Futures Trading and Hedging

Find out more about hedging with Cannon Trading Company here.

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial markets, futures trading has emerged as a powerful mechanism for risk mitigation, particularly in the realm of commodities. This strategic approach enables producers, farmers, and various entities to hedge against price volatility, ensuring stability and safeguarding their financial well-being. Through futures contracts, these market participants can navigate uncertainties while embracing the potential for gains. One shining example of a brokerage in this field is Cannon Trading Company, a renowned institution that has earned a TrustPilot ranking of 4.9 out of 5 stars, reflecting their commitment to excellence in futures trading and hedging.

Understanding Hedging

At its core, hedging is a proactive strategy designed to minimize potential losses caused by price fluctuations. It involves taking an offsetting position in a related security or contract to neutralize the impact of adverse price movements. Hedging aims to ensure price predictability, offering a protective shield against market volatility. By locking in prices through futures contracts, entities can mitigate the risk associated with fluctuating market conditions.

Evolution of Futures Trading for Risk Mitigation

Futures trading has a rich history that dates back centuries, originating with farmers and producers seeking to secure stable prices for their products. In the context of agriculture, a farmer could plant crops with confidence, knowing that price fluctuations wouldn’t jeopardize their financial stability. This concept gradually extended to other commodities, including energy products like oil, where geopolitical events and global demand can trigger price swings.

The essence of futures trading lies in the ability to transfer risk from one party to another. For instance, an oil producer concerned about falling prices can sell futures contracts, effectively locking in a selling price. Conversely, a buyer, such as an airline company reliant on fuel, can buy oil futures contracts to hedge against rising fuel costs.

Over time, the futures market has evolved to include various asset classes beyond commodities, such as financial instruments, indices, and even cryptocurrencies. This expansion has allowed a broader range of market participants to engage in hedging and risk management.

Hedging for Farmers and Producers

Farmers and producers are among the most prominent beneficiaries of futures trading and hedging practices. The agricultural sector is inherently exposed to unpredictable variables, including weather patterns, pests, and diseases. These factors can dramatically impact crop yields and, consequently, market prices. By engaging in futures trading, farmers can secure prices for their crops well in advance, effectively locking in their profit margins regardless of how market conditions evolve.

Consider a scenario where a wheat farmer anticipates a bountiful harvest but is concerned about a potential drop in wheat prices. The farmer can enter into a futures contract to sell a specific quantity of wheat at a predetermined price. Even if prices plummet due to oversupply or other factors, the farmer is protected by the agreed-upon price in the futures contract, ensuring a steady income stream.

Cannon Trading Company: A Beacon of Excellence

Cannon Trading Company stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of futures trading and hedging. With a TrustPilot ranking of 4.9 out of 5 stars, the company’s reputation is a testament to its commitment to client satisfaction, reliable service, and effective risk management solutions.

The high ranking achieved by Cannon Trading Company on TrustPilot underscores several key factors that contribute to their success. Firstly, their transparent and client-centric approach sets the tone for building trust with their clientele. Clear communication, fair practices, and responsive customer service create an environment where clients feel valued and well-informed.

Secondly, Cannon Trading Company’s expertise in futures trading and hedging is a cornerstone of their reputation. Their seasoned professionals understand the intricacies of various markets, enabling them to provide tailored solutions that cater to each client’s unique risk profile and financial goals.

Moreover, the company’s commitment to education further distinguishes them in the industry. They empower their clients with knowledge about futures trading, risk management strategies, and market trends. This educational approach not only helps clients make informed decisions but also fosters a long-term partnership that extends beyond transactions.

In the world of financial markets, futures trading has transcended its origins to become a vital tool for managing risk and uncertainty. For producers, farmers, and market participants, it offers a means to secure stable prices in the face of volatile market conditions. Through futures contracts, these entities can hedge against adverse price movements, ensuring stability and financial well-being.

Cannon Trading Company’s remarkable TrustPilot ranking of 4.9 out of 5 stars exemplifies their dedication to excellence in futures trading and hedging. By prioritizing transparency, expertise, and education, they have positioned themselves as leaders in the industry, empowering clients to navigate the complexities of futures markets with confidence and success. As markets continue to evolve, futures trading remains a cornerstone of risk management strategies, enabling participants to embrace opportunities while safeguarding against potential losses.

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.

Top 5 mistakes traders make and 4th of July trading hours 6.29.2017

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Voted #1 Blog and #1 Brokerage Services on TraderPlanet for 2016!! 

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Excellent, short article by yours truly…..

Trading Futures: 5 Big Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid Making

 Trading futures is a tough business, but if you are one of the very few that can succeed, this could be a very lucrative business as well

Ilan Levy-Mayer| June 27, 2017 |

I have seen quite a bit since I became a broker in 1998. Some war stories to share about the markets, some crazy moves and much more in between. I was trading futures with clients on the sad Sept. 11th 2001 day when the planes hit and the markets were plunging before they were closed for almost a week. I witnessed the meat contracts making limit up and limit down moves over the years and much more…..

Continue reading “Top 5 mistakes traders make and 4th of July trading hours 6.29.2017”

Walk before you Run!! – Trading Futures 6.21.2017

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Voted #1 Blog and #1 Brokerage Services on TraderPlanet for 2016!! 

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Walk before you run

By Cannon Trading staff

The image of a successful futures trader is that of a lone wolf surveying the landscape looking for an opportunity to attack and seize quick and substantial profits. We all know about the potential for making a fortune in the futures markets. Yet, few do so. Why is that? What are some of the common pitfalls that prevent this dream from becoming a reality for most futures traders? Continue reading “Walk before you Run!! – Trading Futures 6.21.2017”

Mental Stops? – Trading Futures 8.25.2016

Connect with Us! Use Our Futures Trading Levels and Economic Reports RSS Feed.

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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 Thursday August 25, 2016

Hello Traders,

Greetings!

Mental Stops…..

Every so often I hear clients tell me, ” they don’t use hard stops…they use mental stops”

While the mental stop idea can work 8 out of 10 times, the 1-2 times it does not work will wipe out your account.

Try using mental stops when you were trading crude yesterday and all of a sudden news about Iran looking to comply with production hit the market and market went up over 80 cents in few minutes…

or maybe you had a mental stop on long gold early this morning when all of a sudden in a few minutes gold dropped $14 per contract.

I have seen it happen before with the SP and other stock indices, I have seen it happen in all markets I watch and trade at one time. it’s not a question if, but rather when. Big moves happened and will happen. Not every day, not in every market at the same time but they will happen in all markets at one given time or another.

So unless you have unlimited amounts of risk capital and/ or crystal ball-  use hard stops in the system OR learn how to hedge your positions using options and weekly options.

Continue reading “Mental Stops? – Trading Futures 8.25.2016”

Walk Before You Run When Trading Futures 1.05.2016

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 January 5, 2016

Hello Traders,

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

Voted #1 futures trading blog!

Hope everyone had a great holiday season and some time off with family and friends. I wish all of you the best in trading in 2016 specifically and in all aspects of life in general.

Great article to start your trading in 2016:

Walk before you run

By Cannon Trading staff

The image of a successful futures trader is that of a lone wolf surveying the landscape looking for an opportunity to attack and seize quick and substantial profits. We all know about the potential for making a fortune in the futures markets. Yet, few do so. Why is that? What are some of the common pitfalls that prevent this dream from becoming a reality for most traders?

One of the most prevalent misconceptions for inexperienced traders is that they believe themselves to be smarter than the rest of the market participants. They under estimate the qualifications and abilities of the rest of the futures markets professionals. This business of trading is dominated by very dedicated, resourceful professionals who have invested lots of time and assets into their pursuit of trading profits. Competing against these seasoned professionals is not impossible but going it alone, especially initially, is usually not the most prudent course of action for new traders.

Continue reading “Walk Before You Run When Trading Futures 1.05.2016”

Volatility returns to Energy and Metal Futures; Economic Reports and Levels 9.03.2014

Hello Traders,

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

It seems that both volume and volatility came back from the long weekend…

BIG moves in energy and metals sector along with improved range and volume in stock indices.

I suspect this will continue the rest of this week with more reports ahead including Friday’s monthly employment levels.

Something my colleague mentioned to me today reminded me how “unnatural” trading can be for the human mind….As we are executing some trading systems on behalf of clients here at Cannon, one of the trading systems is a breakout system which caught the big sell off today in Crude, heating oil and gold ….( this is by no means to say that this system does this every day or anything of the sort but simply to provide an example of the following….): As the markets were moving in the direction the system wanted , my colleague mentioned, ” wish we could take profits now…” and it reminded me of one of the basic mistakes we all do. Taking profits too early and letting losses ride too long…The system which we execute under a letter of direction, ended up making quite a bit more by riding the trend rather than “taking profits now”  and while this is not to imply that this happens all the time, my opinion is that many traders , day traders and long term traders take out profits too quickly and stay in losers too long. The reason? Our human mind wants to see the profits as “ours”, i.e closed profits so we can know for sure this was a win….vise versa on the losing side…we refuse to close losses  because as long as the trade is open we have a chance for it to reverse, once we close it, it is a done deal, it is a closed losing trade….

So the point of the story is, that many times while trading we need to fight the urge to do what feels comfortable and rather do what we researched and believed produce results over time (assuming you do have a method/concept you researched and believed in…..)

Wishing you a great trading month ahead!

 

 

Keeping a Futures Trading Journal, Economic Reports & Levels 8.28.2014

Hello Traders,

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

 

The EXTREMELY low volume today ( as well as last few days…) made me go look in my trading journal where sure enough I wrote down that the week before Labor Day is usually lower volume and a good time to take some days off….( too bad I did not schedule some vacation time LOL)
The point of the story is that keeping a trading journal has MANY ADVANTAGES….and I highly recommend it.

I keep notes on the following:

  • different methods I test
  • Market behavior during different economic reports
  • Things I did well, mental state of mind
  • Mistakes I have made, the reasons I did and how I can try to avoid these mistakes
  • Different indicators, chart settings, ideas I read about
  • Different codes I created for my charts
  • Much more…

Many times the journal will help me put closure on a bad day but more so it helps keep track of work I have done so I don’t have to do it again.

 

Try it. It is not easy, especially after bad days….it takes time, energy and consistency – just like trading. I keep mine on a word doc so I can easily access it ( plus my hand writing is terrible). Hope this tip helps and wishing you good trading!
PS: About low volatility and volume, its a cycle and times of much higher volume and volatility are proably very near…. Continue reading “Keeping a Futures Trading Journal, Economic Reports & Levels 8.28.2014”

Futures Mini Indices Volume and Mini S&P Chart 4.22.2014

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”

Setting Daily Profit Target and Money Management for Futures Trading 4.10.2014

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 Levels & Economic Reports 3.26.2014

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 26, 2014

Hello Traders,

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

The importance of a positive state of mind when trading….is HUGE….
I have seen it when helping clients, interacting with online clients and most of all with myself.
When I let the market or surrounding elements take me out of my focus and allow frustration to take control, the results can be dangerous….an example might be getting stopped out on a short crude trade at the high of the day just to see the market reverses fast and strong….A client may get frustrated because of margin calls or other issues.
It may even be elements outside of trading, such as family, phone calls or just feeling stressed for non trading related issues.
The result of all of the above ends up being poor decision making, trading with frustration, low thresh hold for mistakes and much more.
What is the solution? I do not have one but recognizing that you are trading with the wrong frame of mind or frustration is a good first step. Taking a small break from the screen and putting things in a bigger perspective is a good second step. Deep breaths and a quick time out never hurt anyone either…..

Hope that by sharing this I may help you the next time frustration is about to take over….. Continue reading “Futures Levels & Economic Reports 3.26.2014”