Copper Prices Surge $6,500 per Contract After Trump’s 25% Tariff Bombshell!

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Markets Highlights on Copper

Copper

by Mark O’Brien, Senior Broker

General:

The big one! It’s that time of the month again: we’re a couple of days from when the Labor Dept. releases its monthly Non-farm payrolls report. It’s widely considered to be one of the most important and influential measures of the U.S. economy and the report is released at 7:30 A.M., Central Time on the first Friday of the month.

Ahead of that, today the ADP National Employment Report showed payrolls increased by 77,000 jobs in February, the smallest gain since July 2024, after rising 186,000 in January. Economists had forecast private employment advancing 140,000.

The ADP report, jointly developed with the Stanford Digital Economy Lab, likely exaggerates the labor market slowdown and has no correlation with the government’s employment report.

 Softs:

Arabica coffee futures rose sharply today with the market heading back up towards recent record highs. May ICE coffee rose almost 5% to $4.1855 per lb. intraday. Traders indicated the market showing signs of resuming its upward trend after suffering a sharp setback which took prices from a record high of $4.2995 on Feb. 11 to a low of $3.6630 a week ago – a ±$23,900 per contract correction! The market was keeping a close watch on the weather in top grower Brazil with hot, dry conditions raising some concerns about the upcoming crop.

Energy:

Crude oil futures settled down for the fourth consecutive session today after U.S. crude oil stockpiles posted a larger-than-expected build, adding a further headwind as investors worried about OPEC+ plans to increase output in April and U.S. tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico. April West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) settled down $1.95, or 2.86%, to $66.31 a barrel, its lowest since November ’24. OPEC+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, decided on Monday to proceed with a planned April oil output increase of 138,000 barrels per day, its first since 2022.

Metals:

Copper

CME/COMEX copper futures soared today following President Donald Trump’s announced 25% tariffs on copper imports during his Tuesday night speech to Congress. May copper rose ±26 cents/lb. (±5.7% as of this blog post – a $6,500 per contract move – to a $4.825/lb. intraday high.

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April Crude Oil

April crude oil is completing its second downside PriceCount objective to the 66.53 area. 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 weakness, the third count would project a possible slide to a new contract low around 62.78. A trade below the October reactionary low would formally negate the remaining unmet upside objectives.

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Daily Levels for March 6th, 2025

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Economic Reports

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All times are Eastern Time (New York)

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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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March Contract Notices Coming in Hot! First Notice Day & Last Trading Day Guidelines

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First & Last trading Days for March 2025

March Contract Notices

FND/LTD:

Below are the March contracts which are entering First Notice or Last Trading Day for March.

Be advised, for contracts that are deliverable, it is requested that all LONG positions be exited two days prior to First Notice and ALL positions be exited the day prior to Last Trading Day.

March Contract:

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June 10 Year Notes:

112’02 next target?

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Daily Levels for March 4th, 2025

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Economic Reports

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All times are Eastern Time (New York)

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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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Micro E-Mini & Micro Grains: Expanding Futures Trading Flexibility

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Cannon Futures Weekly Letter

In Today’s Issue #1232

Micro Grains in the Spotlight!

micro grains

  • MICRO Grains are available!

  • The Week Ahead – Non Farm Payrolls, Powell Speaking & More Volatility
  • Futures 102 – Understanding MICRO e-minis
  • Hot Market of the Week – May Cotton
  • Broker’s Trading System of the Week – ES intraday System
  • Trading Levels for Next Week
  • Trading Reports for Next Week

Micro Grains are available:

Micro Grains: This permanent demo is available to all clients using the StoneX futures ( CQG desktop) platform as long as you have a balance.

CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, announced in late January that it will launch a suite of micro grain and oilseed futures contracts. These contracts will be cash-settled and be one-tenth the size of the exchange’s Corn, Wheat, Soybean, Soybean Oil and Soybean Meal futures contracts.

Their first day of trading was this last Monday, Feb. 24.

Quoting John Ricci, Managing Director and Global Head of Agriculture from CME Group’s press release: “Our benchmark grain and oilseed futures products are the most liquid and highly-utilized markets in global agriculture today. These smaller-sized contracts will provide additional flexibility for market participants to manage their agricultural portfolios with greater precision.”

Micro Corn, Wheat, Soybean, Soybean Oil and Soybean Meal futures will be listed by and subject to the rules of CBOT. For more information and additional contract specs, please visit www.cmegroup.com/microags.

Important Notices: The Week Ahead

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

Final Week of Standard time in the U.S. “Spring Forward!”

More volatility to come as next week all markets will be reacting to the potential for tariff implementations creating uncertainty in the marketplace. Therefore, increased volatility expectations.

Highlights next week will also include Nonfarm Payrolls on Friday prior to cash market open. 9 fed speakers including Fed Chair J. Powell on Friday morning as earnings reports begin dwindling with 378 total reports while we are in the 8th inning of earnings season, the reports will be impacting the indices much less than in past weeks.

Earnings Next Week:

  • Mon. quiet
  • Tue. Crowdstrike post close
  • Wed. quiet
  • Thu.  Costco and Broadcom post close
  • Fri. quiet

FED SPEECHES:

  • Mon. Musalem 10:35 am CST
  • Tues. Williams 1:20 pm CST
  • Wed. quiet
  • Thu. Waller 2:30 pm CST, Bostic 5:00 pm CST
  • Fri. Bowman 9:15 am, Williams 9:45 am, Kugler 11:20 pm, Fed Chair J. Powell 11:30 am, Kugler 12:00 pm all times CST.

Economic Data week:

  • Mon. S&P Global Mfg. PMI, ISM Mfg. PMI,
  • Tue. RedBook,
  • Wed. ADP, S&P Global Svcs. PMI, Factory orders, ISM Svcs. PMI, EIA Crude Inventories, Biege Book
  • Thur. Balance of Trade, Initial Jobless Claims, EIA Nat Gas
  • Fri Non-Farm Payrolls

Futures 102: MICRO E-Mini Futures

Course Overview

The next big thing in equities trading

This course will provide insight into the Micro E-mini futures, including a size comparison to classic E-mini contracts, a look at enhanced exposure and the benefits Micro E-mini futures can offer you.

More precisely hedge index exposure and manage your positions with more versatility, since Micro E-mini futures are fungible with classic E-mini contracts. Even get examples of how to hedge more precisely with Micro E-mini futures.

Start Now

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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

May Cotton

May cotton has resumed its break with a new contract low. This has the chart taking aim at its third downside PriceCount objective to the 64.60 area.

PriceCounts – Not about where we’ve been, but where we might be going next!

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The PriceCount study is a tool that can help to project the distance of a move in price. The counts are not intended to be an ‘exact’ science but rather offer a target area for the four objectives which are based off the first leg of a move with each subsequent count having a smaller percentage of being achieved. It is normal for the chart to react by correcting or consolidating at an objective and then either resuming its move or reversing trend. Best utilized in conjunction with other technical tools, PriceCounts offer one more way to analyze charts and help to manage your positions and risk. Learn more at www.qtchartoftheday.com

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

Brokers Trading System of the Week

With algorithmic trading systems becoming more prevalent in portfolio diversification, the following system has been selected as the broker’s choice for this month.

ES NZL

The NZL automated trading system utilizes two main ALGOS in an attempt to identify either an early trend in the trading day and/or high percentage counter trend set ups.

The system is fully automated and runs between the hours of 4 AM central and 3:15 PM Central.

The model relies on volume charts rather than time charts.

PRODUCT

Mini SP500

SYSTEM TYPE

Day Trading

Recommended Cannon Trading Starting Capital

$36,000

COST

USD 199 / monthly

Get Started

 

Learn More

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The performance shown above is hypothetical in that the chart represents 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 back adjusted data. Please read full disclaimer HERE.

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Trading Levels for Next Week

Daily Levels for March 3rd, 2025

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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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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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Market Prep: Last Trading Day of February, March Bitcoin, PCE Report & Key Trading Checklist

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Different Markets for Day Trading, March Bitcoin

bitcoin

March Bitcoin:

Tomorrow is the last trading day for February. Last and first trading days of the months can at times be more volatile and at times have a chance to become a trending day.

Also tomorrow is PCE ( Personal Consumption Expenditures, an inflation indicator watched closely by the market).

Last but not least if you are trading bonds and ten years, time to trade the June contract.

Day Trading

Trader’s Check List:

·        Review prior day statement

·        Check for any working orders on your platforms.

·        Be aware of contract rollover dates

·        Set a daily loss limit and learn NOT to overtrade

·        Understand what reports are coming out today

·        Make sure you are not distracted

·        Calculate appropriate trading size based on current volatility and account size

·        Start with Larger Time Frame charts to get proper perspective

·        Understand what your goal is

·        Measure your success or lack of

·        Spend time furthering your trading education and exploring different methods

·        Put trading in perspective and make sure the overall psychology of trading fits you.

 

 

 

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March Bitcoin

The rally in March bitcoin ran out of momentum, leaving behind an interim top in December. Now, on the correction lower, the chart has activated downside PriceCount objectives. The first count has been completed. IF you can sustain further weakness, the second count would project a possible slide to the 76,000 area..

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Daily Levels for February 28th, 2025

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Economic Reports

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All times are Eastern Time (New York)

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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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Treasury Bonds & Notes make Bold Moves!

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Treasury Bonds Notes
Treasury Bonds

 

Treasury Bonds, Notes

Treasury Bonds & Notes – Different market, different trading environments

Each market has different personality, different behavior along with different times of the day when it is most active. If you are finding that the ES (mini SP) is not giving you enough risk/opportunities, then start monitoring a couple of other markets and perhaps explore them in demo / simulated mode.

There are more than a few markets I think are suitable for day-trading. Below you will find some observations, tips along with what is unique about these markets, personality and most active trading hours.

Interest rates, mostly the ten year and 30-year.

In most platforms, the symbols are ZB for 30-year bonds and ZN for 10-year notes.

Product Symbol

ZB

Treasury Bonds

Contract Size

The unit of trading shall be U.S. Treasury Bonds having a face value at maturity of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or multiples thereof

Price Quotation

Points ($1,000) and 1/32 of a point. For example, 134-16 represents 134 16/32. Par is on the basis of 100 points.

Product Symbol

ZN

Underlying Unit

One U.S. Treasury note having a face value at maturity of $100,000 < Treasury Bond.

Price Quote

Points ($1,000) and halves of 1/32 of a point. For example, 126-16 represents 126 16/32 and 126-165 represents 126 16.5/32. Par is on the basis of 100 points.

Tick Size

(minimum fluctuation)

One-half of one thirty-second (1/32) of one point ($15.625, rounded up to the nearest cent per contract), except for intermonth spreads, where the minimum price fluctuation shall be one-quarter of one thirty-second of one point ($7.8125 per contract).

Contract Months

The first five consecutive contracts in the March, June, September, and December quarterly cycle.

These contracts are often affected by many of the economic reports that come out at 8:30 Am Eastern and there is very active volume between the hours of 8 am EST and 3 PM EST

Volume on both contracts is very good. Ten years will often have 1 million contracts traded per day (might be the second most active US futures market after the mini SP 500) and the bonds will avg. around 1,300,000 contracts.

These markets can experience very volatile movements during and right after different reports but then will often trade smooth or in an intraday trend the rest of the day.

Another advantage for these markets is that the exchange fees per trade are LOWER than the ones on the stock index futures.

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May Sugar Chart for your review below!

May sugar is completing its second upside PriceCount objective to the 19.96 area. 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 strength, the third count would project a possible run to the 21.57 area which is consistent with a challenge of the fall highs.

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Daily Levels for February 25th, 2025

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822b33c5 2339 45ed bc84 e9c8f8c7358e

Economic Reports

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All times are Eastern Time (New York)

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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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Market Updates: S&P 500, Crude Oil, and Gold Movements

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The Day Ahead in Futures Trading

by Mark O’Brien, Senior Broker

S&P 500, Gold, Crude Oil

Gold

Bullet Points, Highlights, Announcements

Indexes:

The March E-mini S&P 500 traded within striking distance of its life-of-contract high posted back on Dec. 4th and 6th (6164.00) breaching that price intraday with a 6166.50 print and closing today at 6163.00

Energy:

Oil prices rose on Wednesday, extending gains to a third-consecutive session amid growing supply worries.

March futures for West Texas Intermediate Crude traded briefly above $73.00 per barrel, a ±75 intraday increase and trading up ± 46 cents per barrel at ±$72.31.

If you missed it, EIA Energy Stocks were NOT released today, as is usual.  Due to the Presidents’ Day holiday, the report will be release tomorrow, 30 minutes after the EIA Gas Stocks report: 7:30 A.M., Central Time (gas), 8:00 A.M. (energy).

Metals:

Gold prices wavered near unchanged at this blog’s submission after trading ±$15 above and below yesterday’s settlement and near its all-time highs near $2,950 per ounce.

Fueling safe-haven demand for the precious metal, the Trump administration plans to impose tariffs of around 25% on U.S. bound autos and auto-building components, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals as early as April 2.

April gold futures have gained about 12% so far this year, with analysts expecting higher prices in a trade war.  On Monday, Goldman Sachs raised its year-end 2025 gold price forecast to $3,100 per ounce.

Daily Levels for February 20th, 2025

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

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Economic Reports

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All times are Eastern Time (New York)

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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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Stock Futures suffer Eye-Opening Tumble as CPI Exceeds Expectations

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Trading in Front of Reports – Like Today’s CPI – Stock Futures – a Word to the Wise

by Mark O’Brien, Senior Broker

This morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its scheduled Consumer Price Index and to the market’s surprise, it jumped more than anticipated, showing a higher-than-expected 0.5 percent increase from December. It was the fastest monthly increase since August 2023.

Stock Futures

The reaction by the major stock futures contracts was immediate and pronounced. Within a single minute of the report’s release, the E-mini Dow Jones stock futures contract dropped over 400 points, the E-mini S&P 500 stock futures contract dropped 60 points, a $3,000 move and within that same minute the E-mini Nasdaq stock futures contract dropped 311 points, a $6220 move.

CPI

CPI is one of several regularly scheduled reports that can have an impact on the futures markets. There are many such reports on things like crude oil stocks, crop conditions, interest rate decisions and several that look at aspects of the economy.

 

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They all can impact related futures markets’ movement, even if for a span of time as short as a minute.

So, it’s important for traders to take care when trading into an approaching report, as well as afterwards if volatility continues. Even if you’re incorporating STOP orders to offset a position going into a report’s release, fast markets can “jump” over your STOP price and leave your trade exposed to further risk.

1 minute chart from this morning for illustration purposes below!

 

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Daily Levels for February 13th, 2025

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Economic Reports

provided by: ForexFactory.com

All times are Eastern Time (New York)

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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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Market Movers This Week: Options on Futures, Grains, Hedging, Powell Testimony, CPI & PPI, WASDE, and Earnings Reports

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Cannon Futures Weekly Letter

In Today’s Issue #1229

  • 1099’s Are Available
  • The Week Ahead –
  • Futures 102 – Hedging With grains, Options on Futures
  • Hot Market of the Week – April Hogs
  • Broker’s Trading System of the Week – ES intraday System
  • Trading Levels for Next Week
  • Trading Reports for Next Week

1099’s:

1099 forms will be generated for all futures trading accounts held by US clients that placed any trades during the 2024 calendar year. Traders should expect to receive their 1099 forms via mail, email or through their portal in early February.

 

·    1099 forms will be provided directly from the FCM to the client.

·    To login and retrieve your 1099 for your Cannon account via StoneX click here

·    To login and retrieve your 1099 for your Cannon account via Ironbeam click here

·    To login and retrieve your 1099 for your Cannon account via Dorman click here

For any other FCM’s please contact your broker directly.

Important Notices: The Week Ahead

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

 

Humphrey Hawkins Testimony week, Fed Chair Powell gives testimony to the Senate Banking Committee beginning @ 9:00 am CST Tuesday the 11th, Wednesday he walks over to the House Financial Committee and answers questions for the congressional body. CPI,PPI! WASDE week! + 5Fed Speakers, 1000’s of midcaps reporting past earnings and future guidance.

Economic releases are relatively light this week with one exception: Consumer Price Index (CPI) pre-market Friday. The Fed Speakers will be at the podium for the foreseeable future as we don’t have another Fed rate decision until late March.

 

Earnings Next Week:

  • Mon. McDonalds
  • Tue. Coca-Cola, Softbank
  • Wed. Cisco
  • Thu.  Applied materials
  • Fri. Quiet

 

 

FED SPEECHES:

  • Mon Quiet
  • Tues. Hammock 7:50 CST, Chair Powell Testimony 9amCST, Bowman and Williams 2:30pmCST
  • Wed. Chair Powell Testimony 9am CST, Bostic 11:00 am CST, Waller 4:05PM,
  • Thu. Quiet
  • Fri. Quiet

Economic Data week:

  • Mon. Consumer inflation expectations
  • Tue. WASDE Ag Numbers 9amCST, NIFB Optimism index
  • Wed. CPI
  • Thur. Initial Jobless Claims, PPI
  • Fri. Retail Sales, Capacity Utilization, Business Inventories

Futures 102: Hedging Grains with Options on Futures

Course Overview

Gain an understanding of how buyers and sellers of grains and oilseeds utilize futures and options to hedge their position to manage price risk.  This course will enhance the hedger’s understanding of the different strategies available as well as how the basis affects prices.

Start Now

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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 and options on futures needs.

Free Trial Available

December 25 Corn

April Hogs satisfied a second upside PriceCount  objective before turning sideways with a range bound trade. At this point, IF the chart can resume its rally with new sustained highs, the third count would project a potential run to the 100.96 area.

PriceCounts – Not about where we’ve been, but where we might be going next!

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The PriceCount study is a tool that can help to project the distance of a move in price. The counts are not intended to be an ‘exact’ science but rather offer a target area for the four objectives which are based off the first leg of a move with each subsequent count having a smaller percentage of being achieved. It is normal for the chart to react by correcting or consolidating at an objective and then either resuming its move or reversing trend. Best utilized in conjunction with other technical tools, PriceCounts offer one more way to analyze charts and help to manage your positions and risk. Learn more at www.qtchartoftheday.com

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

Brokers Trading System of the Week

With algorithmic trading systems becoming more prevalent in portfolio diversification, the following system has been selected as the broker’s choice for this month.

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PRODUCT

Mini SP500

 

SYSTEM TYPE

Day Trading

 

Recommended Cannon Trading Starting Capital

$36,000

 

COST

USD 199 / monthly

 

Get Started

 

Learn More

 

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Trading Levels for Next Week

Daily Levels for February 10, 2025

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Trading Reports for Next Week

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

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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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Price Gold Futures

Gold has long been one of the most sought-after commodities, and its value as a trading instrument remains undisputed. Gold futures contracts, introduced as a way for traders to speculate on and hedge against price fluctuations, are pivotal in today’s financial markets. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the origins of gold futures contracts, key players behind their establishment, and their role in modern trading. Additionally, we examine potential price movements for natural gas futures in 2025 and assess why Cannon Trading Company is a leading choice for futures traders of all levels.

The Origins of Gold Futures Contracts

Gold trading has a history stretching back millennia, but the formalized trading of gold futures contracts began relatively recently. The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), established in 1848, is credited as a pioneer in the creation of futures contracts. Initially focused on agricultural products like wheat and corn, the CBOT laid the foundation for futures trading. The gold futures contract was introduced by the Commodity Exchange, Inc. (COMEX) in 1974. This move came in the wake of significant changes in the global gold market, including the U.S. abandoning the gold standard in 1971, allowing gold prices to float freely.

Key Figures in Gold Futures Development

  • Richard Sandor: Often referred to as the “father of financial futures,” Sandor played a pivotal role in developing new types of financial instruments, including interest rate futures. Although not directly responsible for gold futures, his innovations provided a blueprint for structured futures markets.
  • Leo Melamed: A leading figure in modern futures trading, Melamed’s leadership at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) helped establish the credibility and expansion of futures contracts. His advocacy for innovation likely influenced the early days of trading future contracts like gold.
  • COMEX Leadership: Under the guidance of COMEX executives, gold futures became a reality. They recognized the growing need for a mechanism to hedge against price volatility in a post-gold standard world.

The introduction of gold futures allowed miners, jewelers, and speculators to protect themselves against price swings, leading to increased liquidity and price discovery in the gold market.

Understanding Price Movements in Gold Futures

The price of gold futures is influenced by a combination of macroeconomic factors, geopolitical events, and supply-demand dynamics. Inflation expectations, interest rates, and currency movements—particularly the U.S. dollar—play critical roles in determining price trends.

Real-Life Anecdotes and Case Studies

  • The 2008 Financial Crisis: During the global financial meltdown, gold futures prices surged as investors flocked to the safe-haven commodity. Gold futures, which were trading below $800 per ounce in early 2008, exceeded $1,000 by year’s end. Traders who anticipated the crisis and went long on gold futures reaped significant profits.
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): In another flight to safety, gold futures skyrocketed to all-time highs above $2,000 per ounce in 2020. Traders who correctly interpreted the pandemic’s impact on global economies and central bank policies made substantial gains.
  • Hypothetical Scenario: Imagine a trader in 2025 predicting a weakening dollar due to rising national debt. By taking a long position in gold futures at $2,200 per ounce, they could capitalize on the ensuing rally if the dollar weakens further, driving gold prices to $2,500 or beyond.

Price Movements in Natural Gas Futures Contracts for 2025

Natural gas futures contracts are another critical component of the commodities market. As we move into 2025, traders are closely monitoring trends that could influence natural gas prices. Factors like global energy demand, geopolitical tensions, and weather patterns will play crucial roles.

  • Expected Volatility: Natural gas prices are notoriously volatile due to weather-dependent demand. A colder-than-average winter in the U.S. could spike prices, while mild weather might suppress them.
  • Energy Transition: The global push for cleaner energy is reshaping demand for natural gas. While it remains a key transitional fuel, increased investments in renewables could cap price gains.

Case Study: A Hypothetical Trade

A futures trader in January 2025 anticipates a harsh winter due to meteorological predictions. They buy natural gas futures at $4.50 per million British thermal units (MMBtu). As demand surges and prices reach $6.00 per MMBtu by February, the trader closes their position for a significant profit.

Current Price of Gold Futures Going Into 2025

As of early 2025, the price of gold futures is hovering around $2,100 per ounce. This level reflects ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, concerns about inflation, and central bank actions. The Federal Reserve’s monetary policies, particularly its stance on interest rates, are likely to influence gold prices throughout the year. Traders should closely monitor economic data releases and geopolitical developments to adjust their strategies accordingly.

Why Cannon Trading Company Excels in Futures Trading

Cannon Trading Company has cemented its reputation as a premier choice for futures traders. Here’s why:

  • Wide Selection of Trading Platforms: Cannon Trading offers access to top-performing platforms like NinjaTrader, TradingView, and CQG, catering to diverse trading styles and needs.
  • Unparalleled Reputation: With decades of experience, Cannon Trading has earned 5 out of 5-star ratings on TrustPilot. The company’s adherence to regulatory standards ensures a trustworthy trading environment.
  • Tailored Services: From beginner-friendly platforms to advanced tools for seasoned traders, Cannon Trading provides customized solutions, including one-on-one support.
  • Educational Resources: The firm’s commitment to education empowers traders with webinars, market analysis, and expert insights.
  • Regulatory Compliance: As a National Futures Association (NFA) member, Cannon Trading adheres to strict guidelines, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Anecdote: A Successful Futures Trader’s Journey with Cannon Trading

Mark, a mid-career investor, transitioned to futures trading in 2020. After struggling with platform inefficiencies at another brokerage, he switched to Cannon Trading. The firm’s support team guided him in setting up his first gold futures trade. Over two years, Mark’s portfolio grew by 35%, thanks to robust analytics tools and timely market insights provided by Cannon Trading.

Hypothetical Scenario: A Beginner’s Experience

Sarah, new to futures trading, joins Cannon Trading in 2025. She starts with a demo account on the TradingView platform, using educational resources to understand the dynamics of gold and natural gas futures. With personalized guidance from a Cannon Trading broker, Sarah transitions to live trading, steadily building her confidence and portfolio.

Gold futures contracts remain a cornerstone of the commodities market, offering traders unparalleled opportunities to hedge and speculate. The introduction of these contracts was a milestone, driven by visionaries who recognized the need for a structured market. In 2025, the outlook for gold futures prices is shaped by macroeconomic and geopolitical factors, while natural gas futures present unique opportunities for weather-driven trades.

For traders at all experience levels, Cannon Trading Company provides an ideal platform for futures contract trading. Its combination of cutting-edge tools, stellar reputation, and commitment to client success ensures a seamless trading experience. Whether you’re a seasoned futures trader or just starting, Cannon Trading offers the resources and support you need to thrive in the dynamic world of futures trading.

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Ready to start trading futures? Call us at 1(800)454-9572 – Int’l (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.

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April Gold Futures Hit Record High Amid Tariff Concerns and Weaker Dollar

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Gold Futures Trading at All Time Highs!

April gold futures – the most-active futures contract – hit a new all-time high as the dollar pushed lower and traders sought safety amid concerns over the new U.S. administration’s tariff measures. April gold settled up 2.7% at $2,845.20 per ounce, after hitting a record intraday high of $2,853.20 earlier in the day. The prior record of $2,800.80 was set in late October.

 Gold Weekly Chart with Possible targets for your Review Below:

Trade gold futures and select from three different contract sizes – 100-oz., 50-oz. and 10-oz. – with a FREE, top-of-the-line trading platform that includes built-in charts, hundreds of indicators, a great DOM and super low day trading margins.

Don’t have time to do it yourself? Work with an experienced broker!

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Daily Levels for January 31st, 2024

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Economic Reports

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Good Trading!
About: Cannon Trading is an independent futures brokerage firm established in 1988 in Los Angeles. Our mission is to provide reliable service along with the latest technological advances and choices while keeping our clients informed and educated in the field of futures and commodities trading.
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.