Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports for January 25, 2011

I wrote the following last Thursday as SP, NASDAQ and Russell 2000 were selling off a bit:”Last two days we saw the first meaningful price decline in more than a few good weeks.

Still we are not getting a confirmation from the Dow Jones index that this potential
I would like to see for a larger scale sell off. ”

So while I still think stock indices are over valued and due for a correction, I definitely don’t think it is wise to try and “predict tops and bottoms” and in this case it is trying to pick tops.

I rather wait for a good signal along with good risk/ reward set up.

The chart below if of the Dow Jones CASH INDEX (not the futures contract). I would take a shot at a short position if the cash can break below 11,862, otherwise it looks like the Dow may want to work its way towards the 12439. I use this technique of entering certain positions if prices break above or below certain levels as it gives me more confidence in market direction. I call it “Price Confirmation”

SP-500-Day-Trading-2011-01-25

Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results.
The risk of loss in trading can be substantial, carefully consider the inherent risks of such an investment in light of your financial condition. Continue reading “Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports for January 25, 2011”

Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports for December 20, 2010

Market is acting a bit funny….reason i am saying that is that we are trading at relatively HIGH prices, over 52 weeks highs, yet the volatility is at a very low level….

What i have noticed over the years is the wave pattern of volatility….from extremely high volatility to extremely low volatility and goes again….so now the question is when is the next wave of higher volatility starts?

Have a great weekend, successful trading week ahead ( only 4 trading days next week, with Thursday packed with economic numbers).

I will be out of the office until Jan. 3rd but you will receive levels and reports published by colleague here at cannon.

happy Holidays and great trading in 2011! Continue reading “Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports for December 20, 2010”

Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports Schedule for December 14th 2010

We are now trading MARCH contracts for all e-minis, stock indices, financials and CURRENCIES.

FOMC tomorrow and before that more than a few economic numbers.

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.

My observations suggest choppy, low volume up until announcement, followed by some some sharp volatile moves right during and after the announcement. However, with tomorrow early morning reports, we may see more volatility duirng first couple of hours as well. Continue reading “Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports Schedule for December 14th 2010”

Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports for December 13th 2010

December to March Rollover Notice

We are now trading MARCH contracts for all e-minis, stock indices, financials and CURRENCIES.

I think next week we should see some volatility with economic reports due along with FOMC. Please see next reports below.

I think the following quote is so appropriate in our business….

“One cannot do anything about yesterday”

Wishing you a great weekend. Continue reading “Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports for December 13th 2010”

Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports for December 7th 2010

Today was a “slow trading day” when it came to stock indices, which leads me to a good point I would like to make. Most of our day traders, trade the e-mini stock index futures, mostly the mini SP because of its heavy daily volume and exposure.

However, I think that day-traders should be able to follow at least another market, maybe even two additional markets and look for different set up in these markets as well.

Good example from today is the Euro currency. While the mini SP was pretty dead….the Euro had nice range, good volatility and good volume which presents both risks and opportunities for day-traders.

Obviously, before you start trading a new market you should educate yourself on tick size, trading hours, “personality”, when is there more volume in that specific contract etc.

If you do so, I think you will achieve a couple of things, first is diversification. While some days trades in certain market may not work, trades in a different market may provide balance.

Also, if on certain days, certain markets are “sleepy” ( which most day-traders do NOT like), another market may have more action….

As always, do your homework, practice in simulation mode first and make sure you understand the “new contract” you may be trading along with the risks involved.

Below is a screen shot of the Euro Currency from todays webinar session :
( free trial at – https://www.cannontrading.com/tools/intraday-futures-trading-signals )

SP-500-Day-Trading-2010-12-07 Continue reading “Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports for December 7th 2010”