futures trading education

CME Fees Increase Update:

Effective tomorrow, February 1, the CME Group is raising the exchange fees for a number of futures contracts.

For the CME E-mini equity products: E-mini S&P 500 (ES), E-mini Nasdaq (NQ), E-mini Dow Jones (YM) and E-mini Russelll 2000 (RTY), fees are going up by 5 cents, from $1.33 to $1.38

For the NYMEX energy products: Crude oil (CL), Heating oil (HO), RBOB Unleaded gas (RBOB) and Natural gas (NG) fees are going up by 10 cents, from $1.50 to $1.60

For the COMEX metals products: Gold (GC), Silver (SI), Copper (HG) and Platinum (PL) fees are going up by 5 cents, from $1.55 to $1.60

For the COMEX E-mini metals products: miNY gold (QO), miNY silver (QI), miNY copper (QC) fees are going up by 25 cents, from $0.75 to $1.00

All other products / symbols will remain the same.

Daily Levels for February 1st, 2024

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* 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.

March is front month for stock indices.

Symbol for March is H, so example ESH24

FOMC Rate decision tomorrow.

The last few FOMC meetings I looked for trades until around 930 AM Central time and then somewhat “took a step back”.

I would then follow closely around 1 PM Central when the announcement comes out but try to not pull the trigger until 1:15/ 1:30 when the smoke clears.

This is of course just my personal preferences and every trader is different.

Take notes after the trading session so you can look back and refer the next FOMC meeting….

Below are some additional tips/observations I have taken notes of for myself:

·    ·Reduce trading size

·    Be extra picky = no trade is better than a bad trade

·    Choose entry points wisely. Look at longer time frame support and resistance for entry. Take the approach of entering at points where you normally would have placed protective stops. Example, trader x looking to go long the mini SP at 4425.00 with a stop at 4419.00, instead “stretch the price bands” due to volatility and place an entry order to buy at 4419.75 and place a stop a few points below in this hypothetical example ( consider current volatility along with support and resistance levels).

·    Expect the higher volatility during and right after the announcement

·    Expect to see some “vacuum” ( low volume, big zigzags) right before the number.

·    Consider using automated stops and limits attached to your entry order as the market can move very fast at times.

·    Know what the market was expecting, learn what came out and observe market reaction for clues

·    The rate announcement comes out exactly at 1 PM central. As of this morning there is a 98% chance of no change in rates.

·    Traders will pay EXTRA attention to the language and the Q&A which starts at 1:30 PM Central

·    Be patient and be disciplined

·    If in doubt, stay out!!

Daily Levels for January 31st 2024

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Get access to proprietary indicators and trading methods, consult with an experienced broker at 1-800-454-9572.

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* 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.