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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!

Martin Luther King Day Futures Trading Schedule 2015

Posted on by Ilan

Globex® Martin Luther King Holiday Schedule

 

Equity Products

Friday, Jan 16

  • 1615 CT / 1715 ET / 2215 UTC – Regular close

Sunday, Jan 18

  • 1700 CT / 1800 ET / 2300 UTC – Regular open for trade date Tuesday, Jan 20*

Monday, Jan 19

  • 1200 CT / 1300 ET / 1800 UTC – Trading halt (pre-open)
  • 1700 CT / 1800 ET / 2300 UTC – Products resume trading

Tuesday, Jan 20

  • 1615 CT / 1715 ET / 2215 UTC – Regular close

 

Interest Rate & FX Products

Friday, Jan 16

  • 1515 CT / 1615 ET / 2115 UTC – Early close

Sunday, Jan 18

  • 1700 CT / 1800 ET / 2300 UTC – Regular open for trade date Tuesday, Jan 20*

Monday, Jan 19

  • 1200 CT / 1300 ET / 1800 UTC – Trading halt (pre- open)
  • 1700 CT / 1800 ET / 2300 UTC – Products resume trading

Tuesday, Jan 20

  • 1600 CT / 1700 ET / 2200 UTC– Regular close

 

Energy, Metals & DME Products

Friday, Jan 16

  • 1615 CT / 1715 ET / 2215 UTC – Regular close

Sunday, Jan 18

  • 1700 CT / 1800 ET / 2300 UTC – Regular open for trade date Tuesday, Jan 20*

Monday, Jan 19

  • 1200 CT / 1300 ET / 1800 UTC – Trading halt (pre-open)
  • 1700 CT / 1800 ET / 2300 UTC – Products resume trading

Tuesday, Jan 20

  • 1615 CT / 1715 ET/ 2215 UTC – Regular close

Continue reading “Martin Luther King Day Futures Trading Schedule 2015”

Futures Levels & Economic Reports 1.08.2015

Posted on by Ilan

Connect with Us! Use Our Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports RSS Feed.

Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedInFind us on Google+Cannon Trading Futures Trading Resistance & Support Levels and Economic ReportsFind us on Yelp

1. Market Commentary
2. Futures Support and Resistance Levels – S&P, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000, Dollar Index
3. Commodities Support and Resistance Levels – Gold, Euro, Crude Oil, T-Bonds
4. Commodities Support and Resistance Levels – Corn, Wheat, Beans, Silver
5. Futures Economic Reports for Thursday January 8, 2015

Hello Traders,

For 2015 I would like to wish all of you discipline and patience in your trading!

The recent sell off and volatility in crude oil grabbed many headlines these past few months.

Crude oil has been one of my favorite markets for day trading over the last 10 years or so because of it’s volatility and the fact that it either rewards you or punishes you very quickly…

I wrote an article about day-trading crude oil futures which you can read here.

Below is a screen shot from my chart for today’s session.

I use 18 ticks range bar chart in addition to my 15 minutes charts.

CLEG5, - Crude Light (Globex), Feb 15: Range Bar, 18 Tick Units
CLEG5, – Crude Light (Globex), Feb 15: Range Bar, 18 Tick Units

Continue reading “Futures Levels & Economic Reports 1.08.2015”

Futures Levels and Economic Reports 1.06.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Connect with Us! Use Our Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports RSS Feed.

Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedInFind us on Google+Cannon Trading Futures Trading Resistance & Support Levels and Economic ReportsFind us on Yelp

1. Market Commentary
2. Futures Support and Resistance Levels – S&P, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000, Dollar Index
3. Commodities Support and Resistance Levels – Gold, Euro, Crude Oil, T-Bonds
4. Commodities Support and Resistance Levels – Corn, Wheat, Beans, Silver
5. Futures Economic Reports for Tuesday January 6, 2014

Hello Traders,

For 2015 I would like to wish all of you discipline and patience in your trading!

I wish you and your family  a happy, healthy 2015 and of course a successful trading year in 2015!!

If the first two trading days of 2015 are any indication of what to come the rest of the year…then hang on as it may be a wild ride…..

Some of what is making the markets move from our friends at www.tradeTheNews.com

TradeTheNews.com Weekly Market Update: New Year’s Blues

Trading volumes were very light in the New Year’s holiday week. Global equity markets dipped during the final session of 2014 and then fell lower on the first day of trading in the New Year as weak data and jitters about upcoming Fed and ECB action drove risk appetite into the deep freeze. Manufacturing industry data from around the globe out this week was not especially positive, adding to the tepid atmosphere.

Looking back, 2014 was very good for major US equities: the S&P 500 rose 11% to 2,059, its sixth year of positive returns and its third straight year of double-digit gains. The DJIA added 7.5% to 17,823 after slipping below 18,000 on the final two days of trading, and the Nasdaq advanced 13%. Small-cap stocks were not quite as solid: the Russell 2000 climbed 3.5%. Europe’s EuroStoxx 600 Index gained 3.9% on the year and Germany’s DAX Index added 2.7%, although France’s CAC40 dropped 1.2%. Chinese equities had their best performance since 2009 even as overall emerging-market shares posted the first back-to-back annual loss in 12 years.

US housing market data out this week remained tepid. The S&P/CaseShiller October home price survey showed that real estate price gains slowing a bit. The y/y gain dropped to +4.5% from +4.8% in September. Yale economist Shiller commented that the housing market is fragile and is still reliant on low interest rates. The November pending home sales m/m figure beat expectations and returned to positive territory after October’s contraction. The December Chicago Purchasing Manager survey and the ISM Manufacturing Index missed expectations, hitting their lowest levels since mid-2014.

Continue reading “Futures Levels and Economic Reports 1.06.2014”

Mini S&P Chart & Economic Reports 12.19.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Connect with Us! Use Our Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports RSS Feed.

Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedInFind us on Google+Cannon Trading Futures Trading Resistance & Support Levels and Economic ReportsFind us on Yelp

1. Market Commentary
2. Futures Support and Resistance Levels – S&P, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000, Dollar Index
3. Commodities Support and Resistance Levels – Gold, Euro, Crude Oil, T-Bonds
4. Commodities Support and Resistance Levels – Corn, Wheat, Beans, Silver
5. Futures Economic Reports for Friday December 19, 2014

Hello Traders,

For 2014 I would like to wish all of you discipline and patience in your trading!

Recent moves in the stock market don’t stop to amaze me…. FED changes language in statement slightly and we jump over 2.5%!!!

Hard to predict what will happen next, at least for me it is. We have seen days where the market closes down sharply only to make a U turn the next day and vice versa.

Below is a daily chart of the mini SP, if we break the recent highs of 2072, then next targets are 2094 and 2170.

EP - E-mini S&P 100, Equalized Active Daily Continuation

Continue reading “Mini S&P Chart & Economic Reports 12.19.2014”

Economic Reports & Futures Levels 12.17.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Connect with Us! Use Our Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports RSS Feed.

Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedInFind us on Google+Cannon Trading Futures Trading Resistance & Support Levels and Economic ReportsFind us on Yelp

1. Market Commentary
2. Futures Support and Resistance Levels – S&P, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000, Dollar Index
3. Commodities Support and Resistance Levels – Gold, Euro, Crude Oil, T-Bonds
4. Commodities Support and Resistance Levels – Corn, Wheat, Beans, Silver
5. Futures Economic Reports for Wednesday December 17, 2014

Hello Traders,

For 2014 I would like to wish all of you discipline and patience in your trading!

Our blog is nominated for the STAR award once again!

Trader Planet Competition
Trader Planet

Please vote for our blog at:

www.traderplanet.com/l/qYd

Once there, scroll to the blog category and select

Daily Futures Trading Levels and Insight  as your first place and submit at bottom of the page!

The FOMC interest rate decision is due at 14:00 ET in the US tomorrow ( Wednesday, Dec. 17th ).

FOMC days have different characteristics than other trading days. If you have traded for a while, check your trading notes from past FOMC days that may help you prepare for tomorrow.

if you are a newcomer, take a more conservative approach and make sure you understand that the news can really move the market.

The following are suggestions on trading during FOMC days:

  • Reduce trading size
  • Be extra picky = no trade is better than a bad trade
  • Choose entry points wisely. Look at longer time frame support and resistance for entry. Take the approach of entering at points where you normally would have placed protective stops. Example, trader x looking to go long the mini SP at 1965.00 with a stop at 1959.00, instead “stretch the price bands” due to volatility and place an entry order to buy at 1959.75 and place a stop a few points below in this hypothetical example.
  • Expect the higher volatility during and right after the announcement
  • Expect to see some “vacuum” ( low volume, big zigzags) right before the number.
  • Consider using automated stops and limits attached to your entry order as the market can move very fast at times.
  • Know what the market was expecting, learn what came out and observe market reaction for clues
  • This is another great example why a trading journal would be an asset, as you can go back and check your notes from previous FOMC days.
  • Be patient and be disciplined

Continue reading “Economic Reports & Futures Levels 12.17.2014”

Rollover for Index Futures & Economic Reports 12.11.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Connect with Us! Use Our Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports RSS Feed.

Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedInFind us on Google+Cannon Trading Futures Trading Resistance & Support Levels and Economic ReportsFind us on Yelp

1. Market Commentary
2. Futures Support and Resistance Levels – S&P, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000, Dollar Index
3. Commodities Support and Resistance Levels – Gold, Euro, Crude Oil, T-Bonds
4. Commodities Support and Resistance Levels – Corn, Wheat, Beans, Silver
5. Futures Economic Reports for Friday June 13, 2014

Hello Traders,

For 2014 I would like to wish all of you discipline and patience in your trading!

FRONT MONTH for stock index futures is now March 2015 (H5).

Make sure you are trading the March 2015 contract (H5).

If you like the information we share? We would appreciate your positive reviews on our new yelp!! Continue reading “Rollover for Index Futures & Economic Reports 12.11.2014”

Star Awards, Crude Oil Futures & Economic Reports 12.10.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Hello Traders,

For 2014 I would like to wish all of you discipline and patience in your trading!

Hello Traders,

Our blog is nominated for the STAR award once again!

Trader Planet Competition
Trader Planet

Please vote for our blog at:

www.traderplanet.com/l/qYd

Once there, scroll to the blog category and select

Daily Futures Trading Levels and Insight  as your first place and submit at bottom of the page!

Day Trading Commodities with Crude Oil Futures

Crude Oil Futures volatility offers a “different market personality” than stock index futures. Here is some of the things you need to know about day trading crude oil futures:

By: Ilan Levy-Mayer, Cannon Trading Commodities Broker & VP

Crude Oil is one of MY favorite futures market for day trading. Before I dive in and share with you how the volatility in crude oil fits my risk tolerance for day trading and provide a couple of chart examples, we should review some of the specifications of Crude Oil Futures. 

Crude Oil Futures have monthly expiration. So each month we trade a different contract month, so one needs to know when is the first notice day and last trading day for crude oil futures in order to always make sure we are trading the proper month with the most liquidity and avoid any chance of getting into delivery situation.

Next is the contract size. Crude Oil futures are based on 100,000 barrels. To be honest from a day trading perspective all I care is that each tick or 1 cent fluctuation is $10 against me or in my favor per contract. That means that a move from 92.94 to 92.74 = $200.

Continue reading “Star Awards, Crude Oil Futures & Economic Reports 12.10.2014”

Economic Reports and Futures Levels 12.09.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Hello Traders,

For 2014 I would like to wish all of you discipline and patience in your trading!

Hello Traders,

 Today’s correction another opportunity to go long?

To be honest, I am not sure and some what exhausted from trying to predict what I consider a manipulated market…yet I am still trying to look at the chart and look for clues from the technical perspective even though stock indices have not really reacted to technicals in a while….

Daily chart of the mini NASDAQ 100 for your review below. I was hoping we can close below the 2073.50 level, which we did not BUT we were able to break it today.

Some possible levels to watch in the chart below:

ENQ - E-mini NASDAQ -100, Equalized Active Daily Continuation - Heikin:Ashi
ENQ – E-mini NASDAQ -100, Equalized Active Daily Continuation – Heikin:Ashi

Continue reading “Economic Reports and Futures Levels 12.09.2014”

Monthly Unemployment & Economic Reports 12.05.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Hello Traders,

For 2014 I would like to wish all of you discipline and patience in your trading!

Hello Traders,

Due tomorrow at 8:30AM Eastern are Monthly Unemployment numbers (AKA non farm payroll).  It is important for one to keep a trading journal for these type of reports and events to reflect and remind yourself on how the future markets behave during different situations, events and reports. The point of the story is that keeping a trading journal has MANY ADVANTAGES…. and I highly recommend it.

I keep notes on the following:

  • Different methods I test
  • Market behavior during different economic reports
  • Things I did well, mental state of mind
  • Mistakes I have made, the reasons I did and how I can try to avoid these mistakes
  • Different indicators, chart settings, ideas I read about
  • Different codes I created for my charts
  • Much more…

Many times the journal will help me put closure on a bad day but more so it helps keep track of work I have done so I don’t have to do it again.

Try it. It is not easy, especially after bad days….it takes time, energy and consistency – just like trading. I keep mine on a word doc so I can easily access it (plus my hand writing is terrible). Hope this tip helps and wishing you good trading!

  Continue reading “Monthly Unemployment & Economic Reports 12.05.2014”

Futures Trading Levels & Economic Reports 12.04.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Hello Traders,

For 2014 I would like to wish all of you discipline and patience in your trading!

Hello Traders,

One way to eliminate fear and greed while day-trading:

Disclaimer

The methods described in this article are for educational purposes only. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results. The author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your trading results. Trading involves a high degree of risk. No recommendation is being made to buy any stock, commodity, option or other financial instrument. Consult your financial advisor before starting any investment system.

It is a known fact that fear and greed can be one of your worst enemies.

One way I found that helped some clients to deal with the fear and greed and its related cousin, “getting out of winners too soon and staying in losers too long…” is entering multiple contracts when getting into a day-trade.

Obviously, one has to have the appropriate risk capital, margin requirements to do so but the advantage of trading more than one “unit” or splitting your trading size into two or more parts is as such:

If you enter a trade with one contract ( or if you are treating your trading size as one unit, meaning you enter a trade with 4 contracts and exit the trade with 4 contracts, that is considered treating your trading size as one unit), you can face a very quick dilemma, especially when day-trading. You get in and very quickly you are up 2 mini SP points….what do you do? Do you take profit? Bring your stop loss closer? How do you avoid getting out too early or too late?

Continue reading “Futures Trading Levels & Economic Reports 12.04.2014”

RISK DISCLOSURE: Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results. The risk of loss in futures trading can be substantial, carefully consider the inherent risks of such an investment in light of your financial condition.