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Tag: Online Futures Trading

Navigating Online Commodities Trading: The Role of Commodity Brokers and the Cannon Trading Advantage

Posted on by Cannon Operations

Read more about commodities trading with Cannon Trading Company here.

Commodity trading has long been a cornerstone of global markets, providing investors with the opportunity to participate in the fluctuating prices of essential raw materials, from precious metals like gold and silver to agricultural products such as wheat and soybeans. In the modern era, the advent of online commodities trading has democratized access to these markets, making it possible for traders of all backgrounds to engage in commodity trading from the comfort of their homes or offices. However, to embark on a successful online commodities trading venture, one needs the guidance and support of a reputable commodity broker. Cannon Trading Company, with its 35 years in business, multiple awards, and a stellar TrustPilot rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, stands as a prime example of what traders should seek in a commodity broker.

 

Understanding Commodity Brokers and Online Commodities Trading

  1. Commodity Brokers: Commodity brokers are intermediaries or professionals who facilitate the buying and selling of commodity futures contracts on behalf of their clients. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that traders have access to the commodities markets, receive efficient execution of their trades, and benefit from valuable insights and expertise.
  2. Commodity Trading: Commodity trading involves speculating on the future price movements of various physical goods or raw materials. These goods can be classified into categories such as energy commodities (e.g., crude oil), agricultural commodities (e.g., corn), and precious metals (e.g., gold). Traders can profit from price fluctuations by entering into futures contracts, which obligate them to buy or sell the underlying commodity at a predetermined price on a specified future date.
  3. Online Commodities Trading: The advent of online trading platforms has revolutionized commodity trading. Traders can access these platforms through commodity brokerage firms and execute trades in real-time. Online commodities trading offers convenience, accessibility, and a wide array of trading tools and resources.

Choosing the right commodity broker is pivotal to the success of your online commodities trading venture. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating a commodity broker:

  1. Experience and Reputation: A commodity broker with a solid track record and reputation is essential. Look for firms with years of experience in the industry and a history of satisfied clients.
  2. Range of Commodities: Ensure that the broker provides access to a diverse range of commodities, including energy, agricultural, and precious metals. This allows you to diversify your portfolio and explore different markets.
  3. Trading Tools: Evaluate the trading tools and platforms offered by the broker. These should be user-friendly, offer real-time data, and support advanced analysis techniques. A reliable platform can significantly enhance your trading experience.
  4. Customer Support: Effective customer support is crucial in commodities trading. You should be able to reach out to the broker’s support team quickly and receive prompt assistance, especially in times of market volatility.
  5. Educational Resources: Look for brokers that offer educational resources such as webinars, seminars, market analysis, and trading guides. These resources can help you improve your trading skills and make informed decisions.
  6. Fees and Commissions: Understand the fee structure of the broker, including commissions and spreads. Compare these fees to ensure they align with your trading budget and objectives.
  7. Regulation and Security: Verify that the broker is regulated by relevant authorities. Regulatory compliance is a sign of a trustworthy broker. Additionally, ensure that the broker’s online trading platform is secure and employs encryption to protect your data and transactions.

Cannon Trading Company: A Leading Futures Brokerage

Cannon Trading Company stands as a shining example of a leading futures brokerage that embodies all the qualities and features traders should seek in a commodity broker for their online commodities trading venture.

  1. 35 Years in Business: The longevity of Cannon Trading Company in the industry speaks volumes about its reliability and commitment to its clients. With 35 years of experience, the firm has weathered market fluctuations and adapted to the evolving landscape of commodities trading.
  2. Multiple Award-Winning Firm: Cannon Trading has garnered numerous awards and accolades over the years, underscoring its excellence in the field of commodities trading. These awards serve as a testament to the firm’s dedication to providing top-notch services to its clients.
  3. TrustPilot Rating: Cannon Trading Company’s remarkable TrustPilot rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars solidifies its reputation as a trusted and reputable commodity broker. TrustPilot is a renowned platform for customer reviews and ratings, known for its transparency and authenticity. Achieving such a high rating reflects the firm’s consistent commitment to customer satisfaction.

Cannon Trading Company’s Commitment to Excellence

Cannon Trading Company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence in commodities trading. Here are some key attributes that have contributed to its success and high TrustPilot rating:

  1. Expertise: The team at Cannon Trading comprises knowledgeable professionals with years of experience in commodities markets. Their expertise allows them to provide valuable insights and guidance to traders.
  2. Wide Range of Commodities: Cannon Trading offers access to a diverse range of commodities, allowing traders to explore various markets and diversify their portfolios.
  3. Trading Tools: The firm provides a range of trading tools and platforms designed to meet the needs of traders at all levels of expertise. These platforms are user-friendly and offer real-time data and analysis tools.
  4. Customer Support: Cannon Trading’s customer support team is readily accessible and responsive. They understand the importance of prompt assistance, especially in the fast-paced world of commodities trading.
  5. Educational Resources: The company offers educational resources, including webinars, seminars, and market analysis reports, to help traders enhance their knowledge and skills.
  6. Regulation and Security: Cannon Trading Company is regulated by relevant authorities, ensuring compliance with industry standards. The firm also prioritizes the security of its clients’ data and transactions.

 

Embarking on an online commodities trading venture requires careful consideration of the commodity broker you choose to partner with. The success of your trading endeavors hinges on factors such as the broker’s experience, reputation, range of commodities, trading tools, customer support, educational resources, fees, and security measures. Cannon Trading Company, with its 35 years in business, multiple awards, and a stellar TrustPilot rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, exemplifies the qualities and features traders should seek in a commodity broker.

In a market where trust, reliability, and expertise are paramount, Cannon Trading Company stands out as a leader in the field of online commodities trading. Whether you’re a seasoned commodities trader or just starting your journey in this exciting market, partnering with Cannon Trading Company can provide you with the support and resources needed to navigate the complexities of commodities trading and pursue your investment goals with confidence.

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.

 

Revolutionizing Futures Trading: Cannon Online Futures Trading

Posted on by Cannon Operations

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

In the world of finance, futures trading is a powerful tool for investors to speculate on the future price of various assets, including commodities, currencies, and financial indices. In recent years, with the advancement of technology, online futures trading has gained immense popularity among traders and investors. One company that stands out in this realm is Cannon Trading Company, offering a range of features that set it apart in the online futures trading industry. With multiple trading platforms, superb customer support, and a solid reputation on TrustPilot, Cannon Online Futures Trading has become a go-to choice for futures traders seeking reliability and efficiency.

Understanding Online Futures Trading

Futures trading is a financial strategy that involves speculating on the future price of an asset, such as gold, oil, or stock market indices. It allows traders to enter into contracts obligating them to buy or sell the asset at a predetermined price on a specified future date. This provides an opportunity to profit from price movements, whether they are rising or falling.

Online futures trading, as the name suggests, involves executing these transactions through online platforms provided by brokerage firms. This method offers numerous advantages, including accessibility, convenience, and the ability to execute trades in real-time. Traders can monitor market conditions, analyze charts, and execute orders from the comfort of their homes or offices.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Futures Broker

Choosing the right futures broker is a crucial step for any trader or investor. The brokerage you select can significantly impact your trading experience, affecting everything from order execution speed to customer support. Cannon Trading Company is a brokerage firm that has gained recognition for its exceptional services and features, making it a top choice for those engaged in online futures trading.

Cannon Trading Company: A Game-Changer in Online Futures Trading

  1. Multiple Trading Platforms

One of the standout features of Cannon Online Futures Trading is its offering of multiple trading platforms. These platforms cater to a wide range of traders, from beginners to experienced professionals, ensuring that everyone can find a solution that suits their needs.

  1. CQG: For the advanced trader looking for powerful tools and real-time data, Cannon offers the CQG platform. CQG is known for its robust charting capabilities, risk management tools, and access to a vast array of global markets.
  2. NinjaTrader: NinjaTrader is a popular choice for traders seeking a customizable platform. With features like automated trading strategies and extensive analysis tools, it appeals to those who want to tailor their trading environment.
  3. TradingView: Cannon Trading Company also integrates with TradingView, a versatile platform known for its intuitive user interface and social networking features. This platform is ideal for traders who value community-driven insights and collaborative trading.

Having access to multiple platforms means that traders can select the one that aligns best with their trading style and preferences. This flexibility is invaluable in the dynamic world of futures trading.

 

  1. Exceptional Customer Support

In the realm of online futures trading, where time can be of the essence, having access to responsive customer support is critical. Cannon Trading Company excels in this regard. Their commitment to providing top-notch support has earned them the highest ratings on TrustPilot, a testament to their dedication to client satisfaction.

When a futures trader needs assistance or has questions about their trades, they don’t want to wait endlessly for the phone to ring or for an email response. Cannon Trading understands this and ensures that their customers have quick and easy access to knowledgeable professionals who can address their concerns promptly.

  1. TrustPilot Reputation

TrustPilot is a widely recognized platform for customer reviews and ratings. A high TrustPilot rating indicates a company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and trustworthiness. Cannon Trading Company’s status as the highest-rated futures brokerage on TrustPilot speaks volumes about the quality of service and support they provide to their clients.

With numerous positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers, Cannon Trading has demonstrated its ability to consistently meet the expectations of online futures traders. This solid reputation instills confidence in traders and investors alike, making Cannon a preferred choice in the highly competitive futures trading industry.

Why Online Futures Trading?

Online futures trading offers several advantages over traditional methods of trading futures contracts. Let’s explore some of these benefits:

  1. Accessibility: Online trading platforms are accessible 24/7, allowing traders to monitor and execute trades at any time, irrespective of their geographical location. This accessibility is particularly valuable in a global marketplace where markets operate in different time zones.
  2. Cost-Efficiency: Online futures trading often involves lower transaction costs compared to traditional methods. Many online brokers offer competitive commission rates, which can significantly reduce trading expenses.
  3. Real-Time Information: Online platforms provide traders with real-time market data, news, and charts. This instant access to information enables traders to make informed decisions quickly.
  4. Automation: Many online trading platforms offer automation tools like algorithmic trading and stop-loss orders. These features can help traders implement their strategies more efficiently and reduce emotional trading.
  5. Diverse Asset Classes: Online futures trading platforms typically offer access to a wide range of asset classes, including commodities, currencies, stock indices, and interest rate futures. This diversification allows traders to explore various markets and diversify their portfolios.
  6. Risk Management: Online platforms often provide risk management tools that allow traders to set stop-loss and take-profit orders, helping to manage risk effectively.

Online futures trading has become a cornerstone of modern finance, empowering traders and investors with the ability to speculate on a wide range of assets. Cannon Trading Company has emerged as a leader in this field, offering a variety of features that cater to the diverse needs of traders. With multiple trading platforms, exceptional customer support, and a sterling reputation on TrustPilot, Cannon Online Futures Trading sets a high standard in the industry.

For those seeking to enter the exciting world of futures trading or looking for a reliable brokerage partner, Cannon Trading Company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and its dedication to providing cutting-edge trading tools make it a compelling choice. As technology continues to shape the financial industry, Cannon Trading stands at the forefront, ready to empower traders to make informed decisions and navigate the complex world of futures trading with confidence.

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.

Using Time and Price Tools To Pinpoint A Sell on Mini NASDAQ Futures 3.11.2015

Posted on by Ilan

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 March 11, 2015

Hello Traders,

For 2015 I would like to wish all of you discipline and patience in your trading!

Hello Traders,

I wrote this piece about possible timing for a sell on mini NASDAQ 100 futures last week on equities.com.

I should have shared it earlier than today but it will still give you a look at possible support and future direction on stock index futures. It was actually FUN to see that my initial target of 4329 I wrote about 5 days ago was met almost to the exact today ( mini nasdaq low was 4328.50)

Using Time and Price Tools To Pinpoint A Sell on Mini NASDAQ Futures

As we near the end of the earning season and the NASDAQ composite is hitting that psychological mark of 5000, I thought it would be interesting to look at mini NASDAQ futures.

There is a difference between the NASDAQ composite we follow on the news and the NASDAQ 100 futures. The NASDAQ 100 futures follow the cash index of 100 NASDAQ stocks. The popular NASDAQ cash index we see often on the news is made up of more than 3000 components. Nonetheless, there is a very high correlation.

Rather than talk about fundamentals (Does it matter? it seems that we are still riding the fumes of QE’s….) I decided to take a look at the relationship between time and price to see at what level and at what price it may be worth to take a stab at a short position on mini NASDAQ 100 futures.

I measured the distance between the lows made on Oct. 20, 2014 and the high made on Nov. 28, 2014, then I applied that distance on what I consider to be a support level on the chart at 4081.50, that projected a resistance at 4481 (yesterday’s high was 4183.50).

Continue reading “Using Time and Price Tools To Pinpoint A Sell on Mini NASDAQ Futures 3.11.2015”

SP 500 Futures Testing Major Support Zone – Levels & Reports for 8.8.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Hello Traders,

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

SP 500 made new lows and about to test a series of support levels as one can see in the daily chart below:

We have few levels of support between 1885 and 1896.50 in case we break again below the psychological 1900 mark.

I mentioned a couple of days ago support of 1795 by mistake and was asked by few of the readers. That was a typo the support I meant to write is 1895.

Looks like we will visit that level and zone very soon, maybe as early as night session. My best guess is for an initial bounce of that level. Just a guess. Either way I will look to see what kind of reaction we get if and when we get down there.

A strong bounce may signal some more upside, however a break below 1895-1885 level may actually make my 1795 typo into a reality… 822

Continue reading “SP 500 Futures Testing Major Support Zone – Levels & Reports for 8.8.2014”

Day Trading Money Management + Levels & Reports for 8.7.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Hello Traders,

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

A word or two about day-trading and money management…..

 

 

 

Trading futures and even more so, day-trading futures has grown significantly over the last few years, as seen by the increase in daily volume on some of the more popular electronic markets. (The Mini SP had 3,575,702 contracts traded on February 27th! Yes, that is 3.575 MILLION contracts….)

New traders as well as more experienced traders often wonder and search for the “holy grail” and the answer is different for each trader. Many factors influence what may be a good route for one trader versus a better alternative for another. Experience, risk tolerance, the person’s schedule, financial situation along with other factors will greatly influence what is a suitable trading method for one trader or another.

One COMMON solution different traders can implement when it comes to day-trading is what I call: “Treat your daily Profit/Loss as you would treat an open trade” and allow me to expand:

As brokers we have seen different traders survive in this business, making progress and even getting to the point of consistently finding their set ups, however their main downfall is that “one bad day” where they may give up recent gains, lose a large percentage of their account or even lose their whole account.

A practical solution for eliminating those disastrous days and giving you a better chance for survival is using “stop losses, trailing stop losses and daily stop limits” for every given trading day.

Let’s assume for hypothetical purposes that trader A is day-trading with $10,000 of risk capital. Part of her preparation for trading should be an understanding of her trading style, how active she is, how much on average does she risk per trade and other factors to help her calculate what her DAILY LOSS LIMIT should be. If you as a trader can be discipline enough to set your own daily loss limit and on days when you have reached your daily loss limit, simply stop trading for that day, you will give yourself better odds in surviving the day-trading arena and preventing days where you may loss a big portion of your account. Surviving to trade another day is a crucial element when it comes to day-trading.

Continue reading “Day Trading Money Management + Levels & Reports for 8.7.2014”

3 Points to Futures Trading Psychology & Economic Reports 7.25.2014

Posted on by Ilan

Hello Traders,

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

Many different ways to make and lose money trading futures, even more so when day trading.

Today’s action in stock index futures led me to write about:

Three main approaches out there in my opinion.

  1. The first is what I call the “trend is your friend”. A trader looks at few different time frames, looking to see if there is an established trend on longer time frame (example 60 minutes chart) and then trying to look for pull back on lower time frames and “join the trend”. Only works for certain markets and only works few times of the month as most days markets do not have an intraday trend.
  2. Second method is what we call break out. Traders will look for markets that have been in a lower volatility situation using indicators such as ADX for example. Then they will look at the chart to find what they feel are levels that if broken can fuel a stronger move in the same direction. These levels can be extracted visually looking at the chart or using highs/ lows of X periods. This method works better on some markets than others. I noticed that crude oil and gold futures tend to have better chances of a continued breakout move than the mini SP 500 for example.
  3. The third one many traders use and believe in is “mean reversion”. Stock index futures in my opinion will fall into this category many trading days and today’s session ( July 24th 2014) was a good example. Market tested yesterday’s highs, then tested lows and traded in between. Traders will sometimes use RSI or Williams %R to get a feel for when the market gets away from the mean and will use counter trend methods in this case. Use of stops when counter trend trading is even more important as you do NOT want to get caught on the few days a month when these markets do incur a break out situation…..

Continue reading “3 Points to Futures Trading Psychology & Economic Reports 7.25.2014”

Futures Mini Indices Volume and Mini S&P Chart 4.22.2014

Posted on by Ilan

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 Tuesday April 22, 2014

Hello Traders,

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

Extremely light volume in the markets today as Europe was still on a holiday. Volume in the mini SP contract was about 35% of the average normal daily volume as of lately. I suspect that both market participants and volatility should return tomorrow from the Easter holiday.

Daily chart of the mini SP for your review below:

805

Continue reading “Futures Mini Indices Volume and Mini S&P Chart 4.22.2014”

Triangles Offer Traders Important Forecasting Information by Elliot Wave International 4.11.2014

Posted on by Ilan

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 Friday April 11, 2014


Hello Traders,

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

Triangles Offer Traders Important Forecasting Information
Find out about 14 Elliott wave trading insights
By Elliott Wave International

EWI analyst Jeffrey Kennedy explains why triangles offer traders important forecasting information. Take a look at a chart that shows a real-world example of the triangle price pattern, and read Jeffrey’s comments.Read more.

Continue reading “Triangles Offer Traders Important Forecasting Information by Elliot Wave International 4.11.2014”

Setting Daily Profit Target and Money Management for Futures Trading 4.10.2014

Posted on by Ilan

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 Thursday April 10, 2014


Hello Traders,

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

I wrote a good article a few years back about day trading money management and one of my points was that it is my personal opinion that if a day trader sets a daily target profit and walks away when he or she achieves that target, they will fare better in the long run.

I might be wrong but think about it, if you are trading a $10,000 account and have a daily profit target of $500. How many times were you there intraday? Would your account equity be in a better shape now if you walked away each day when you made $500 ( in addition to implementing a daily stop level?)

The profit level will be different for each trader based on account size, trading style, aggressiveness level etc. but from talking with many different clients and observing many different clients I think that setting daily profit  AND daily money management will help most traders financially as well as emotionally.

If you want to read the full article and you are a client, simply email me your name and account number and i will email the PDF to you. If you are a prospect, please share with me your trading experience and software you are using and I will be happy to email it to you as well.

Continue reading “Setting Daily Profit Target and Money Management for Futures Trading 4.10.2014”

Futures Trading Article by Jim Wyckoff & Levels 4.09.2014

Posted on by Ilan

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 April 9, 2014


Hello Traders,

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

Knowing What You Don’t Know in Trading Marketsby Jim Wyckoff www.jimwyckoff.com  

 

The headline of this educational feature may be a bit confusing, but I will explain what I mean shortly. First, I want to reiterate that trading futures, stock and FOREX markets is not an easy undertaking. It disgusts me that there are a few unsavory people in our industry that portray trading as an easy, get-rich-quick scheme, or as some endeavor for which there are “secrets” to be learned from those who hold “trading secrets.”Folks, the plain truth is that there are no trading secrets and no easy paths to quick success in trading markets. Beware of anyone who tries to tell (or sell) you such.One of the biggest obstacles to success in trading markets is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the process of trading. The “process of trading” includes understanding financial leverage, market behavior and trader psychology. Understanding the process of trading can be achieved with perseverance and a willingness to continue to learn.It’s not coincidental that trading markets is similar to most other human endeavors: Hard work and experience are required to achieve notable success. A person who enjoys classic automobiles would not attempt to tear down and successfully rebuild an engine without having some previous experience, or without having learned about the workings of an automobile engine-including knowing about the tools involved in the operation.I have written numerous times that learning about different trading tools, different markets and different trading strategies provides a solid foundation on the road to trading success.Ironically, I believe a major advantage of being an experienced trader is knowing what you don’t know about markets and trading. Yes, you heard that right: Knowing what you don’t know.

What do I mean by this? I mean that there are certain elements of futures trading about which I do not “know,” and never will.

I don’t “know” what markets are going to do in the future. Some may ask, “How can you be in this business and not know what markets are going to do? How can you be a successful trader and not know where market prices are going?” My answer is that market analysis and trading (at least the way I see it) is not a business of bold predictions, but one of exploring market probabilities based upon market knowledge, price history, human behavior and trading experience. The fact that I “know that I don’t know” exactly what a market will do gives me a trading edge. Why? Because I will exercise more caution and think about and plan for what could happen if a trade turns against me. I know that some trades will indeed turn against me and that I need to have the capital to trade another day, so I won’t “put all my eggs in one basket.”

I prudently place protective buy and sell stops on trades because I do not “know” what the markets will do. I would rather absorb a small trading loss and be termed “wrong” about that trade, as opposed to risking trading with no protective stops and seeing a small loser turn into a big loser–all in the “hope” the market will turn around so I can be proven “right.”

(Do you see what I mean when I discuss human behavior? Most of us don’t like to be “wrong,” and will make decisions so that we are not wrong. In trading, sometimes the decisions traders make to avoid being “wrong” are not prudent decisions for those wanting to be successful traders in the long run.)

One sure fire clue I get that a trader does not have much trading and market experience (and needs more!) is when the trader tells me he or she “knows” a market is going to do something. What can be even worse is when a trader thinks he or she “knows” what the market is going to do, and then makes a trade that turns out to be a winner. That type of psychological reinforcement of a flawed trading characteristic only sets up the trader for a bigger disappointment at some point in the future-likely sooner rather than later.

Traders absolutely must respect the markets. Only the markets are 100% right. Traders who think they “know” exactly what a market will do are not showing the markets respect.

That’s it for now. Next time, we’ll examine another important issue on your road to trading success.

Jim Wyckoff is the proprietor of the analytical, educational and trading advisory service, “Jim Wyckoff on the Markets.” He has a website at www.jimwyckoff.com and his email address is jim@jimwyckoff.com
RISK DISCLOSURE: Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results. The risk of loss in futures trading can be substantial, carefully consider the inherent risks of such an investment in light of your financial condition.