|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
| Instrument | S2 | S1 | Pivot | R1 | R2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gold (GC)— Feb(#GC) |
4159.60 | 4200.40 | 4234.80 | 4275.60 | 4310.00 | ||
Silver (SI)— Mar. (#SI) |
56.51 | 57.89 | 58.61 | 59.99 | 60.70 | ||
Crude Oil (CL)— Jan (#CL) |
57.48 | 58.07 | 58.87 | 59.46 | 60.26 | ||
Mar. Bonds (ZB)— Mar (#ZB) |
115 21/32 | 116 | 116 6/32 | 116 17/32 | 116 23/32 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
At-a-Glance Levels
Bulls are surviving…. For now. |
|
|
Quick Historical Examples
Bottom LineThe 200-day SMA is not magic, but because so many large players watch it and trade it, it has become one of the most important price levels on the chart. For the S&P 500 right now (November 2025), staying above ≈6,150–6,200 keeps the long-term bull market intact. A sustained break below would be a major warning signal that the character of the market has changed. Where is the 200 Day today?As of November 18, 2025 (using the most recent market close on November 17, 2025, as markets are closed over the weekend), the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) for the S&P 500 index is 6,151.63. This value reflects a slight increase of +3.16 (+0.05%) from the prior day, driven by the index’s ongoing bull market momentum. For context:
Mini SP daily chart with the 200 simple moving average below for review! Plan your trade, trade your plan! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
| Instrument | S2 | S1 | Pivot | R1 | R2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gold (GC)— Dec (GCZ5) |
3950.57 | 3995.13 | 4051.37 | 4095.93 | 4152.17 | ||
Silver (SI)— Dec (SIZ5) |
48.38 | 49.17 | 50.14 | 50.94 | 51.91 | ||
Crude Oil (CL)— Dec (CLZ5) |
58.65 | 58.18 | 59.74 | 60.27 | 60.83 | ||
Dec. Bonds (ZB)— Dec (ZBZ5) |
116 | 116 11/32 | 116 22/32 | 117 1/32 | 117 12/32 |

Recent volatility and sharp intraday swings in stock index futures and metals have created unique opportunities for active traders – possibly as an alternative for using futures with a stop loss. One increasingly popular tool for navigating these conditions is Zero-DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) options, available on CME Group’s deep and liquid markets.
Zero-DTE options are contracts that expire on the same day they are traded. CME Group offers same-day expiring options on major benchmarks like E-mini S\&P 500, Nasdaq-100, and key metals futures. These instruments allow traders to capitalize on short-term price action while avoiding overnight risk.
Zero-DTE options on CME Group products can be powerful tools for active traders, but they require knowledge and discipline. Our experienced brokers can help you evaluate strategies, manage risk, and take full advantage of CME’s liquidity and product depth. Contact us today to learn more.
✅ Schedule a one on one No Obligation Broker Consultation
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|



Futures markets are dynamic arenas where traders speculate, hedge, and invest across commodities, indices, currencies, and more. The approaches to futures trading are as diverse as the markets themselves — ranging from fast-paced day trading to long-term position trading, and from discretionary methods to cutting-edge algorithmic systems.
In this article, we’ll explore every major type of futures trading in detail — what defines each, how they work, and which styles suit different trader profiles. Whether you’re just starting trading in futures or already deep into advanced automation, understanding these approaches can help refine your strategy and results.
1. Day Trading Futures
Definition:
Day trading in futures is all about capitalizing on intraday price movements. Traders buy and sell contracts within the same session, closing all positions before the market ends.
Core Features:
Common Methods:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Traders who thrive in fast-paced environments and use advanced platforms for futures trading execution.
2. Swing Trading Futures
Definition:
Swing traders hold futures positions for several days or weeks, seeking to capture short- to mid-term trends rather than intraday volatility.
Core Features:
Techniques:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Professionals who cannot monitor markets constantly but still want meaningful participation in trading in futures.
3. Position Trading Futures
Definition:
Position trading involves holding futures contracts for weeks, months, or even longer — targeting large, fundamental price trends.
Core Features:
Techniques:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Investors and institutions involved in strategic futures trading over macroeconomic cycles.
4. Algorithmic (Algo) Futures Trading
Definition:
Algorithmic trading, or “algo trading,” uses computer programs to automatically execute trades based on coded strategies.
Core Features:
Popular Models:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Quantitative traders, developers, and firms embracing automation in trading futures.
5. Systematic Futures Trading
Definition:
Systematic trading relies on a set of predetermined rules and quantitative models to generate trade signals. It’s the foundation for most professional futures trading systems.
Core Features:
Examples of Systems:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Traders seeking long-term consistency and structure in trading in futures.
6. Discretionary Futures Trading
Definition:
Discretionary traders use experience, intuition, and interpretation rather than fixed systems to make trading decisions.
Core Features:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Experienced individuals who have mastered their emotional discipline and chart interpretation.
7. Spread Trading Futures
Definition:
Spread trading involves taking offsetting long and short positions in related futures contracts to profit from price differentials rather than outright price direction.
Common Types:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Intermediate traders who prefer lower-risk strategies in futures trading.
8. High-Frequency Futures Trading (HFT)
Definition:
HFT uses ultra-fast algorithms and low-latency connections to capture small price inefficiencies in milliseconds.
Core Features:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Institutional participants and prop firms equipped with advanced connectivity.
9. Hedging Futures Trading
Definition:
Hedging uses futures contracts to protect against unfavorable price movements in physical assets or investment portfolios.
Examples:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Commercial entities and portfolio managers mitigating exposure through trading futures.
10. Quantitative Futures Trading
Definition:
Quantitative trading combines mathematics, statistics, and machine learning to design predictive trading models.
Core Features:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Data scientists and institutional desks focused on predictive futures trading models.
11. News-Based Futures Trading
Definition:
News-based traders act on price volatility triggered by economic releases, earnings, or geopolitical events.
Core Features:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Traders with access to fast data feeds and economic calendars.
12. Arbitrage Futures Trading
Definition:
Arbitrage exploits pricing inefficiencies between related instruments or markets to generate low-risk profits.
Examples:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: Institutional or quantitative traders with robust execution infrastructure.
13. Social and Copy Futures Trading
Definition:
A modern trend in trading in futures, social or copy trading allows users to replicate trades of experienced professionals through integrated brokerage platforms.
Core Features:
Advantages:
Risks:
Ideal for: New traders looking to learn futures trading while participating in live markets.
Choosing the Right Futures Trading Style
Each method of trading futures comes with distinct benefits and challenges. The key is matching your capital, risk tolerance, and lifestyle to the right approach.
|
Trading Style |
Holding Period | Main Tools | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Trading | Minutes–Hours | Charts, order flow | Active traders |
| Swing Trading | Days–Weeks | Technical + Fundamental | Balanced traders |
| Position Trading | Weeks–Months | Macroeconomics | Long-term investors |
| Algorithmic / Systematic | Milliseconds–Days | Data models | Quant traders |
| Discretionary | Variable | Experience + Intuition | Veteran traders |
| Spread / Hedging | Weeks–Months | Correlation analysis | Risk managers |
| Arbitrage / Quantitative | Seconds–Days | Statistical models |
Institutions |
The best strategy often blends multiple approaches — for example, combining systematic entry rules with discretionary exits, or using algo-driven signals to refine swing trades. The diversity of trading in futures strategies is what makes the market both challenging and rewarding.
The Power of Strategy in Futures Trading
Success in futures trading doesn’t come from predicting every market move but from developing a structured plan and following it with consistency. The type of strategy you choose defines your routine, tools, and mindset.
Whether you prefer the adrenaline of day trading, the structure of systematic models, or the depth of position trading, remember that risk management and discipline are the true foundations of profitable trading in futures.


For over 35 years, Cannon Trading Company has been a trusted name in the U.S. futures industry — offering access to powerful platforms, transparent pricing, and personalized support. Whether you’re exploring algorithmic trading, discretionary trading in futures, or professional futures trading for hedging and speculation, Cannon Trading’s experienced brokers and platform variety help you trade smarter and safer.
Explore the next level of trading futures with tailored brokerage solutions, competitive margins, and dedicated customer service — all under one roof.
Open a Futures Trading Account with Cannon Trading Company and experience the difference that expertise and technology make.
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
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|