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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.

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.

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. 25th, 2025

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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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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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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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Thinking Your Trading Through, Dec. Bean Oil, Levels, Reports; Your 4 Important Must-Knows for Trading Futures on September 11th, 2025

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Take an Extra Second When Trading

by Senior Broker, Mark O’Brien

General:

It was suggested that for today’s blog I throw out a piece of trade advice and one straightforward yet essential one quickly came to mind: make sure the trade you want to place is the trade you’re about to place. Trade errors often occur when you intend to place an order you’ve placed time and time again only to realize this time you missed something.

You wanted to buy and instead you sold; you wanted to place a stop order and instead you placed a limit order – and got filled; you wanted to buy a spread – options or futures – and instead you sold – and now you’ve erred twice.

If they’re orders you’ve placed time and time again there’s typically a sense of self-assurance that this time is no different than your past successfully placed orders. It’s habitual; it’s almost automatic. Don’t let that reasoning creep into your trading. Instead – for every order – engage a small amount of time and brain power to review what you’re about to do.

The basics include: are you trading the right month? How soon are the dates on the calendar when you need to be out of the contract. For day traders, are you entering the market or exiting? Are you adding to your position or reducing it? Do you have other orders from a prior trade that need cancelling? Should the order be a day order or a good-‘til-cancelled?

Often orders placed in error are recognized quickly and can be corrected quickly with little or no fallout, but it’s a far better trader who is engaged with their trading at the order entry. It’s at this point – for every order – when you can review and evaluate your order for accuracy.

Dec. Bean Oil

December soybean oil erased two key bull chart features last week by breaking down the extended uptrend and closing the June gap. Now, the hcart has activated downside PriceCount objectives. The first count projects a slide to the 49 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. 11th, 2025

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Webinar Wednesday – Decoding the Markets, November Lumber, Levels, Reports: Your 4 Important Must-Knows for Trading Futures on September 9th, 2025

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Webinar this Wednesday!!

Episode 1: Decoding the Markets: A Dual-Analysis Approach to Futures Trading

Date & Time

Sep 10, 2025 09:00 AM in Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Description

Join CME Group host Ryan Gorman for a comprehensive webinar that explores how to navigate the futures markets. This session will provide an in-depth look at how macroeconomic factors, supply and demand, and geopolitical events drive market fundamentals. We’ll then connect this knowledge with practical technical analysis techniques, including chart patterns, indicators, and more, to identify trends and potential trading opportunities.

Register Now!

November Lumber

November lumber satisfied its first downside PriceCount objective off the spring leg and corrected higher. If the chart can resume its break with new sustained lows, the second count would project a possible slide to the $533 area.

Daily Levels for Sept. 9th, 2025

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Fed Announcements, CPI, PPI, WASDE, Levels, Reports; Your 6 Important Must-Knows for Trading Futures the Week of September 8th, 2025

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Cannon Futures Weekly Letter

In Today’s Issue #1257

The Week Ahead – Fed Announcements, Blackout
Futures 101 – Trade and Risk Management
Trading Levels for Next Week
Trading Reports for Next Week

Important Notices: The Week Ahead

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

fed

OPEC+ Sunday meeting, U.S. CPI, PPI and WASDE will be featured next week as earnings reports lighten up and we have entered into the Fed Blackout period.

Analysts expect the OPEC+ meeting Sunday to consider another round of production increases reflecting a shift in focus where demand is projected to accelerate. Bearish development for crude prices as the EIA reported a surprise increase on the U.S. crude stockpiles Thursday. WTI Crude prices are currently trading at the lower end of a $60.00 bbl -$65.00 bbl price range @$62.06 basis the October futures contract.

There was a sudden change in rate change probability this morning for the next Fed Meeting hosted by Chair Jerome Powell. Sep. 17 is the next rate decision. This graph is from the CME FedWatch tool, and it tracks the movement, real-time, of the fed fund futures contracts.

First time the market is considering .50 rate reduction for the September meeting.

Markets have already priced in this probability so it’s important to watch these numbers to see how the markets react today to these probabilities changing, I am talking about 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)

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. Quiet
Tue. Synopsys, GameStop
Wed. Quiet
Thu. Adobe, Kroger
Fri. Quiet

FED SPEECHES: (all times CDT)

Mon. Fed Blackout
Tues. Period
Wed. 8 business days prior
Thu. To the Fed
Fri. Rate announcement

Economic Data week:

Mon. Consumer Inflation Expectations, Consumer Credit
Tue. NFIB Bus. Optimism Index, Redbook Y o Y, NFP Annual Revision (prior yr. -818 jobs)
Wed. Core PPI, EIA Crude Stocks, 17-week Bill auction
Thur. CORE CPI, EIA NAT GAS Storage, Fed Balance sheet,
Fri. Mich. Consumer sentiment, World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates.

Trade and Risk Management

Course Overview 14 minutes

“If you have an approach that makes money, then money management can make the difference between success and failure…I try to be conservative in my risk management. I want to make sure I’ll be around to play tomorrow. Risk control is essential.” – Monroe Trout, Trout Trading

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Daily Levels for Sept. 8th, 2025

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Trading Reports for Next Week

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

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Futures Brokers; Five Undeniable Traits of the Top Futures Brokers

Posted on September 4, 2025August 29, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Cannon Trading Final v2

Futures Brokers

futures brokers

The second half of 2025 presents traders with extraordinary opportunities in futures trading, but it also demands heightened responsibility, discipline, and insight. Volatility remains elevated across commodities, equities, cryptocurrencies, and interest-rate derivatives as central banks adjust policies amid a turbulent global economy. Traders are increasingly relying on their futures brokers not just for execution but also for guidance, risk management tools, and robust trading platforms.

Choosing the best futures brokers isn’t just about low commissions or fast executions—it’s about aligning yourself with a trusted partner who helps you navigate complexity with confidence. In this context, Cannon Trading Company stands out as one of the top-rated futures brokers USA, thanks to its decades of industry experience, an exemplary regulatory record, cutting-edge platform offerings, and hundreds of verified five-star ratings on TrustPilot.

In this article, we’ll explore:

How traders can leverage their futures broker to ensure responsible trading in H2 2025.
The evolving role of futures brokers in the age of AI-driven, high-speed markets.
Why Cannon Trading Company is a leading ally for traders navigating today’s markets.
The importance of technology, compliance, and education when trading futures responsibly.

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The Evolving Role of Futures Brokers in 2025

In 2025, the role of a futures broker has transformed from that of a simple trade executor to that of a comprehensive trading partner. Traditional brokers offered order execution and access to exchanges, but modern futures brokers are now:

Risk Advisors – Helping traders understand leverage, margin requirements, and downside exposure.
Platform Gatekeepers – Providing access to powerful futures options trading platforms like CQG, Rithmic, TradingView, MotiveWave, and Bookmap.
Compliance Leaders – Ensuring traders meet federal regulations and exchange guidelines.
Educators – Equipping traders with research, insights, and learning resources.
Innovation Hubs – Integrating AI, analytics, and high-speed routing to support optimal trade decisions.

When working with the best futures brokers, traders aren’t just selecting a transactional service—they’re choosing a strategic partner capable of helping them make smarter, more responsible decisions when trading futures.

Why Responsible Futures Trading Matters in H2 2025

The second half of 2025 brings heightened uncertainty across asset classes:

Interest Rates: Central banks are balancing inflation and slowing growth.
Commodities: Energy and agricultural markets remain volatile amid supply chain disruptions.
Equity Futures: The S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures show increased sensitivity to geopolitical developments.
Digital Assets: Cryptocurrencies and micro ether futures continue attracting speculative interest.

These dynamics underscore the importance of disciplined strategies. Traders who over-leverage or ignore risk parameters face amplified losses. Responsible trading in this environment involves:

Setting realistic position sizes.
Using stop-loss orders effectively.
Diversifying across asset classes.
Leveraging analytics from futures options trading platforms.
Working closely with a knowledgeable futures broker to stay informed and compliant.

The right futures brokers USA empower traders to adapt, manage risk, and maintain consistency amid shifting markets.

How Traders Can Leverage Their Futures Broker for Responsible Trading

Access to Top-Tier Futures Trading Platforms

In H2 2025, execution speed and analytical capabilities matter more than ever. The best futures brokers provide traders with access to world-class futures options trading platforms, such as:

CQG – Known for lightning-fast execution and institutional-grade charting.
TradingView – Offers an intuitive interface and integrated social trading insights.
Bookmap – Delivers granular order-flow visualization for scalpers and high-frequency traders.
Rithmic/RTrader Pro – Ideal for algorithmic traders seeking low-latency connectivity.
MotiveWave – Advanced Elliott Wave and Gann analysis tools for technical traders.

By leveraging these technologies, traders can better evaluate price action, manage positions, and implement advanced strategies responsibly.

Guidance on Risk Management

A seasoned futures broker serves as an invaluable resource for risk mitigation. They help traders:

Understand margin requirements for different contracts.
Set maximum daily loss limits to prevent emotional overtrading.
Implement trailing stops and hedge positions using futures options trading strategies.
Diversify across multiple products to reduce portfolio volatility.

Traders working with experienced futures brokers USA gain a safety net against avoidable mistakes, enabling them to maintain longevity in volatile markets.

Education and Market Research

The best futures brokers go beyond execution to deliver actionable intelligence. Educational resources include:

Webinars on evolving futures markets and strategies.
Real-time news feeds and economic event alerts.
Analysis of open interest, volume, and sentiment data.
Tutorials on futures broker options for hedging and speculation.

This combination of technology and education is essential for building a disciplined approach to trading futures responsibly.

Personalized Support and Compliance Assistance

Unlike discount-only firms, full-service futures brokers like Cannon Trading Company offer personal guidance. In 2025, compliance remains critical as regulators tighten oversight to protect retail traders. A trusted futures broker helps ensure:

Adherence to CFTC and NFA guidelines.
Correct reporting of positions and margins.
Proper understanding of leverage and exposure.

By acting as both a compliance resource and execution partner, a broker reduces legal and financial risks for traders.

Why Cannon Trading Company Stands Out

Futures Brokers

Decades of Experience

Founded in 1988, Cannon Trading Company has spent nearly four decades helping traders succeed in dynamic futures markets. This depth of experience gives the firm unparalleled insight into market cycles, trader psychology, and technological innovation.

Five-Star TrustPilot Ratings

With numerous verified 5 out of 5-star ratings on TrustPilot, Cannon Trading Company has earned a stellar reputation among traders worldwide. These reviews highlight exceptional customer service, transparent pricing, and fast execution.

Exemplary Regulatory Reputation

Cannon maintains spotless relationships with federal and independent regulators, including the CFTC and NFA. Their emphasis on compliance gives traders confidence that they’re working with one of the best futures brokers in the industry.

Wide Selection of Futures Trading Platforms

Unlike brokers tied to a single platform, Cannon offers a diverse suite of futures options trading platforms to match every trader’s style, including CQG, Rithmic, TradingView, and MotiveWave.

This flexibility empowers traders to choose the ideal tools for their strategy while enjoying expert support from Cannon’s team.

The Power of Futures Options with the Right Broker

An area where a skilled futures options broker shines is helping traders incorporate options into their strategies. Options on futures contracts enable traders to:

Hedge against downside risks while holding long futures positions.
Generate income through premium-selling strategies.
Structure trades with asymmetric risk-reward profiles.

With Cannon Trading Company’s expertise, traders gain access to cutting-edge futures broker options and personalized guidance on how to integrate options into their portfolio responsibly.

Responsible Trading Strategies for H2 2025

To thrive in today’s markets, traders should combine advanced tools with discipline. Here are key strategies:

Adopt a Risk-First Mindset
- Limit exposure per trade to a fixed percentage of account equity.
- Use volatility-based position sizing to account for fluctuating markets.
Leverage Broker Research and Insights
- Utilize analytics and educational materials provided by futures brokers USA.
Use Futures and Options Together
- Combine outright futures contracts with protective options to limit downside while keeping upside potential.
Harness Automation Responsibly
- Use algorithmic features on futures options trading platforms but maintain manual oversight.

With a trusted futures broker like Cannon Trading Company, these strategies become easier to execute effectively.

The second half of 2025 will test traders’ discipline, adaptability, and strategy. Partnering with the best futures brokers—especially those with deep experience, regulatory excellence, and cutting-edge tools—is essential for success.

Cannon Trading Company continues to stand out as a premier choice among futures brokers USA, offering:

Decades of expertise.
Exceptional customer satisfaction with countless five-star TrustPilot reviews.
A strong regulatory reputation.
Access to elite futures options trading platforms for every trading style.

For traders looking to navigate complex markets responsibly, Cannon Trading Company is more than just a futures broker—it’s a strategic ally.

Try a FREE Demo!

This article has been generated with the help of AI Technology and modified for accuracy and compliance.

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Labor Department Reports, Non Farm Payroll, ADP, Levels, Reports; Your 5 Important Must-Knows for Trading Futures on September 4th, 2025

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Cannon Operations

Bullet Points, Highlights, Announcements

by Senior Broker, Mark O’Brien

Labor

General:

It’s that time of the month again: we’re a couple of days away from the Labor Dept.’s release of its monthly Non Farm Payrolls report – widely considered to be one of the most important and influential measures of the U.S. economy. The report is released at 7:30 A.M., Central Time on the first Friday of the month and measures the number of workers in the U.S. economy, excluding agricultural workers, and self-employed individuals.

More the usual, this month’s report looks to be a critical moment for traders and investors evaluating the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy in the coming months.

Again more than usual, attention will be on the revisions to the July non-farm payrolls data. Initial values for this year have been consistently downwardly revised, in part due to low response rates for the survey. The possibility of significant downward revisions could reveal more persistent labor market weakness than initially anticipated.

Ahead of that, tomorrow the ADP National Employment Report – jointly developed with the Stanford Digital Economy Lab – will show the latest snapshot of the private sector’s employment situation. While the ADP report has a poor record of predicting the Labor Dept.’s numbers – primarily because of each report’s differing means of collecting data – it.

Indexes:

Get ready for the availability of a brand-new S&P 500 stock index futures contract – and corresponding options. Starting Monday, September 22, CME Group will launch S&P 500 Month-End futures and options.

Each futures and options contract is sized at 100x the S&P 500 Index (each 1-point = $100) and expires at the index close every month, providing greater efficiency and flexibility to manage S&P 500 positions.

Now scale S&P 500 exposure with fewer contracts for greater operational efficiency and simplifying your hedging.

View the CME Group’s FAQs to learn more about trading hours, specifications and more.

Metals:

December gold set its latest all-time record high closing price yesterday: $3,592.20 per ounce, after a stout ±$76 rally. Today’s new all-time intraday high near $3,640.00 per ounce – another ±$45 rally – marks a whopping ±$280 per ounce rally in 10 trading days – going back to Aug. 20, a ±$28,000 per contract move!

Likewise, December silver closed yesterday at $42.06 per ounce, setting its own new all-time record high, a ±$4.25 per ounce move over the same 2-week span, a $21,250 per contract move.

Weekly Chinese Renminbi

The Weekly Chinese Renminbi activated upside PriceCount objectives this summer and now, the chart is taking aim at the first count to the .14150 area.

Daily Levels for Sept. 4th, 2025

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December Gold, September’s First Notice/Last Trading Day, Levels, Reports; Your 4 Important Need-To-Knows for Trading Futures on September 3rd, 2025

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Cannon Operations

GOLD

Welcome to the first day of the rest of the trading year.

by Senior Broker, John Thorpe

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

Be advised, the contracts below 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.

Today, Stock indices corrected lower S&P at 6412.00 area as I write yet still trading above the 50-day SMA: my read is at 6357.75 down 60 points. The Dow down +/- 300 and the Nasdaq down +/- 220.00

if you are thinking about how to protect or better yet, hedge your exposure, you may want to read about some option basics that apply to all markets.

By the way Gold broke out of its summer range and is trading in the 3580.00 oz area basis the December contract. (breakout was above 3550.00)

The gold example below should provide the neophyte with the basics:

A reprint follows:

What goes up must come down?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buying a Put

You buy a gold put option when you expect gold prices to fall.
The put gains value as gold declines.
If gold drops below the strike price, you can:
1. Sell the put at a profit, or
2. Exercise it to take a short position in gold futures at the strike price.

Gold option premiums consist of intrinsic value and time value:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tomorrow:

Econ Data: JOLTS, Beige Book, (EIA Crude Stocks moved due to L-Day Weekend), 17-week Bill auction

FED: 8:00 am, Musalem. 12:30 pm Kashkari (non vtg mbr)

Earnings: SalesForce, Hewlett-Packard, DollarTree

Tariff news: Anything goes!

December Gold

December gold satisfied its second upside PriceCount objective and has been consolidating with a sideways trade since. At this point, IF the chart can resume its rally with new sustained highs, the third count would project a possible run to the 4,071 area.

Daily Levels for Sept. 3rd, 2025

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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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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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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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Take an Extra Second When Trading

by Senior Broker, Mark O’Brien

General:

Dec. Bean Oil

Daily Levels for Sept. 11th, 2025

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Webinar this Wednesday!!

November Lumber

Daily Levels for Sept. 9th, 2025

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Cannon Futures Weekly Letter

In Today’s Issue #1257

The Week Ahead – Fed Announcements, Blackout

Futures 101 – Trade and Risk Management

Trading Levels for Next Week

Trading Reports for Next Week

Important Notices: The Week Ahead

By John Thorpe, Senior Broker

Trade and Risk Management

Course Overview 14 minutes

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Daily Levels for Sept. 8th, 2025