Random Trading Thoughts shared by your Futures Broker….. 7.21.2017

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Some thoughts I wrote down the last few days….Random but may help some traders….

1. Why do so many traders ONLY trade the mini SP? There are other markets out here to trade  …
2. Do some new traders understand that certain markets have LIMIT UP and LIMIT DOWN moves??
3. Wow…the way many of the markets are trading today is quite different than how they traded 7 years ago….
4. I wonder how many of my clients know about the weekly options ( the mini SP actually has Monday, Wednesday and Friday expiration…) – some traders who complain about getting stopped, should pick up the phone and learn more about these options. Continue reading “Random Trading Thoughts shared by your Futures Broker….. 7.21.2017”

FOMC Notes & Economic Reports 7.31.2014

Hello Traders,

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

FOMC notes from Econoday.com:

Policy rates are unchanged. Taper remains on schedule to end with the October FOMC meeting. Policy rates are to remain low for a “considerable time” after the end of taper. Plosser dissented, objecting to “considerable time” phrase.

Emphasis was on the labor market which was upgraded with the comment, “Labor market conditions have improved , with the unemployment rate declining further.” But it was also noted, “a range of labor market indicators suggests that there remains significant underutilization of labor resources.”

The economy is seen as having rebounded from the anemic first quarter with household spending rising moderately and business fixed investment advancing. Housing is seen as remaining slow.

Inflation is closer to the Fed’s long-term goal and longer-term inflation expectations have remained stable.

Due to continued progress in the labor market, the FOMC decided to take a further measured reduction in asset purchases.

“Beginning in August, the Committee will add to its holdings of agency mortgage-backed securities at a pace of $10 billion per month rather than $15 billion per month, and will add to its holdings of longer-term Treasury securities at a pace of $15 billion per month rather than $20 billion per month. The Committee is maintaining its existing policy of reinvesting principal payments from its holdings of agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities in agency mortgage-backed securities and of rolling over maturing Treasury securities at auction.”

Continue reading “FOMC Notes & Economic Reports 7.31.2014”

FOMC Interest Rate Decision Tomorrow & Economic Reports 7.30.2014

Hello Traders,

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

The FOMC interest rate decision is due at 14:00 ET in the US tomorrow ( Wednesday, July 30th ).

FOMC days have different characteristics than other trading days. If you have traded for a while, check your trading notes from past FOMC days that may help you prepare for tomorrow.

If you are a newcomer, take a more conservative approach and make sure you understand that the news can really move the market.

The following are suggestions on trading during FOMC days:

  • 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 1965.00 with a stop at 1959.00, instead “stretch the price bands” due to volatility and place an entry order to buy at 1959.75 and place a stop a few points below in this hypothetical example.
  • 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.
  • This is another great example why a trading journal would be an asset, as you can go back and check your notes from previous FOMC days.
  • Be patient and be disciplined.

Continue reading “FOMC Interest Rate Decision Tomorrow & Economic Reports 7.30.2014”

Crude Oil Futures Renko Charts & Economic Reports 7.23.2014

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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 July 23, 2014

Hello Traders,

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

I mentioned in previous posts that I am getting to like range bar charts and Renko charts more and more when it comes for very short term trading.

The main reason why I like these type of charts along with volume charts when it comes to any time frame less than 10 minutes is because I think it helps filter out noise during slow times and help you get a quicker signal when there is time of heavier action in the market.

Example, let’s say you are using a 5 minute chart along with certain studies, to make a simple example, moving averages cross overs. Before you get a signal, the 5 minute bar has to finish so you can see the value of the moving averages and see if you got a cross over or not. There are times when the market is fast with heavy volume and you may miss 80% of the move because 5 minutes can be a long time for day traders…..On the other hand if you are using Renko/volume charts/Range bars and there is good volume, fast action, these bars will complete much faster to provide a much faster signal. On the same token, if the market is slow with low volume, you will sometimes get your moving averages cross over simply because time has passed….With volume / Renko charts you may be able to filter this out simply because the bars WONT complete unless there is enough volume/ price action. Obviously, these type of charts are by no means “holly grail” but I think one should observe and pay attention to the type of charts especially if you are a short term day trader.

Below is an example of crude oil 18 ticks range bar from today as well as a 5 minutes chart from today with the same studies/ conditions applied just to get a visual idea. If you like to try out the same charts I am sharing, feel free to contact Cannon Futures Trading and we will set you up for a free trial:

Crude Oil 5 minute chart 7-22-2014

Crude Oil 5 Minute Chart 7-22-2014
Crude Oil 5 Minute Chart 7-22-2014

Continue reading “Crude Oil Futures Renko Charts & Economic Reports 7.23.2014”

Futures Levels & Economic Reports 7.09.2014

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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 July 9, 2014

Hello Traders,

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

I am not sure if it is the overbought conditions stock index futures are in, perhaps fear of the start of earning season or maybe it is the tense situation over in Israel/ Middle East – but the result today was one of the more meaningful down days of the last few months along with above avg. volume.


Not sure it is anything more than normal market action after indices made all time highs last week….I am a little more skeptic now days when it comes to the short side of the indices. That been said, if September SP500 can break below 1952 ( just a bit below today’s lows) I think we have higher chances of a continuation lower.

In between, know what time frame you are trading, know your rules, your objectives, accept the fact that you will have good and bad trading days and measure your progress after you define what it is.

3 Risks of Using a Discount Futures Broker

With the advent of technology, the means to communicate clear objectives, or with any human, drives most people to ignore full-service futures brokers. Why? It is a spirit of independence. Computers have created a superhighway of trading, and accelerated the pace at which commodities, stocks, in short the financial market operates. These various methods have raised barriers between clients and full-service brokers, but given rise to- discount futures brokers. In reality, what the future of the financial markets beckons, is a direct and honest appraisal of the quick and easy model, versus the client and broker relationship. If the “Great Recession” taught us all anything, if you are not vigilant, or the means to track your investment, there is an inherent risk.

Knowledge vs. Education

Brain to Understanding is to hat on a head, both are useful, if absolutely used for maximum benefits to create larger profits to debt losses. Most experienced futures brokers understand the full scope of the financial market, and this long range vision gives insight into the behaviors of certain commodities. Conversely, when opting out of choosing a full-service futures broker, you are presented with limited tools, vision and insight.

Vision, in the entrepreneurial sense, is the act or power of anticipating what will come to be. If you are a newcomer, choosing discount futures brokers, may lead to a lack discernment or experience to sell or buy at appropriate times to gain the maximum profit, while minimizing the loss. This vital quality reigns supreme on experienced traders in the financial sector. However, the key to having a strong vision is insight.

Insight varies to vision, in that you see both near and far and eventually the end result of a business decision. Good judgment plays an integral part in evaluating leverage metrics, whether using gold as a hedge, or evident world events that will signal either a sharp decline or increase in the markets.

Overall, vision and insight, help with the learning curve in the futures market. In addition, being green in this market can cost you a great deal of time and money. Adding vision and insight to your expansive market toolbox can aid in shortening common investment mistakes, with the aid of the seasoned futures broker as your guide. Conversely, selecting a discount futures broker, they may not have the ability to reign in your decision making. Bad decisions – loss of profit. Consequently, bucking traditional wisdom, you could lose larger returns, and run into dangerous investment decisions.

Continue reading “3 Risks of Using a Discount Futures Broker”

Top Things to Consider When Choosing a Futures Broker

With many economists, researchers and traders calling for the next bull market in commodities, and you have disposable risk capital to take advantage of these potential trends you may be asking yourself – How can I begin my search for a solid reliable Futures Broker? I have included 9 items below that you should be cognizant of to assist you in finding a reliable partner for your commodity trading needs.

1. The Futures Brokers history

How long has the Futures Broker been in business? What is the commodity trading brokers regulatory history? you can check here by selecting BASIC then responding to the prompts to bring up a regulatory profile of the firms or individuals that you are interested in researching. http://www.nfa.futures.org/ Many times you will be able to find a nuisance regulatory issue and other times you may find regulatory actions that would cause you to pause. If you pause, move on to another broker as all legitimate Commodity Futures Brokers must be registered with the National Futures Association (NFA). if you can’t find your broker on the NFA website, you may not be dealing with a regulated entity.

2. Trading Platform choices

You would be looking for a Discount Futures broker if platform choice is critical to your trading strategy. Opportunities to use a variety of tools and risk management software to enhance your trading experience as an online, self-directed trader will vastly improve your traders toolbox. Preferably you will want to use a Discount futures broker that can offer a wide array of trading solutions software to execute your plan. Not all Platforms and Data feeds are alike and in this day of wifi and internet , the speed and accuracy of your software will be critical to your success, not to mention the bandwidth you will be piping into your computer.

Continue reading “Top Things to Consider When Choosing a Futures Broker”

Important Factors When Choosing a Futures Broker

Choosing a Futures Broker can be somewhat of a daunting task. Most popular factors I see considered: cost, customer service, experience and knowledge. Going through the process of one’s own due diligence of researching your broker’s firm, trying a futures platform and comparing costs is a process one must take to find a broker that fits him or her.

Being a broker myself, I hear many concerns about cost before I even here about the type of future trading platform one would like to be set up with that fit his or her trading style. Please note cost should not be all when choosing a futures broker. Most reasonable and competitive commission quotes, for example the mini S&P cost less than half a tick. Unless you are trading high volume, less than half a tick should not hurt your account balance per round turn. When you look for “deep discount” commodity brokers, these brokers may provide you with an appealing commission cost but they may lack quality service and or even knowledge of the futures/commodities markets. This happens countless times in the industry; where clients will sacrifice service and knowledge of a broker for fifty cents less in commission because a lower commission cost seems to be more important for a client. Please be aware commission costs are only one ingredient of choosing a broker when trading futures.

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Futures Trading Levels

A more important component, I believe to be than cost when choosing a futures broker is customer service. Always note how long it takes your broker to respond for example to an email you send him or her. Does your broker respond in a timely manner? If your request was urgent did he/she give you the attention that’s required to solve the issue? These are very important factors one must consider when choosing a broker. If you, the client, end up with a commodities broker who is non responsive and not willing to help when the time is needed, there will be no value in you having a broker.

Look for the added values your broker can provide to help increase your success in futures trading, such as experience and knowledge. In my opinion, a great futures broker wants their clients to be successful in futures trading. Never be afraid to use your broker to pick his or her brain about the futures markets you are trading; go over strategies that you are using but may not be working for you. You choose your broker for a reason and your broker’s job is to service your futures account; be able to help you with your trading platform and every so often give his or her opinion of the markets you are trading if it’s asked by the client. In many “deep discount” firms, brokers seem to lack this type of service. I have seen many times where the client is left to figure out the platform themselves and are trading blindly because they lack direction from a licensed broker.

Although I agree that cost is a large component when choosing a broker, always consider the other factors such as customer service, knowledge and experience. Because if a broker lacks those three qualities but can provide you only cost, you may see your account having a shorter life span in the futures markets.

SPECIAL NOTE: 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.

Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports for May 15, 2013

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 May 15, 2013

Hello Traders,

For 2013 I would like to wish all of you discipline and patience in your trading! 

Below is a daily chart of the mini Russell 2000 for review with potential extensions to the top side along with possible support lines.

Continue reading “Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports for May 15, 2013”