediate swings in stock index futures, Treasury futures, FX and commodities.

– High-frequency and algorithmic traders often reload positions right before and after the print, amplifying short-term moves.

Month-Start Volume Patterns

– Corporate and institutional managers adjust exposures at month boundaries, generating extra order flow in equity and bond futures.

– Portfolio rebalancing, pension contributions, and cash withdrawals/additions create natural buy/sell pressure.

– Combining these flows with an NFP release can lead to deeper liquidity pockets—but also faster fills and bigger gaps.

Key Trading Considerations

1. Pre-print positioning

– Lighten large directional bets ahead of the 8:30 am Eastern release.

– Identify key levels (prior-month high/low, round numbers) to bracket potential moves.

2. Execution tools

– Use volume- or range-bar charts to filter noise during rapid price swings.

– Consider spread or straddle strategies to capture volatility without outright directional risk.

3. Risk management

– Widen initial stops to account for wider spreads and slippage.

– Trade smaller size or switch to highly liquid markets (e.g., E-mini S&P, 30-year bonds) if you’re concerned about whipsaw.

Action Plan for Tomorrow

– Monitor the Atlanta Fed’s jobs tracker and ADP release for hints of the NFP surprise factor.

– Set alerts at your chosen intraday levels and be ready to step aside if the market action outpaces your risk limits.

– After the print, watch volume‐profile clusters for early signs of trend continuation or exhaustion.

Tomorrow’s convergence of NFP data and month-start flows often produces some of the liveliest—and most tradable (riskier?)—sessions of the calendar. Prepare your playbook, mind your risk, and get ready to capture high-probability setups. Good luck!

September Dollar Index

The September dollar index found stability earlier this month and now it has activated upside PriceCount objectives on the correction. The first count projects a possible run to the 100.58 area.

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 Aug 1st, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Corn, Soybean, Copper, Crude Oil; Your 4 Important Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on July 31st, 2025

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Cannon Operations

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Corn

Bullet Points, Highlights, Announcements

By Mark O’ Brien, Senior Broker

corn

General:

The Federal Reserve held rates steady for a fifth straight meeting today but faced rare dissents from two officials seeking an immediate cut. Officials maintained their benchmark policy rate in a range between 4.25% and 4.5%. Dissent came from two Fed governors and marks the first meeting since 2020 in which more than one Fed official voted differently than chair Powell, and the first since 1993 in which more than one board governor dissented.

Grains: Soybean, Corn

Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures fell for the fourth consecutive session today, dragged down by favorable weather across the U.S. Midwest and sluggish export demand, analysts said. Weighing on prices were forecasts for cooler temperatures and periodic rainfall in the U.S. Midwest, bolstering expectations for big U.S. soy and corn harvests. Prior to tomorrow’s First Notice Day for the contract, August futures touched $9.77 3/4 per bushel, its lowest price of the year. Sept. corn futures matched yesterday’s intraday low of $3.87 3/4 per bushel, nearly a 2-year low.

Energy: Crude Oil

Crude futures rose for the third day, buoyed by concerns U.S. sanctions could reduce flows of Russian crude, optimism over trade deals such as those with the EU and Japan.

Focus ahead will be on the weekend meeting where OPEC+ will determine September output levels. The September West Texas futures contract on the NYMEX traded above $70/barrel for the first time since June 23, a ±$5.00/barrel in three trading sessions, equal to a $5,000 per contract move.

Metals: Copper

Last week, copper futures hit a new record high with the front month September contract trading to $5.9585/lb. Today, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation ordering 50% tariffs on certain copper imports, citing national security. However, the levies applied only to semi-finished products, such as copper pipes and wires and so-called derivate products such as pipe fittings and cables. It excluded refined materials such as copper ores and concentrates. Reacting to the anticipated limited impact on the base metal, September copper futures plunged over $1.20/lb. to below $4.60/lb. – a ±19% drubbing and a ±$30,000 per contract move for the contract, the largest single-day decline since 1989.

December Corn

December Corn is testing support against the contract low and key reversal. If violated, new sustained lows would project a potential slide to the third PriceCount objective to the $3.88 area.

Daily Levels for July 31st, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Crude Oil, The Dollar, FOMC, September KC Wheat, Levels, Reports; Your 6 Crucial Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on July 30th, 2025

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Cannon Operations

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Dollar Strength, Crude Oil Rally’s hard, FOMC tomorrow

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

crude oil

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its meeting tomorrow, July 30, 2025. Market analysts and interest rate traders currently assign a very high probability—over 95%- a pause, with no rate hike or cut anticipated at this meeting.

Economists are expecting the first look at US 2Q 2025 GDP to show the economy grew by +2.4% on quarter over quarter terms, if realized that would be up from the final 1Q report -0.5% contraction. The advanced 2Q 2025 chain weighted price index is expected up +2.3%, and compares with the final 1Q report, up +3.8%. The data will be released at 7:30 am CT Wednesday morning.

The Crude market rally’s hard today on news Trump threatens 100% tariff on China if it continues to buy Russian crude oil. Front month September +$2.77 as of this writing. $2700.00 per contract. Crude has rallied nearly $5.00 bbl since the opening of Sunday evenings session. Yesterday’s OPEC+ maintained its current oil output policy at the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) meeting, with no changes to production plans.

The JMMC (Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee) emphasized the critical importance of full conformity with agreed production levels, noting uneven compliance among some members.

The US Dollar may have bottomed in the short term as the past week we have seen signs of life. A 2.5% rally from the July 1 lows. The awakening of the dollar is not bullish for our export markets.

Tomorrow:

Econ Data: GDP, FOMC Rate decision, EIA Crude Stocks, Beige book

FED: Rate decision @ 1:00pm, followed by 1:30 press conference.

Earnings: Qualcomm, Meta, Microsoft

Tariff news: Anything goes!

September KC – Chicago Wheat

The September KC – Chicago wheat spread came up short of its low percentage fourth downside PriceCount objective early this month. Now, on the correction we have activated upside objectives. The first count projects a recovery to the -3 area.

Daily Levels for July 30th, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Risk Management, Trading Psychology, Levels, Reports; Your 4 Expert Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on July 25th, 2025

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Cannon Operations

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Trading Futures – Risk Management & Trading Psychology

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

Risk management and trading psychology are two critical aspects of success in the futures and commodities markets. Effective risk management strategies and a solid understanding of trading psychology are essential for traders to navigate the complexities of these markets and achieve long-term profitability. In this comprehensive discussion, we will delve into risk management techniques such as stop-loss orders, position sizing, diversification, and hedging strategies. Additionally, we will explore the psychological aspects of trading, including managing emotions, discipline, patience, and mental resilience.

Risk Management Strategies

Stop-Loss Orders

Stop-loss orders are one of the most widely used risk management tools in futures trading. A stop-loss order is an order placed with a broker to buy or sell a futures contract once the price reaches a specified level, known as the stop price. The purpose of a stop-loss order is to limit potential losses by automatically closing out a position if the market moves against the trader beyond a certain point.

For a theoretical example, if a trader buys a crude oil futures contract at $60 per barrel, they may set a stop-loss order at $55 per barrel. If the price of crude oil drops to $55, the stop-loss order will trigger, and the trader’s position will be automatically liquidated, limiting their loss to $5 per barrel.

Position Sizing

Position sizing refers to the process of determining the appropriate size of a futures position based on factors such as risk tolerance, account size, and market conditions. Proper position sizing is crucial for managing risk and avoiding overexposure to the market.

Traders often use a percentage-based approach to position sizing, where they risk a certain percentage of their account equity on each trade. For example, a trader may decide to risk 2% of their account equity on any single trade. If they have a $50,000 trading account, they would risk $1,000 on a trade, adjusting the position size based on the distance between the entry price and the stop-loss level.

Diversification

Diversification involves spreading risk across different asset classes, markets, or instruments to reduce overall portfolio risk. In futures trading, diversification can be achieved by trading multiple contracts across various sectors, such as energy, agriculture, metals, and financials.

By diversifying their trading portfolio, traders can potentially offset losses in one market with gains in another, reducing the impact of adverse price movements on their overall profitability. However, it’s essential to note that diversification does not eliminate risk entirely but rather helps manage and spread it.

Hedging Strategies

Hedging is a risk management technique used to protect against adverse price movements in the market. Futures traders often use hedging strategies to offset the risk of their primary positions or to hedge against external factors such as currency fluctuations or geopolitical events.

Common hedging strategies in futures trading include:

Short Hedging: Selling futures contracts to offset the risk of a long position in the underlying asset. For example, a farmer may sell corn futures to hedge against price declines in the physical corn they produce.
Long Hedging: Buying futures contracts to offset the risk of a short position in the underlying asset. For instance, an airline company may buy crude oil futures to hedge against rising fuel prices.

Trading Psychology

Managing Emotions

Emotions play a significant role in trading decisions, often leading to impulsive actions and irrational behavior. Effective traders learn to manage their emotions, including fear, greed, and euphoria, to make objective and rational trading decisions.

Managing emotions involves:

Developing a trading plan with predefined entry and exit criteria.
Sticking to the plan and avoiding emotional reactions to market fluctuations.
Practicing mindfulness and emotional awareness to identify and control emotional triggers.

Discipline

Discipline is crucial for success in futures trading. It involves following a consistent trading strategy, adhering to risk management rules, and maintaining a structured approach to trading.

Key aspects of discipline include:

Following trading rules and strategies without deviation.
Avoiding impulsive trades or revenge trading after losses.
Accepting losses as part of trading and learning from mistakes.

Patience

Patience is a virtue in futures trading, especially when waiting for favorable trading opportunities and allowing trades to develop according to the plan. Impatience can lead to premature entries or exits, increasing the risk of losses.

Practicing patience involves:

Waiting for confirmation signals and setups before entering trades.
Avoiding overtrading and chasing the market.
Allowing trades sufficient time to reach their targets or stop-loss levels.

Mental Resilience

Mental resilience is the ability to bounce back from losses, setbacks, and challenges in trading. It involves maintaining a positive mindset, learning from failures, and staying focused on long-term goals.

Building mental resilience includes:

Developing a growth mindset and embracing failures as learning opportunities.
Staying adaptable and flexible in response to changing market conditions.
Seeking support from mentors, peers, or trading communities during challenging times.

Risk management strategies and trading psychology are integral components of successful futures trading. Traders must implement effective risk management techniques such as stop-loss orders, position sizing, diversification, and hedging to protect their capital and manage market risk. Additionally, understanding and mastering trading psychology, including managing emotions, discipline, patience, and mental resilience, are crucial for making rational decisions and maintaining consistent profitability in the dynamic and competitive futures and commodities markets. By combining robust risk management practices with a disciplined and resilient trading mindset, traders can enhance their trading performance and achieve their financial goals.

October Hogs

October hogs recently satisfied the second downside PriceCount objective and corrected higher. A further recovery above the July reactionary high would formally negate the remaining unmet downside counts.

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.

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E-Mini, September Yen, Natural Gas, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on July 24th, 2025

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Cannon Operations

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Bullet Points, Highlights, Announcements

By Mark O’ Brien, Senior Broker

e-mini

Stock Indexes:

E-Mini

Stock index futures climbed today on the heels of news the U.S. struck a trade deal with Japan. The September E-mini Dow Jones contract rose more than 450 points, a ±$2,250-per contract move (>1%) and nearing its first record close of 2025. The E-mini S&P 500 moved up ±45 points, also a ±$2,250-point move and the E-mini Nasdaq rose ±60 points, both once again pacing for record closes.

Futures are readying for a big test in Google-parent Alphabet and Tesla’s earnings due after the bell, the first of the “Magnificent Seven” to report.

Energy:

Natural Gas

With elevated supply overshadowing demand, August natural gas futures floundered through midday today trading lower for a third consecutive session this week to an intraday low of $3.061, nearing an 8-month low of $2.974 posted intraday on Nov.4, 2024. The contract has made a ±$20,000 move down after trading briefly above $5.000 in early March.

Metals:

Gold

While gold futures are up around 30% so far this year (credit the global trade war, geopolitical risks and central bank buying as key drivers for the precious metals’ rally, that same trade deal saw Dec. Gold register a ±$45 per ounce loss today and once again trading back near $3,400 per ounce.

Copper futures hit a new record today as the U.S. market continues to brace itself for a 50% tariff next month. The most active September contracts on the CME soared as much to $5.930 per lb., a new all-time intraday high.

September Japanese Yen

September Yen satisfied its second downside PriceCount recently and is correcting higher. IF the chart can resume its slide with new sustained lows, the third count would project a possible run to the 6528 area.

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.

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Trade and Risk Management, September OJ, Levels, Reports; Your 4 Inspiring Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on July 23rd, 2025

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Cannon Operations

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Risk Management

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Course Overview 14 minutes

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September OJ

September Orange Juice is breaking out of a multi month range trade and is activating upside PriceCounts in the process. The first possible price objective is in the 400 area.

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.

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Jobless Claims, PMI, Cattle, Crude Oil

Bullet Points, Highlights, Announcements

By Mark O’ Brien, Senior Broker

Chart Watch: Oct Crude 25

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FOMC Minutes Tomorrow & Gold Bear Put Spread Insight

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Dec. Cocoa

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Quiet Start to the Week—Volatility Ahead with Powell & PMI

️ Monday Market Brief – August 18, 2025

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NFP Tomorrow

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Corn

Bullet Points, Highlights, Announcements

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December Corn

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Dollar Strength, Crude Oil Rally’s hard, FOMC tomorrow

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September KC – Chicago Wheat

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Trading Futures – Risk Management & Trading Psychology

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

Risk Management Strategies

Stop-Loss Orders

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Mental Resilience

October Hogs