Options on Futures

Options on Futures


Trading Futures Options: Strategies, Brokers, and Techniques

August 25th, 2023 Filed under Future Trading News, Future Trading Platform, Futures Broker, Futures Exchange, Futures Trading, futures trading education | Comment (0)

Find out more about trading futures options with Cannon Trading Company here.

In the dynamic landscape of financial markets, trading futures options has emerged as a versatile and sophisticated strategy. This strategy allows traders to harness the potential of both futures contracts and options contracts, creating a hybrid approach that offers unique opportunities for risk management, speculation, and portfolio diversification. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into option trading techniques, the role of the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), the significance of reputable futures brokers with exceptional execution capabilities, and a detailed analysis of Cannon Trading Futures Brokers and their reviews on TrustPilot.

Option Trading Techniques: A Blend of Flexibility and Leverage

Option trading techniques are a cornerstone of modern financial markets, providing traders with the ability to speculate on price movements, hedge risk, and even generate income. Trading options on futures, often referred to as options on commodities, adds another layer of complexity by combining the characteristics of two distinct financial instruments.

There are several popular option trading techniques employed by traders:

  1. Covered Calls: This strategy involves holding a long position in the underlying futures contract and simultaneously selling a call option. Traders use this technique to generate income from the premium received on the call option while potentially benefiting from limited upside price movement.
  2. Protective Puts: This strategy is designed to hedge against potential downside risk. Traders buy a put option on the underlying futures contract to lock in a minimum selling price, offering protection in case the market moves unfavorably.
  3. Straddle and Strangle: These are volatility-based strategies. A straddle involves buying a call option and a put option with the same strike price and expiration date, while a strangle involves purchasing out-of-the-money call and put options. These strategies are used when traders expect significant price movements but are uncertain about the direction.
  4. Iron Condor: This is a combination of selling an out-of-the-money call spread and an out-of-the-money put spread. It’s a strategy to profit from low volatility and a relatively stable underlying market.

The Role of CBOE: Pioneering Options Trading

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of options trading. Established in 1973, the CBOE introduced standardized options contracts, making options trading more accessible and transparent. Over the years, the exchange has expanded its offerings to include options on a wide range of assets, including equity indexes, ETFs, and futures contracts.

CBOE’s contributions to the options market include the development of the Black-Scholes options pricing model, which revolutionized the way options were valued. This model takes into account variables such as the underlying asset’s price, time to expiration, volatility, and interest rates to determine an option’s fair value.

Importance of Futures Brokers with Execution Excellence

In the realm of trading futures options, the role of a futures broker cannot be overstated. A reputable futures broker acts as an intermediary between traders and the market, providing access to trading platforms, market data, and execution services. One of the key factors that sets brokers apart is their execution quality.

Efficient and timely execution is crucial in futures options trading, where market conditions can change rapidly. A reliable broker ensures that traders’ orders are executed at the desired price and within the shortest possible time frame. Slippage, the difference between the expected execution price and the actual price at which the trade is executed, can significantly impact trading outcomes. Therefore, choosing a broker with a track record of consistent and accurate executions is paramount.

Exploring Trading Strategies with Cannon Trading Futures Brokers

Cannon Trading Company is a prominent futures broker known for its comprehensive services and commitment to execution excellence. Established in 1988, Cannon Trading Company has earned a reputation for catering to a diverse clientele, including institutional traders, individual investors, and hedgers.

Cannon Trading Company offers a range of trading strategies that align with different risk profiles and market outlooks:

  1. Trend Following: This strategy involves identifying and capitalizing on established market trends. Traders using this approach analyze historical price data to identify patterns and enter positions in the direction of the prevailing trend.
  2. Spread Trading: Spread trading involves simultaneously buying and selling two related futures contracts to profit from price differentials between them. It’s a strategy often used in commodities markets, where price discrepancies between related contracts are common.
  3. Options Selling: Cannon Trading provides options on futures traders the opportunity to engage in selling options to generate premium income. This strategy involves assuming the obligation to buy or sell the underlying futures contract if the option buyer decides to exercise their option.

TrustPilot Reviews and Broker Reputation

TrustPilot serves as a platform where clients can provide feedback and reviews about their experiences with various service providers, including futures brokers. Cannon Trading’s presence on TrustPilot allows traders to gauge the broker’s reputation based on real-world experiences of its clients.

Positive reviews on TrustPilot often highlight aspects such as superior customer service, robust trading platforms, transparency in pricing, and, most importantly, reliable and efficient order execution. These reviews not only provide valuable insights to prospective clients but also reflect the broker’s commitment to maintaining high standards of service.

Trading futures options presents traders with a unique opportunity to combine the advantages of both futures and options contracts. Option trading techniques, such as covered calls, protective puts, and volatility-based strategies, offer flexibility and diverse approaches to trading. The CBOE’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the options market, and a reputable futures broker’s role in execution excellence cannot be overstated. Cannon Trading Company and its team of Futures Brokers, with their comprehensive strategies and positive TrustPilot reviews, exemplify the significance of a broker’s reputation and execution quality in the realm of futures options trading. As markets continue to evolve, traders will continue to seek ways to harness the potential of trading futures options in their pursuit of financial success.

Ready to start trading futures? Call 1(800)454-9572 and speak to one of our experienced, Series-3 licensed futures brokers and start your futures trading journey with Cannon Trading Company today.

Disclaimer – Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors.  Past performance is not indicative of future results. 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.


Trading Crude Oil Futures: Strategies, Techniques, and Considerations

August 20th, 2023 Filed under Crude Oil | Comment (0)

Learn more about trading crude oil futures with Cannon Trading Company here.

Trading crude oil futures is a dynamic and potentially lucrative endeavor that requires a deep understanding of the energy markets, technical analysis, risk management, and trading strategies. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of crude oil futures trading, focusing on a specific type of crude oil, discussing relevant exchanges, exploring day trading techniques for futures, and touching on techniques for trading crude oil options on futures. Additionally, we will highlight the services of Cannon Trading Company, known for their customer service excellence and high TrustPilot rating.

Understanding Crude Oil Futures Trading

Crude oil is a crucial global commodity that not only fuels economies but also presents trading opportunities for individuals and institutions. Crude oil futures contracts allow traders to speculate on the price movements of oil, whether they anticipate its price to rise (go long) or fall (go short). Futures contracts provide a standardized way to buy or sell a specific quantity of crude oil at a predetermined price on a future date.

Types of Crude Oil: When trading crude oil futures, it’s important to consider the different types of crude oil. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude are two of the most widely traded types. WTI is primarily produced in the United States and is known for its relatively low sulfur content. Brent crude, on the other hand, is sourced from the North Sea and is considered a global benchmark for oil prices.

Exchanges for Crude Oil Futures: Crude oil futures are traded on various exchanges around the world, with the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) and the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) being two prominent ones. NYMEX offers WTI crude oil futures, while ICE provides Brent crude oil futures. These exchanges provide liquidity, price discovery, and a platform for traders to engage in both speculation and risk management.

Day Trading Techniques for Crude Oil Futures

Day trading involves opening and closing positions within the same trading day, capitalizing on short-term price movements. Trading crude oil futures using day trading techniques requires discipline, a solid strategy, and an understanding of market dynamics.

  1. Technical Analysis: Day traders often rely on technical analysis, using indicators such as moving averages, MACD, RSI, and candlestick patterns to identify entry and exit points. Price charts and patterns can provide insights into potential price movements.
  2. Volatility Analysis: Crude oil markets can be highly volatile, presenting both opportunities and risks. Traders can use tools like the Average True Range (ATR) to gauge volatility and adjust their position sizing and stop-loss levels accordingly.
  3. News and Events: Economic and geopolitical news can significantly impact oil prices. Day traders should stay informed about major events, such as OPEC meetings, inventory reports, and geopolitical tensions, to anticipate potential price swings.
  4. Scalping and Momentum Strategies: Scalping involves making quick trades to capture small price movements, while momentum strategies capitalize on trends. These techniques require quick decision-making and a keen understanding of price momentum.
  5. Risk Management: Effective risk management is crucial in day trading. Setting stop-loss orders, defining maximum loss thresholds, and managing position sizes can help traders protect their capital.

Trading Crude Oil Options on Futures

Options on futures provide traders with the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract at a specific price (strike price) on or before a certain date (expiration date). Trading crude oil options on futures allows for more flexibility and risk management.

  1. Hedging Strategies: Crude oil options can be used for hedging purposes, allowing producers and consumers to protect themselves against price fluctuations. For example, a crude oil producer can purchase put options to hedge against a potential price decline.
  2. Directional Strategies: Traders can also use options to speculate on the future price direction of crude oil. Buying call options can provide exposure to potential price increases, while buying put options can provide exposure to potential price decreases.
  3. Spread Strategies: Option spreads involve trading multiple options contracts simultaneously to capitalize on price differentials. Calendar spreads and vertical spreads are common strategies that can be used to take advantage of volatility or time decay.
  4. Implied Volatility Considerations: Implied volatility reflects the market’s expectation of future price volatility. Traders should be aware of implied volatility levels, as it can impact option prices. High implied volatility may make options more expensive.

Cannon Trading Company: Customer Service and TrustPilot Rating

Cannon Trading Company is a brokerage firm known for its services in facilitating various types of trading, including crude oil futures and options on futures. The company’s commitment to customer service plays a crucial role in assisting traders as they navigate the complexities of the commodities markets.

Customer Service Excellence: Cannon Trading Company prides itself on providing exceptional customer service. Their experienced brokers offer personalized assistance, market insights, and trading strategies to help clients make informed decisions.

TrustPilot Rating: The company’s high TrustPilot rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars is a testament to its dedication to customer satisfaction. TrustPilot is a platform where customers can share their experiences with businesses. Such a high rating indicates that customers have found value in Cannon Trading Company’s services and have had positive interactions with their team.

Trading crude oil futures presents opportunities for both institutional and individual traders to capitalize on the volatility and price movements in the energy markets. Understanding the nuances of different crude oil types, utilizing relevant exchanges, and employing effective day trading techniques can help traders navigate this complex market. Moreover, trading options on crude oil futures offers additional strategies for risk management and speculation. As exemplified by Cannon Trading Company’s customer service and high TrustPilot rating, choosing the right brokerage partner can enhance the trading experience and provide valuable support to traders of all levels.

Ready to start trading futures? Call 1(800)454-9572 and speak to one of our experienced, Series-3 licensed futures brokers and start your futures trading journey with Cannon Trading Company today.

DisclaimerTrading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors.  Past performance is not indicative of future results. 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.


Trading Futures Options vs. Trading Commodity Futures

July 17th, 2023 Filed under Trading Guide | Comment (0)

Pros and Cons, Risk vs. Reward, and Techniques for Trading Options on Futures

Read more about trading futures here

Trading futures options and commodity futures are both popular strategies in the financial markets. While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences in their structure, characteristics, and potential benefits and risks. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of trading futures options compared to trading commodity futures, and discuss the risk versus reward dynamics of these approaches. Additionally, we will delve into various techniques used for trading options on futures.

Pros and Cons of Trading Futures Options: Trading futures options offers several advantages. One key benefit is the leverage and potential for higher returns. Options allow traders to control a larger position in the underlying futures contract with a relatively smaller investment. This amplifies the profit potential when the market moves favorably. Additionally, options provide traders with the flexibility to design strategies for different market conditions, including bullish, bearish, and neutral scenarios.

Another advantage of trading futures options is the limited risk involved. Unlike futures contracts, purchased options have a predefined maximum loss, which is limited to the premium paid. This can provide a sense of security for traders, as they know their maximum potential loss upfront. Additionally, options can be used as a hedging tool to protect against adverse price movements in the underlying futures contract.

However, trading futures options also has its drawbacks. Options have an expiration date, which means traders must be mindful of time decay. As the option approaches its expiration, its value may erode rapidly, even if the underlying futures price remains relatively stable. This time decay factor can lead to losses for option buyers if the market does not move in the anticipated direction within the desired timeframe.

Furthermore, liquidity can be a concern when trading futures options. Compared to commodity futures, options markets may have lower liquidity, resulting in wider bid-ask spreads. This can impact the ease of executing trades and may lead to slippage. Traders should consider the liquidity of options on the futures they are interested in before initiating positions.

Risk vs. Reward Dynamics: Trading futures options involves a trade-off between risk and reward. On the risk side, the maximum loss for an options buyer is limited to the premium paid. However, if the market moves against the anticipated direction, the loss can be substantial relative to the premium. This risk can be mitigated by employing risk management techniques, such as stop-loss orders or position sizing based on a predetermined percentage of the trading capital.

On the reward side, trading futures options can offer significant profit potential. When the market moves favorably, options traders can benefit from leverage and achieve higher returns compared to the premium invested. This potential upside can attract traders seeking enhanced profit opportunities. However, it’s important to note that trading futures options requires skillful market analysis and timing to capture these gains.

Techniques for Trading Options on Futures: Several techniques are commonly used when trading options on futures. These include:

  1. Long Call or Put: This is a directional strategy where traders buy call options if they expect an upward price movement or put options if they anticipate a downward price movement in the underlying futures contract.
  2. Covered Call or Put: In this strategy, traders simultaneously own the underlying futures contract and sell a call or put option against it. This technique generates income from the premium received, but limits the potential upside.
  3. Spread Strategies: These involve the simultaneous purchase and sale of multiple options contracts with different strike prices or expiration dates. Examples include vertical spreads (bull call spread, bear put spread), horizontal spreads (calendar spread), and diagonal spreads.
  4. Long Straddle and Strangle: These strategies involve buying both a call and a put option (straddle) or buying out-of-the-money call and put options (strangle) with the expectation of significant price volatility. They can profit from large price swings regardless of the market direction.
  5. Long Butterfly and Condor: These strategies involve combining multiple call and put options to create a position with limited risk and limited profit potential. They are suitable when the trader expects the underlying futures price to remain within a specific range.

It’s important for options traders to understand the characteristics, potential risks, and rewards associated with each strategy. Thorough analysis and consideration of market conditions are crucial for successful options trading.

Trading futures options and commodity futures each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Buying futures options offers leverage, flexibility, and limited risk, but also involves time decay and potential liquidity concerns. It requires careful analysis, risk management, and knowledge of various options trading techniques. On the other hand, trading commodity futures provides direct exposure to the underlying asset, potentially greater liquidity, and no time decay. Traders should carefully assess their risk tolerance, market outlook, and trading goals to determine the most suitable approach for their investment objectives.

Ready to start trading futures? Call 1(800)454-9572 and speak to one of our experienced, Series-3 licensed futures brokers and start your futures trading journey with Cannon Trading Company today.

DisclaimerTrading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency transactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors.  Past performance is not indicative of future results. 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.


Options on Futures for Equity Traders & Support and Resistance Trading Levels 12.28.2021

December 27th, 2021 Filed under Future Trading News, Options Trading | Comment (0)

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Options on Futures for Equity Traders

In this “Options on Futures for Equity Traders” FREE Course you will learn:
  • Understanding Options Contract Details
  • Trading Options on Futures Using Strategies you Already Know
  • Influence of Pricing on the Option for Equity Traders
  • Why Options on Futures Gives Added benefit of Diversifying Risk
  • Trading Options During Economic Events

 

 

 

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 when it comes to Futures Trading.

 

Futures Trading Levels

12-28-2021

 


Economic Reports, Source: 

https://bettertrader.co/ 

 

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 judgement in trading.


Insight into Futures Options & Support and Resistance Levels 12.14.2021

December 13th, 2021 Filed under Future Trading News, Options Trading | Comment (0)

Get Real Time updates and more on our private FB group!

Insight into Futures Options by John Thorpe

if you have read our blog for any length of time you’ll recognize that we believe for some traders, the use of relatively limited risk strategies for trading the Indices using weekly options rather than day trading the futures may be a more appropriate trading vehicle to employ your price analysis and manage your risk, I need to share with those of you who are interested, video vignettes comprising a short course to understanding “Options on Futures” specifically for Equity traders, it’s a 4 part short course I will share with you on this Friday’s “Cannon Weekly Newsletter” risk management is King!
In this “Options on Futures for Equity Traders” FREE Course you will learn:
  • Understanding Options Contract Details
  • Trading Options on Futures Using Strategies you Already Know
  • Influence of Pricing on the Option for Equity Traders
  • Why Options on Futures Gives Added benefit of Diversifying Risk
  • Trading Options During Economic Events
if you missed the course in the Nov 5 newsletter:
, then Friday will be a course with a slightly different angle to which you may reach a better understanding of how options can work for you in your trading arsenal

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 when it comes to Futures Trading.

 

Futures Trading Levels

12-14-2021

Futures Support & Resistance Levels 12.13.2021

 


Economic Reports, Source: 

https://bettertrader.co/ 

BetterTrader Co Reports

 

 

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 judgement in trading.

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