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Category: Options Trading

Option trading has two main components – puts and calls. While the call option is used for the option of buying a certain futures contract, the put option is for the option of selling them. Another terminology used in options trading is strike price. This strike price is the price at which the underlying asset is confirmed to be bought or sold when the trader exercises the option.

There are a few other noteworthy items about option trading and each one is important. Take for example the expiration date of the option and the option style, so on and so forth. Once you understand the terminology, you will be able to understand options trading clearly.

One thing to remember about options is that they are comparatively less liquid than futures contracts. For those who analyze the markets thoroughly and regularly, options trading is just a great way of controlling risks. We at Cannon Trading help you understand options trading better and also provide you good advice on options trading. This category archive talks about a number of option trading blogs and articles to give you the most recent update on options.

FOMC Week & Economic Reports 9.16.2015

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 Wednesday September 16, 2015

 

Hello Traders,

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

Big FOMC this week! Meeting takes place tomorrow and Thursday with much anticipated announcement and language on Thursday, 2 PM EST.

Futures Options 101:

Market Strategies

1. Bullish Market Strategies

Futures Options Trading
Spread Strategy		 Description Reason to Use When to Use
Buy a call Strongest bullish option position Loss limited to premium Undervalued option with volatility increasing
Sell a put Neutral bullish option position Profit limited to debt Small debit, bullish market
Vertical Bull Calls Buy call, sell call of higher strike price Loss limited to debt Small debit, bullish market
Vertical Bull Puts Buy put, sell put of higher strike price Loss limited to price difference Large credit, bullish market

2. Bearish Market Strategies

Futures Options Trading
Spread Strategy		 Description Reason to Use When to Use
Buy a put Strongest bearish option position Loss limited to premium Undervalued option with volatility increasing
Sell a call Neutral bearish option position Profit limited to premium Option overvalued, market flat, bearish
Vertical Bear Calls Buy at the money put, sell out of the money put Loss limited to debt Small debit, bearish market
Vertical Bear Puts Sell call, buy call of higher strike price Loss limited to stroke price difference minus credit Large credit, bearish market

3. Neutral Market Strategies

Futures Options Trading
Spread Strategy		 Description Reason to Use When to Use
Strangle Sell out of the money put and call Maximum use of time value decay Trading range market with volatility peaking
Arbitrage Bull and sell similar simultaneously Profit limited to debt Any time credit received
Calendar Sell near month, buy far month, same strike price Near month time value decays faster Small debit, trading range market
Butterfly Buy at the money call (put), sell 2 out of the money calls (puts), buy out of the money call (put) Any time credit received
Guts Sell in the money put and call Receive large premium Futures Options have time premium and market in trading range
Box Buy at the money put, sell out of the money put Small debit, bearish market
Ratio Call Buy call, sell calls of higher strike price Neutral, slightly bullish Large credit and difference between stroke price of option bought and sold
Conversion Buy futures, buy at the money put, and sell out of the money call Any time credit received

Futures Options Writing

Have you ever wondered who sells the futures options that most people buy? These people are known as the option writers/sellers. Their sole objective is to collect the premium paid by the option buyer. Option writing can also be used for hedging purposes and reducing risk. An option writer has the exact opposite to gain as the option buyer. The writer has unlimited risk and a limited profit potential, which is the premium of the option minus commissions. When writing naked futures options your risk is unlimited, without the use of stops. This is why we recommend exiting positions once a market trades through an area you perceived as strong support or resistance. So why would anyone want to write an option? Here are a few reasons:

Top 50 Futures Trading Rules & Economic Reports 9.09.2015

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 Wednesday September 9, 2015

Hello Traders,

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

Greetings! 

Top 50 Futures Trading Rules

Most Common Pitfalls To Avoid When Trading Futures-Commodity Futures Continue reading “Top 50 Futures Trading Rules & Economic Reports 9.09.2015”

FOMC Minutes & Futures Levels 8.19.2015

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 Wednesday August 19, 2015

Hello Traders,

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

Hello Traders,

FOMC minutes tomorrow so I am sharing the brief overview from ForexFactory.com:

Source Federal Reserve (latest release)
Usual Effect More hawkish than expected = Good for currency;
Frequency Scheduled 8 times per year, 3 weeks after the Federal Funds Rate is announced;
Next Release Oct 8, 2015
Why Traders
Care		 It’s a detailed record of the FOMC’s most recent meeting, providing in-depth insights into the economic and financial conditions that influenced their vote on where to set interest rates;
Acro Expand Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC);

Check out our Trading Systems/ALGO Trading and Managed Accounts section!

Many ways to trade any market, many ways to lose money in any market and only very few ways to lock in gains. If you need help creating a trading plan, visit our broker assist services.  

Continue reading “FOMC Minutes & Futures Levels 8.19.2015”

Futures Levels & Economic Reports 8.18.2015

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 Tuesday August 18, 2015

Hello Traders,

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

Hello Traders,

Today I must share an observation that may help many of you.

So many times as a broker I see clients who know how to make money…I see it in the daily statements, good winning %, consistent profits UNTIL….something happens. Either the client who is normally a day-trader decides to carry his/hers losing position and make it into a swing trade…..OR the trader is down and refuses to accept the fact it may be a losing day and decides to double down and get more aggressive because if this trade is a winner he will have another winning day….the examples go on and no I am not referring to anyone specific although many of you probably think I am talking about them.
I have done it before as a trader. It is the inability to accept a loss that creates this snow ball.
I am not a psychologist nor a professional writer ( English is my second language if you did not tell by now (-:

Top 50 Futures Trading Rules 8.14.2015

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 Friday August 14, 2015

Hello Traders,

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

Hello Traders,

Most Common Pitfalls To Avoid When Trading Futures-Commodity Futures

Separator

500 experienced futures brokers were asked what caused most futures traders to lose money when comes to trading futures.

Their answers reflected the trading experience of more than 10,000 futures traders.  Download the PDF and find out what they said. Continue reading “Top 50 Futures Trading Rules 8.14.2015”

25 Strategies to Trade Futures Options 8.12.2015

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 Wednesday August 12, 2015

Hello Traders,

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

Hello Traders,

25 Proven Strategies for Trading Options

by CME Group

25 Proven Options Trading StrategiesIf you are currently trading options on futures or are interested in exploring them further, check out our newly updated trading guide, featuring 25 commonly used options strategies, including butterflies, straddles, strangles, back spreads and conversions. Each strategy includes an illustration demonstrating the effect of time decay on the total option premium involved in the position. Options on futures rank among our most versatile risk management tools, and are offered on most of our products. Whether you trade options for purposes of hedging or speculating, you can limit your risk to the amount you paid up-front for the option while maintaining your exposure to beneficial price movements. To learn more about CME Group options, you can also visit our Options page.

Complete the simple form below and you will receive a link to download the 25 Proven Strategies brochure immediately. This eBook is free to you and no-obligation. Learn about the 25 Proven Strategies for trading options on CME Group Futures for FREE!

Don’t wait… Download the eBook “25 Proven Strategies for Trading Options” NOW!

 

Did you know Cannon offers FOREX trading including the MT4 platform?

Check out our Trading Systems/ALGO Trading and Managed Accounts section!

Many ways to trade any market, many ways to lose money in any market and only very few ways to lock in gains. If you need help creating a trading plan, visit our broker assist services.  

 

GOOD 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.

If you like Our Futures Trading Daily Support and Resistance Levels, Please share!

Futures Trading Levels

Contract Sept. 2015 SP500 Nasdaq100 Dow Jones Mini Russell Dollar Index
Resistance 3 2128.58 4667.08 17759 1233.53 98.35
Resistance 2 2115.17 4625.92 17654 1226.17 98.00
Resistance 1 2097.58 4567.83 17506 1216.93 97.61
Pivot 2084.17 4526.67 17401 1209.57 97.26
Support 1 2066.58 4468.58 17253 1200.33 96.87
Support 2 2053.17 4427.42 17148 1192.97 96.52
Support 3 2035.58 4369.33 17000 1183.73 96.13
Contract Dec. Gold Sept. Silver Sept. Crude Oil Sept. Bonds Sept.   Euro
Resistance 3 1146.1 15.75 47.61 160 30/32 1.1234
Resistance 2 1132.6 15.56 46.47 160 4/32 1.1163
Resistance 1 1120.3 15.43 44.96 159 15/32 1.1106
Pivot 1106.8 15.25 43.82 158 21/32 1.1035
Support 1 1094.5 15.12 42.31 158 1.0978
Support 2 1081.0 14.93 41.17 157 6/32 1.0907
Support 3 1068.7 14.80 39.66 156 17/32 1.0850
Contract Dec. Corn Sept. Wheat Nov Beans Dec. SoyMeal Sept. Nat Gas
Resistance 3 407.4 539.9 997.25 351.30 2.93
Resistance 2 403.3 532.1 990.50 347.10 2.89
Resistance 1 395.4 519.7 981.00 339.60 2.87
Pivot 391.3 511.8 974.25 335.40 2.83
Support 1 383.4 499.4 964.8 327.9 2.8
Support 2 379.3 491.6 958.00 323.70 2.77
Support 3 371.4 479.2 948.50 316.20 2.75
Economic Reports

source:http://www.forexfactory.com/calendar.php

All times are Eastern time Zone (EST)

Date 4:34pm Currency Impact Detail Actual Forecast Previous Graph
WedAug 12 4:00am EUR Italian Trade Balance 2.81B 3.98B 4.14B
5:00am EUR Industrial Production m/m -0.4% -0.1% -0.2%
5:32am EUR German 10-y Bond Auction 0.61|1.3 0.88|1.1
8:30am USD FOMC Member Dudley Speaks
10:00am USD JOLTS Job Openings 5.25M 5.33M 5.36M
10:30am USD Crude Oil Inventories -1.7M -1.6M -4.4M
1:01pm USD 10-y Bond Auction 2.12|2.4 2.23|2.7
2:00pm USD Federal Budget Balance -149.2B -133.5B 50.5B

This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell, but a current market view provided by Cannon Trading Inc. Any statement of facts here in contained are derived from sources believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor they purport to be complete. No responsibility is assumed with respect to any such statement or with respect to any expression of opinion herein contained. Readers are urged to exercise their own judgment in trading.

 

Trading Futures Spreads & Options, Reports & Levels 8.22.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Hello Traders,

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

 

 

Most of the time I write about day trading, psychology of day trading, techniques etc. but I must say that day-trading is only one way of trading futures.

Over the years I have been exposed and used the following techniques / methods in trading:
buying options
selling options
using options spreads
swing trading using futures
position trading using futures and options
break out trading
and of course day-trading….

All methods can lose money, make money and in between. Some carry higher degree of risk than others, some have better probability of success but losses can be significant….The bottom line is each trader is different and may find a method that he/she feels more comfortable with. I actually wrote an article for SFO magazine a few years back about this subject, called “trading for your blood type” ( email me for a copy if you like).

One method I like for trading futures that can be applied both for day-trading but usually more common for swing/longer term trading is futures spreads. My colleague here at Cannon, Mark O’Brien wrote a good article about it last year which you can access at:

 

Continue reading “Trading Futures Spreads & Options, Reports & Levels 8.22.2014”

Futures Trading Advice for Beginners Infographics

Posted on by Ilan

Do you often find yourself overwhelmed by the game of numbers that dictates the nerves of the markets? Are you often perplexed by the amusing gains and losses that investors count their wealth by? Here is an interesting way to understand commodities and trading, for all those who are inquisitive about the art of investment. In case you think commodities can be your ticket to extra earnings, the infographic presents some hard facts that you ought to rote before you fall in the temptation of trading. That said, once you have the basics by your side and the facts by your fingers, trading in commodities can be another asset class to consider.

The infographic that Cannon presents, is a graphic insight into how investing in commodities through futures should be done. It also establishes certain general tips one can follow when trading futures. The infographic uses basic examples from day to day life to explain difficult concepts of trading, a matter that generally requires expert intervention or hours of discussion so as to understand thoroughly. The basic features of futures trading have also be highlighted in the simplest possible manner, through this infographic made by Cannon Trading.

 

Futures Trading Infographics
This Infographic created by:: Cannon Trading

Continue reading “Futures Trading Advice for Beginners Infographics”

Trading Levels and Reports for December 19, 2012

Posted on by Ilan

 

Jump to a section in this post:

1. Market Commentary
2. Support and Resistance Levels – S&P, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000, Dollar Index
3. Support and Resistance Levels – Gold, Euro, Crude Oil, T-Bonds
4. Support and Resistance Levels – Corn, Wheat, Beans, Silver
5. Economic Reports for Wednesday December 19, 2012

 

Hello Traders,

Great resource was just added to our website!
An interactive trading calendar, which includes reports, economic numbers, last trading days, option expiration and much more!
Bookmark this page and use it!

Happy Holidays!

Significant Gains Today Followed by Fizzling of Market | Support and Resistance Levels

Posted on by Ilan

Jump to a section in this post:
1. Market Commentary
2. Support and Resistance Levels – S&P, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000
3. Support and Resistance Levels – Gold, Euro, Crude Oil, T-Bonds
4. Support and Resistance Levels – Corn, Wheat, Beans, Silver
5. Economic Reports for Wednesday May 2, 2012

 

Hello Traders,

Interesting action today. Strong start after better than expected ISM and construction spending reports. Markets made significant gains but fizzled during the last hour with NASDAQ and RUSSELL finishing negative for the day – some what bearish close. Should be interesting ahead of Friday’s unemployment report.

On a a different note, screen shot below is from my daily live chart service where I share few markets in real-time with interested clients and prospects. 

If you would like to come and “visit” and try the service for yourself, please visit:

Continue reading “Significant Gains Today Followed by Fizzling of Market | Support and Resistance Levels”

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.