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Category: Futures Trading

Futures trading is done by two main parties, one of which is the hedger and the other one is the speculator. Where a speculator is there to trade for either their own accounts or that of their clients, a hedger always uses futures as a possible protection from losses. Hedgers can also be described as individuals or business owners who are more risk averse. Speculators and hedgers are likely to benefit from futures trading if the trader has a strong ability to analyze the markets and understands that future behavior. Though futures can behigh risk, they offer an equally high return and are thus very tempting.

In case you are new to futures trading you need to understand how things work. We at Cannon Trading are there to help with your understanding of all the elements of futures trading and also counsel and advise you with the same. Our knowledge base featured on our website, is a store house of information. In order to know every aspect of futures trading, you must read through these articles that have been listed in this category archive. Go through it and get better informed!

PCE: What to Know, What to Look For, March Sugar, Levels, Reports: The Important Parts of Trading Futures on September 26th, 2025

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Cannon Operations

PCE; New Tools & Resources for the Trader

PCE tomorrow is a market moving event!

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Make sure to utilize the below resources and tools for you the trader:

Contract specifications

Trading University

Heat Map

Daily Research

Have a question about ANY futures market? Trading techniques? Platforms? Trading Algos? Most of our brokers have over 12 years’ experience and can be one of the most valuable resource you have access to!

Speak/chat/email a broker now.

March Sugar

March sugar satisfied its third downside PriceCount objective and is correcting higher. At this point, IF the chart and resume its break with new sustained lows, we are left with the low percentage fourth count to aim for in the 12.95 area.

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 Sept. 26th, 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)

Find us on Trustpilot

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

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Futures Trading | 5 Important Points to Keep in Mind during your daily Futures Trading

Posted on September 25, 2025September 24, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Cannon Trading Final v2

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futures trading

 Leverage opportunities – Skilled futures brokers guide traders in using leverage effectively and responsibly while futures trading.

 Diversification strategies – Brokers help spread risk across markets to strengthen trading outcomes.

 Hedging expertise – Support in protecting portfolios and managing volatility through futures contracts.

 Emergency support – Reliable assistance during critical market moments to safeguard traders.

 Cannon Trading Company advantage – Decades of experience, stellar TrustPilot reviews, regulatory excellence, and cutting-edge platforms like CannonX powered by CQG.

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The Crucial Role of a Skilled Futures Broker

Futures trading is one of the most dynamic and potentially rewarding areas of financial markets. By allowing participants to speculate, hedge, and diversify across commodities, currencies, bonds, indexes, and cryptocurrencies, futures trading provides unparalleled opportunities. However, trading futures also comes with significant risks that require knowledge, precision, and reliable support. This is where skilled futures brokers prove indispensable.

A seasoned futures broker is not merely a transaction processor; they are an extension of a trader’s strategy. They ensure smooth execution, provide emergency support during technical failures, assist with risk management, and offer access to cutting-edge platforms such as CannonX powered by CQG. Choosing the right partner in this space can make the difference between trading futures with confidence and exposing oneself to unnecessary risk.

Cannon Trading Company embodies the gold standard of futures brokerage. With decades of experience, consistent 5-star TrustPilot reviews, a spotless reputation with regulators, and a wide suite of professional-grade trading platforms, Cannon Trading demonstrates how the right futures broker elevates the entire trading journey.

Why Skilled Futures Brokers Are Vital to Futures Trading

Leverage: Maximizing Opportunity with Guidance

Leverage is one of the defining characteristics of futures trading. A small margin deposit allows traders to control large contract values. This magnifies both potential gains and risks. Without proper guidance, traders can misuse leverage and suffer significant losses.

A skilled futures broker provides essential education and context. They help clients understand how margin requirements work, how to size positions responsibly, and how to avoid overexposure. At Cannon Trading, brokers don’t just approve accounts—they walk traders through risk assessments, position sizing, and platform settings to ensure leverage is used effectively.

When trading futures, leverage is a double-edged sword. A futures broker who emphasizes discipline and education ensures traders avoid costly mistakes while harnessing leverage to unlock growth.

Diversification: Expanding Horizons Beyond Stocks

Unlike equities, futures trading provides access to diverse asset classes including agricultural commodities, energy, metals, stock indexes, currencies, and digital assets. This breadth allows traders to diversify strategies and hedge exposure to multiple markets.

A skilled futures broker serves as a guide through this landscape, explaining contract specifications, seasonal factors, and liquidity considerations. Cannon Trading offers access to a broad selection of global futures exchanges and platforms, including CannonX powered by CQG, which provides professional-grade tools for tracking and executing trades across multiple asset classes.

By diversifying with futures, traders spread their risks while exploring profit potential in markets that move independently of equities. Brokers are critical in advising how to balance portfolios and avoid concentration risk.

Hedging: Protecting Portfolios and Businesses

For institutional players, corporations, and even sophisticated retail traders, hedging is one of the most powerful functions of trading futures. Whether it’s an airline locking in fuel prices, a farmer hedging corn production, or an investor protecting equity exposure with S&P 500 futures, hedging stabilizes outcomes.

A seasoned futures broker explains how to structure hedging positions, match contract sizes, and roll over contracts efficiently. Cannon Trading has spent decades assisting commercial clients with hedging strategies, ensuring they not only meet risk objectives but also maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

Hedging requires precision. Without skilled futures brokers, traders may face slippage, mismatched exposures, or excessive margin costs. Cannon’s team ensures hedges are properly constructed and monitored in real time.

Emergency Support: One Phone Call Away

Technology is the backbone of modern futures trading, but systems can fail. Internet outages, platform crashes, or power failures can trap traders in vulnerable positions. In such cases, the ability to call a live futures broker to exit or add a position is not just convenient—it can be lifesaving for one’s account.

Cannon Trading emphasizes this broker accessibility. In emergencies, clients can immediately reach licensed brokers who will execute trades on their behalf. This human safety net is what differentiates full-service futures brokers from purely online discount firms.

Being one call away ensures traders never feel helpless when trading futures. Cannon’s reliability in this regard builds trust, confidence, and long-term relationships.

Expert Guidance and Education

Beyond trade execution, a skilled futures broker serves as an educator. Futures markets can be complex, with unique contract rules, expiration cycles, and margin requirements. Brokers like Cannon Trading publish educational blogs, market commentary, and strategy guides to empower traders.

They also guide traders on platform usage—whether navigating advanced charting tools on CannonX powered by CQG or understanding order types like OCO (one cancels other) and bracket orders. This personalized guidance helps traders avoid errors that can otherwise prove costly.

How Cannon Trading Company Embodies Broker Excellence

Futures Trading

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Decades of Experience in Futures Trading

Cannon Trading has served traders for over three decades. This longevity in the highly competitive brokerage industry underscores its reliability, adaptability, and credibility. In an era when many firms come and go, Cannon’s resilience demonstrates the trust it has earned from generations of traders.

TrustPilot 5-Star Ratings

Cannon Trading is consistently praised by clients with glowing 4.9/5 TrustPilot reviews. Traders highlight the firm’s personalized service, quick response times, and dependable execution. In a field where customer experience can make or break success, Cannon’s reputation shines as a competitive edge.

Regulatory Reputation

Cannon Trading maintains exemplary standing with both federal and independent futures regulators. Compliance with the National Futures Association (NFA) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is not optional—it’s mandatory. Cannon’s spotless track record with these bodies reassures traders that they’re working with a futures broker who values transparency, integrity, and professionalism.

CannonX Powered by CQG: Platform Excellence

Technology defines success in modern futures trading. Cannon offers clients a suite of platforms, with CannonX powered by CQG standing out as a premier choice. This platform combines speed, reliability, and deep market access with advanced analytics, making it an indispensable tool for trading futures across asset classes.

By pairing platform power with broker guidance, Cannon ensures traders have the best of both worlds: cutting-edge execution and personalized support.

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Related Reading on the Cannon Trading Blog

For readers looking to dive deeper into related topics, Cannon Trading’s Blog is an excellent resource:

Top Reputable Futures Brokers: How to Choose the Right One for You

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why do traders need a skilled futures broker?
A skilled futures broker provides essential services such as leverage guidance, diversification opportunities, hedging expertise, and emergency support, all of which enhance trading outcomes.
How does Cannon Trading help during emergencies?
If a trader’s system fails, Cannon brokers are just a phone call away, ready to execute trades to exit or adjust positions, preventing catastrophic losses.
What makes CannonX powered by CQG unique?
CannonX powered by CQG offers professional-grade execution speed, advanced analytics, and deep market access, making it ideal for active traders.
How does Cannon Trading maintain its strong reputation?
Through decades of service, 5-star TrustPilot reviews, and spotless regulatory compliance, Cannon Trading consistently proves its credibility and trustworthiness.
Can futures trading help with diversification?
Yes, trading futures allows diversification into commodities, currencies, indexes, and more, which helps spread risk beyond traditional stocks.

Futures trading is a powerful avenue for speculation, hedging, and diversification, but it demands discipline, knowledge, and reliable support. Skilled futures brokers are not optional—they are vital partners who empower traders to succeed. From guiding leverage usage to providing emergency assistance, their role ensures traders navigate markets safely and strategically.

Cannon Trading Company exemplifies what traders should seek in a futures broker. With decades of experience, flawless regulatory reputation, top-rated TrustPilot reviews, and elite platforms like CannonX powered by CQG, Cannon proves that broker excellence directly translates to trading success.

By working with Cannon, traders gain more than a brokerage—they gain a trusted ally in the challenging yet rewarding world of futures trading.

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

GDP: What It Is and What to Look for in the Upcoming Report; December Corn, Levels, Reports – The Important Facts to Keep in Mind When Trading Futures on September 25th, 2025

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Cannon Operations

GDP Explained

By Mark O’Brien, Senior Broker

Upcoming GDP Report: The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis will release the final report on U.S. GDP for Q2 (April–June) at 7:30 A.M. Central Time.
Previous Estimates: The first estimate showed 3.0% growth; the revised figure was 3.3%. Tomorrow’s release will be the final revision.
Quarterly Comparison: In Q1, real GDP decreased by 0.5%, making Q2’s growth a significant rebound.
GDP Definition & Components: GDP measures total economic output, calculated from four main components: consumer spending, business investment, government spending, and net exports.
Uses of GDP: Serves as an economic barometer for policy decisions, guides business and investment strategies, and enables international economic comparisons.

Keep an eye out for the last look at U.S. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) for the second quarter of this year: April – June. At 7:30 A.M., Central Time the Commerce Department’s U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis will release its final report. The first, advanced look at the second quarter showed real GDP increased at an annual rate of 3.0 percent.

The bureau then released a revised, coincident figure of 3.3%. Tomorrow’s report will be the final revision, based on data gathered lately. In the first quarter, real GDP decreased 0.5 percent.

GDP

is a comprehensive measure of a nation’s economic output, indicating the total value of goods and services produced. It’s calculated by adding up the value of four main components:

Consumer Spending (Personal Consumption): Purchases of goods and services by households.

Business Investment: Spending by businesses on capital goods, like machinery and buildings.

Government Spending: Purchases of goods and services by the government at all levels.

Net Exports: The total value of exports minus the value of imports.

How GDP is Used

Economic Barometer: Governments and policymakers use GDP data to track the economy’s performance and inform decisions on fiscal and monetary policies.

Business and Investment Decisions: Investors and businesses closely monitor GDP growth to identify opportunities for investment and growth.

International Comparisons: GDP allows for the comparison of the relative size and strength of different economies worldwide.

December 25/26 Corn Spread

The Dec – Dec corn spread is trending higher and approaching a second upside PriceCount objective to the -34.75 area. It would be normal to get a near term reaction in the form of a consolidation or corrective trade from that level. IF the chart can sustain further strength, the third count would project a possible run to the -27.25 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 Sept. 25th, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Gold continues its Breakout Amid Potential Gov. Shutdown, December Bean Oil, Hedging Strategies, Levels, Reports – The Important Must-Knows for Trading Futures on September 24th, 2025

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Movers and Shakers: Gold Breakout Meets Shutdown Risk: Hedging Strategies Explained

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

The U.S Governments’ fiscal year concludes at the end of the third quarter. Expect more volatility as we wait to see how traders bet on whether or not Congress can pass appropriations bills to keep the U.S. Government open for business. The Government, in the past, shut down most recently in 2018. Prior to that? 2013, 1995 and 1994. Gold prices rallied during the shutdowns in the past. But what if there is no shutdown?

Gold has been on the move since we had a breakup! (breakout to the upside) from the 5-month rangebound trade, ($3200-$3500) basis the December gold contract. Since September 2^nd, gold has rallied in 3 weeks over $300 per troy oz. to $3810.00, if your crystal ball had you long Gold and you want to protect your current gains, what follows are a few Ideas you can implement using futures options. Consult with your Cannon Trading broker (800 454 9572 or 310 859 9572) for clarity.

Calculate the size you will be hedging: Calculate the number of contracts as (Portfolio Value / Gold Price × 100 oz)). For a $760,000 long position at $3,800/oz, use ~2 contracts.

Strategy 1: Protective Put (Straightforward Downside Insurance)

Buy put options on gold futures to gain if gold prices fall, offsetting losses in your long position. This is ideal for strong bullish views but with short-term downside concerns.

Steps to Implement:

Assess Exposure: Determine your long position’s value.
Choose Strike and Expiration: Out-of-the-money (OTM) puts (e.g., 5-10% below current price, like $3,600 strike at $3,800 spot) for cheaper premiums; at-the-money (ATM) for fuller protection. Use 1-3 month expirations for flexibility.
Execute: Buy puts via a futures-approved broker (e.g., Cannon Trading). Premium: ~1-5% of notional (e.g., $500-$2,000 per contract at 20% implied vol).

Example:

Gold at $3,800; buy $3,600 put expiring in 2 months for $150/oz premium ($15,000/contract).
If gold drops to $3,400: Put worth ~$200/oz (intrinsic value), hedging $20,000 loss per contract in your long position.
If gold rises: Lose only the premium, but keep gains.

Pros: Retains unlimited upside; simple. Cons: Premium decays over time (theta); costly in low-vol environments.

Strategy 2: Collar (Low-Cost or Zero-Cost Hedge)

Buy a protective put and sell an OTM call to finance it. This caps upside but provides free/cheap downside protection—suitable for neutral to mildly bullish outlooks in volatile markets.

Steps to Implement:

Buy Put: OTM (e.g., $3,600 strike).
Sell Call: OTM above spot (e.g., $4,000 strike) with same expiration.
Match Sizing: Same number of contracts as your exposure.
Execute: Net premium near zero if call income matches put cost (adjust strikes for balance).

Example:

Buy $3,600 put ($150/oz premium); sell $4,000 call (collect $150/oz).
Net cost: $0.
Protection below $3,600; upside capped at $4,000 (may need to close if called away) Pros: Minimizes upfront cost; effective in sideways markets. Cons: Limits gains; potential assignment on calls.

Strategy 3: Bear Put Spread (Defined-Risk, Lower-Cost Protection)

Buy a higher-strike put and sell a lower-strike put for partial hedge at reduced cost. Best for moderate downside expectations without full insurance.

Steps to Implement:

Select Strikes: Buy ATM/OTM put (e.g., $3,800); sell further OTM (e.g., $3,400).
Expiration: 1-6 months.
Contracts: Match exposure.
Execute: Net debit = Long put cost minus short put premium (e.g., $200/oz debit = $20,000/contract).

Example:

Buy $3,800 put ($250/oz); sell $3,400 put (collect $50/oz). Net: $200/oz.
Max hedge benefit: $400/oz spread minus debit ($200/oz profit if gold < $3,400).
Limited protection to spread width.
Pros: Cheaper than naked puts; caps max loss. Cons: No protection below short strike; less flexible.

December Bean Oil

December soybean oil completed the first downside PriceCount objective to the 49 area where we are getting a reaction in the form of a potential spike reversal trade. At the point, if the chart can resume its break with the new sustained lows, the second count would project a possible slide in the 47 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 Sept. 24th, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Silver and Gold Skyrocket to New Highs, November Soybeans – Your Guide for Trading Futures on September 23rd, 2025

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Silver and Gold Break Out: Expanding Your Trading Horizons

by Ilan Levy-Mayer, VP

Silver and Gold Break Out: Expanding Your Trading Horizons

silver

Silver and gold have recently hit fresh highs, reminding traders that opportunities (and risks) extend beyond traditional benchmarks like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite. These precious metals are reacting to macroeconomic shifts, inflationary pressures, and central bank policies, making them ideal candidates for diversification. Their continued momentum highlights that alternative markets are alive, well, and deserving of your attention.

Trading Strategies for Precious Metals, Gold & Silver

For traders accustomed to day trading equities, silver and gold move to a different beat. Consider these approaches:

Swing trading with technical indicators such as moving averages, RSI (Relative Strength Index), and Fibonacci retracements.
Breakout setups from consolidation zones or range-bound patterns to capture high-probability entries.
Trend-continuation patterns that let you ride sustained moves.
Options strategies—buying call options or options spreads on GC and SI—for leveraged exposure with defined risk.
Position trading over multi-week or multi-month horizons, driven by broader macro themes.

More Than Just Day Trading

The recent metals rally is a strong reminder that trading isn’t only about speed—it’s about choosing the right strategy. Whether you want to hedge existing positions, diversify your portfolio, or explore fresh setups, silver and gold offer compelling alternatives. At Cannon Trading, we encourage you to broaden your scope beyond tech stocks and futures scalps—sometimes, the real shine is in the metals.

Even if you are primarily a day trader, both gold and silver trade good volume on daily basis, enough for you to test and see if your day trading strategy translates well with the metals.

Contact our trading desk today to learn how we can help you integrate silver and gold into your strategies.

Nov. Soybeans

November beans satisfied the second downside PriceCount objective to the $10.19 area. It would be normal for the chart to react from this level with a near-term reaction in the form of a consolidation trade. If we can sustain further weakness, the third count would project a deeper slide to the $9.83 area, consistent with a test of the August low and extended uptrend.

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 Sept. 23rd, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Triple Witching – What You Need To Know and How to Prepare – December Mini S&P, Levels, Reports; Your 4 Important Must-Knows for Trading Futures on September 19th, 2025

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Triple Witching Tomorrow

by Ilan Levy-Mayer, VP

Triple Witching: What Futures Traders Need to Know for Tomorrow

What Is Triple Witching?

Triple witching occurs four times a year—on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December—when stock index futures, stock index options, and stock options all expire simultaneously. This convergence creates a unique trading environment that every futures trader should understand.

What Happens During Triple Witching?

Volume Surge: Trading activity can spike dramatically as institutions roll over or close positions.
Increased Volatility: Price swings can be sharp and unpredictable, especially near the open and close.
Institutional Flows Dominate: Market behavior often deviates from typical technical patterns.

Implications for Futures Traders

Liquidity is High—but So Is Risk: While there’s plenty of activity, slippage and wider spreads are common.
Execution Challenges: Rapid price changes can make order fills tricky.
Short-Term Noise: Expect unusual moves that may not align with your usual indicators.
The September contracts i.e. ESU25, MNQU25 etc. will stop trading at 8:30 Am Central time and will cash settle based on a special settlement price that usually comes out closer to 9 AM Central. More on that here: https://www.cmegroup.com/trading/equity-index/settlement.html

Trading Recommendations

Stay Disciplined: Avoid chasing moves; stick to your plan.
Use Limit Orders: Helps control slippage in fast markets.
Reduce Position Size: Manage risk during volatile periods.
Consider Scalping or Staying Flat: If you’re experienced, short-term strategies can work. If not, sitting out is a valid choice.
Risk: the last traded price or final traded price will rarely be the same as the Final settlement price. we do not recommend waiting for the final settlement. We recommend exiting any position you have in September prior to 8:30 a.m. Central tomorrow morning.

Bottom Line: Triple witching can present opportunities—but also significant risks. Preparation and discipline are key.

December Mini SP 500

The December Emini S&P is extending its rally with a fresh contract high. At this point, the chart is taking aim at its third upside PriceCount objective to the 7252 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 Sept. 19th, 2025

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FOMC Rate & Interest Rate Decisions, December 10-year Treasury Notes, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Must-Knows for Trading Futures on September 17th, 2025

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Tomorrow’s FOMC rate decision and Chairman Powell’s Q&A will stir volatility—but…

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

rate

Rate Decisions: How They’ll Affect You and Your Trading

Stock Traders Ask: Should You Explore Futures or Commodities?

Tomorrow’s FOMC rate decision and Chairman Powell’s Q&A will stir short-term volatility—but it’s already sparking deeper questions from stock and bond traders. I recently spoke with a prospect heavily invested in equities who wanted to explore futures and commodities for hedging and speculation. Here’s a working draft of insights I’ve gathered over the years—feedback welcome!

Getting Started with Futures: What You Need to Know

No $25K Rule Like Stocks:

Futures trading doesn’t require the $25,000 pattern day trader minimum. Thanks to micro contracts and flexible broker requirements, entry is more accessible.

Account Minimums & Margins:

Brokers like Cannon Trading Co. may allow accounts starting at $1,000
Micro E-mini S&P 500 (/MES): $50–$100 overnight margin
Micro WTI Crude Oil: $100–$400 margin
Most brokers require $500–$1,000 to open positions

Realistic Starting Capital:

$500–$1,000 is technically possible, but risky
$5,000–$10,000 recommended for beginners
$25,000+ ideal for treating trading like a business

Tips:

Use a demo account first
Choose brokers with low commissions ($0.75–$2.75 per contract)
Know your risk tolerance—futures aren’t for everyone

Commodities for Diversification

Commodities often have low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds, making them powerful tools for inflation hedging and volatility reduction.

Historical Correlations:

Stocks: ~0.27
Bonds: ~–0.07

Suggested Allocation:

Start with 5–10% of your portfolio, depending on your risk profile.

4 Ways to Add Commodity Exposure

Method Description Pros Cons Examples

Know the rates, plan your trades, and trade your plans

If you’re stock-heavy (e.g., 60/40 portfolio), consider consulting a registered futures broker to align your strategy with your goals. Futures and commodities aren’t just for hedging—they can be powerful tools for diversification and tactical growth.

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December 10-Year Treasury Note

The December 10-Year Treasury note satisfied its second upside PriceCount objective recently and developed a sideways consolidation area. At this point, if the chart can sustain further upside, the third count would project a possible run to the 115-23 area.

Daily Levels for Sept. 17th, 2025

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Rolling Over to December, December Coffee, Levels, Reports; Your 4 Important Must-Knows for Trading Futures on September 16th, 2025

Posted on September 15, 2025September 15, 2025 by Cannon Operations

ROLLOVER Notice:

Don’t find yourself rolling over this one!

You should be rolling over to the December Stock indices Monday, the last trading day will be Friday September 19th. The Next quarterly contract month will be December, the 4th quarter! Where has the year gone?!

The Symbol for Dec is “Z” for zebra. If you need instruction on changing your symbol from Sep. “U” to Dec. “Z”, I have provided a link to our YouTube channel for those using the CannonX, CQG Desktop, StoneX version of the free software.

Rolling Over from U to Z!

Please click here: Rolling Over Futures Contracts – A Step-By-Step Guide

December Coffee

December coffee resumed its rally into a new contract high. At this point, we are left with the low percentage fourth upside PriceCount objective to aim for in the 486 area.

Daily Levels for Sept. 16th, 2025

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FOMC Rate Decision, December Corn, Sentinel Gold 15, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Must Knows for Trading Futures the Week of September 15th, 2025

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Cannon Futures Weekly Letter

In Today’s Issue #1258

The Week Ahead – FOMC, Rollover
Futures 101 – FREE Real Time Trade Alerts
Hot Market of the Week – Dec. Corn
Broker’s Trading System of the Week – Gold Day Trading System
Trading Levels for Next Week
Trading Reports for Next Week

Important Notices: The Week Ahead

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

fomc

FOMC meeting Interest rate decision, Indices Rollover, the final week of Summer.

With the FOMC meeting coming up I am sharing a video I put together a few months back explaining how you can utilize a market based probability predictor that in fact is oft quoted by the Financial talking heads when referencing future FOMC moves.

The describes how to use the CME Fed Watch tool just prior to the June 17th meeting .

Here is the link to the CME FedWatch tool. FedWatch – CME Group

Markets have already priced in the probability of a .25 cut in the Fed Funds rate so it’s important to watch these numbers to see how the markets react after the announcement, I challenge you to look at the tool before and after to see probability changes for the next meeting based on the language and outlook Fed Chair Powell outlines during his presser.

Those trading markets other than the indices understand rates effect nearly all the markets we trade. To name a few: precious metals (inflation), Bonds (long term rates following short term to varying degrees), the energy complex (cheaper capital higher demand), Equities (cheaper capital), Currencies (capital flows out of US dollar denominated assets to higher interest rate debentures) Grains, Lumber.. etc.

As for earnings reports we are truly at the end of Q2 Reporting.

The on again off again nature of Tariff and Russia/Ukraine war talks has created golden opportunities for breakouts in some markets, rangebound trades in others.

Continued volatility to come as next week all markets will be reacting to whatever comes out of U.S. Govt leadership relating to conflicts cessation and trade deals, especially with China, India, Canada and Russia. Also, remember that Mexico’s extension will end October 29.

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

Earnings Next Week:

Mon. TrustPilot, Dave and Busters
Tue. Quiet
Wed. General Mills
Thu. FedeX, Darden,
Fri. Quiet

FED SPEECHES: (all times CDT)

Mon. Fed Blackout
Tues. Period
Wed. 1:00 p.m. Rate announcement. 1:00 p.m. Fed Chair Powell Presser with Q and A
Thu. Quiet
Fri. Quiet

Economic Data week:

Mon. Quiet
Tue. Retail Sales, Capacity Utilization Redbook, NAHB Housing Mkt Index
Wed. Bldg Permits, EIA Crude Stocks, 17-week Bill auction, Fed Rate Decision
Thur. Initial Jobless claims, Philly Fed, EIA NAT GAS Storage, Fed Balance sheet,
Fri. Baker Hughes Rig Count

Watch the recorded WEBINAR: Decoding the Markets: A Dual-Analysis Approach to Futures Trading

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Alerts available for: Stock Indices, Grains, Metals, Rates, Currencies and Meats
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Hot Market of the Week

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

Free Trial Available

Dec. Corn

December corn is challenging recent highs and threatening to resume its recovery rally.

IF the chart can extend to the topside, the second upside PriceCount objective projects a possible run to the $4.29 area.

Brokers Trading System of the Week

Sentinel Gold 15

Markets Traded: Gold Futures GC

System Type: Day Trading

Risk per Trade: varies

Trading Rules: Partially Disclosed

Suggested Capital: $25,000

Developer Fee per contract: $120 Monthly Subscription

Get Started

Learn More

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

IMPORTANT RISK DISCLOSURE

Futures trading is complex and carries the risk of substantial losses. It is not suitable for all investors. The ability to withstand losses and to adhere to a particular trading program in spite of trading losses are material points which can adversely affect investor returns.

The returns for trading systems listed throughout this website are hypothetical in that they represent returns in a model account. The model account rises or falls by the average single contract profit and loss achieved by clients trading actual money pursuant to the listed system’s trading signals on the appropriate dates (client fills), or if no actual client profit or loss available – by the hypothetical single contract profit and loss of trades generated by the system’s trading signals on that day in real time (real-time) less slippage, or if no real time profit or loss available – by the hypothetical single contract profit and loss of trades generated by running the system logic backwards on backadjusted data (backadjusted).

Please read carefully the CFTC required disclaimer regarding hypothetical results below. HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS HAVE MANY INHERENT LIMITATIONS, SOME OF WHICH ARE DESCRIBED BELOW. NO REPRESENTATION IS BEING MADE THAT ANY ACCOUNT WILL OR IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE PROFITS OR LOSSES SIMILAR TO THOSE SHOWN; IN FACT, THERE ARE FREQUENTLY SHARP DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS AND THE ACTUAL RESULTS SUBSEQUENTLY ACHIEVED BY ANY PARTICULAR TRADING PROGRAM. ONE OF THE LIMITATIONS OF HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS IS THAT THEY ARE GENERALLY PREPARED WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT.

IN ADDITION, HYPOTHETICAL TRADING DOES NOT INVOLVE FINANCIAL RISK, AND NO HYPOTHETICAL TRADING RECORD CAN COMPLETELY ACCOUNT FOR THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL RISK OF ACTUAL TRADING. FOR EXAMPLE, THE ABILITY TO WITHSTAND LOSSES OR TO ADHERE TO A PARTICULAR TRADING PROGRAM IN SPITE OF TRADING LOSSES ARE MATERIAL POINTS WHICH CAN ALSO ADVERSELY AFFECT ACTUAL TRADING RESULTS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER FACTORS RELATED TO THE MARKETS IN GENERAL OR TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ANY SPECIFIC TRADING PROGRAM WHICH CANNOT BE FULLY ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE PREPARATION OF HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS AND ALL WHICH CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT ACTUAL TRADING RESULTS.

Please read full disclaimer HERE.

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Daily Levels for Sept 15th, 2025

Special Note for Monday’s levels – both stock indices and currencies will be trading the Dec. contract starting Sunday evening. To get levels for the specific month, email us Monday morning. Dec. levels will start broadcasting Monday afternoon.

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Trading Reports for Next Week

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

www.mrci.com

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Trade Entry, October Hogs, Levels, Reports; Your Important Must-Knows for Trading Futures on September 12th, 2025

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Approaches to Trade Entry!

by Ilan Levy-Mayer, VP

Trading involves a multitude of considerations, ranging from financial and emotional factors to practical details such as entry and exit points. One crucial aspect of the process is determining how and when to enter a trade, also known as trade entry.

Trade Entry Methods

Market Orders

The simplest way to enter a trade is through a market order—buying or selling the desired contract at the current market price. This method is often used for trades in shorter time frames, where speed and execution are essential. Some traders aiming for small profits may use the “buy bid” or “sell ask” functions to secure the best possible price, though this strategy can sometimes lead to chasing the market and missing the optimal entry.

Limit Orders

Another method is the limit order, which allows traders to specify the price at which they wish to enter the market. For example, a trader receives a signal to sell the mini S&P 500 futures when the September contract is at 6582.75, but chooses to wait for a better entry at 6583.75. This approach can result in a more favorable price and increased chances of achieving the target but carries the risk of missing out on a potentially successful trade if the market does not reach the limit price.

Stop Orders

Some traders use stop orders not only for protection but also as a deliberate entry strategy. More experienced traders may place a stop order to enter when specific price action confirms their trading signal. For instance, Joe decides to buy crude oil futures at 63.42 but wants to see price action break a minor resistance at 63.49. In this case, he places a buy stop at 63.49; if triggered, this order executes his long trade.

There are many nuances to the practice of trading and trade entry. This overview provides a glimpse into several common methods, highlighting that there are numerous ways to approach entry, each with its own advantages and considerations.

October Hogs

October hogs have satisfied the second upside PriceCount objective. It would be normal to get a near term reaction from this level in the form of a consolidation or corrective trade. At this point, IF the chart can sustain further upside the third count would project a potential run to the $110 area.

Daily Levels for Sept. 12th, 2025

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Economic Reports

provided by: ForexFactory.com

All times are Central Time ( Chicago)

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Futures & Options Trading

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PCE; New Tools & Resources for the Trader

PCE tomorrow is a market moving event!

Speak/chat/email a broker now.

March Sugar

Daily Levels for Sept. 26th, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Why Skilled Futures Brokers Are Vital to Futures Trading

How Cannon Trading Company Embodies Broker Excellence

GDP Explained

By Mark O’Brien, Senior Broker

GDP

How GDP is Used

December 25/26 Corn Spread

Daily Levels for Sept. 25th, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Movers and Shakers: Gold Breakout Meets Shutdown Risk: Hedging Strategies Explained

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

Strategy 1: Protective Put (Straightforward Downside Insurance)

Steps to Implement:

Strategy 2: Collar (Low-Cost or Zero-Cost Hedge)

Strategy 3: Bear Put Spread (Defined-Risk, Lower-Cost Protection)

December Bean Oil

Daily Levels for Sept. 24th, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Silver and Gold Break Out: Expanding Your Trading Horizons

by Ilan Levy-Mayer, VP

Silver and Gold Break Out: Expanding Your Trading Horizons

Trading Strategies for Precious Metals, Gold & Silver

More Than Just Day Trading

Contact our trading desk today to learn how we can help you integrate silver and gold into your strategies.

Nov. Soybeans

Daily Levels for Sept. 23rd, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Triple Witching Tomorrow

by Ilan Levy-Mayer, VP

Triple Witching: What Futures Traders Need to Know for Tomorrow

What Is Triple Witching?

What Happens During Triple Witching?

Implications for Futures Traders

Trading Recommendations

Bottom Line: Triple witching can present opportunities—but also significant risks. Preparation and discipline are key.

December Mini SP 500

Daily Levels for Sept. 19th, 2025

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Economic Reports

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Tomorrow’s FOMC rate decision and Chairman Powell’s Q&A will stir volatility—but…

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

Rate Decisions: How They’ll Affect You and Your Trading