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Cotton Futures-Cotton Options Weekly Blog
 

 

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8/20/10 Cotton futures prices are still near contract highs this week as the hot dry weather in the delta region of the U.S. persists. Also helping prices is the fact that importers continue to buy cotton even at these extremely high price levels. Cotton harvest does not begin until October so tight supplies will continue until then.

8/13/10 Cotton futures prices are near contract highs this week as the extremely hot dry weather in the delta region may hurt cotton yields significantly. Strong US exports are also helping cotton prices along with a few upbeat economic reports around the globe.

8/6/10 Cotton futures prices rallied towards its highs as the US Dollar continues to weaken which may increase demand for US cotton. The current supplies for cotton are tight and the new harvest is still a couple of months away.

8/2/10 Cotton futures prices rallied again in spite of an improving crop rating by the USDA and the fact that almost 11 million acres where planted this growing season by farmers in the United States and weather conditions are practically ideal.

7/24/10 Cotton futures prices rallied this week almost two cents as the US Dollar continues to weaken and the Asian economies seem to be growing. Cotton option premiums are high.

7/10/10 Cotton futures prices sold off this week to a 4 month low. The USDA supply and demand report showed US ending stocks up from 2.80 to 3.50 million bales. World ending stocks came in higher from 49.6 to 49.9 million bales. The exports for 2009-10 are 15% below from a year ago levels.

7/2/10 Cotton futures prices sold off this week after the USDA planted acreage report came in bearish for cotton. The estimate of 10.91 million acreas was up 19% from a year ago which is much more than most traders expected. The recent sell off in the US Dollar is not holding cotton prices up.

6/24/10 Cotton futures prices rallied again this week along with many of the other commodity markets as the US Dollar has been selling off after making its high above 89 at the beginning of June. The new crop supplies are still a few months away from hitting the market.

6/11/10 Cotton futures prices rallied this week as hot temperatures in Texas may hurt yields. The recent USDA report showed US ending stocks come down from 3.0 to 2.8 million bales and world ending stocks come down from 50.1 to 49.6 million bales. The stocks to usage ratio is now 17% which is the lowest in 15 years.

6/4/10 Cotton futures prices sold off this week for the 5th day in a row. The expectations of a larger US crop, the rising US Dollar and concerns about lower world demand are pressuring prices again.

5/28/10 Cotton futures prices sold off this week as the lack of any problems and weak demand battle with tight supplies in the US until harvest. The strengthening US Dollar is also hurting exports.

5/21/10 Cotton futures prices came down with the rest of the commodity markets this week as the European problems stemming from Greece and the other PIIGS are expected to hurt demand for many commodities. Investors seem to be choosing cash over stocks and commodities for now. Tight supplies this summer are helping firm prices some.

5/14/10 Cotton futures prices are trading sideways this week. The recent USDA supply and demand report showed US ending stocks at 3 million bales down from 3.1 million bales. The world ending stocks showed 50 million bales down from 53 million bales.

5/7/10 Cotton futures prices sold off this week as the Greece problems are decreasing investors' risk appetite and pushing assets into the US Dollar and US Treasuries. China is expecting tight supplies for cotton this year. 

4/25/10 Cotton futures prices rallied this week as news from around the globe has been getting better including the United States. The recent strength in the US Dollar does not seem to be affecting the cotton market for now.

4/16/10 Cotton futures prices traded mostly sideways this week as the US Dollar started to come down a bit and the news that the SEC charged Goldman Sachs with fraud pressured many stock and commodity markets.

4/9/10 Cotton futures prices sold off this week in spite of the idea that many economies around the world are gaining strength and the FOMC minutes spoke of keeping rates low for a while. Cotton option premiums are high.

3/27/10 Cotton futures prices sold off this week as the strong US Dollar and the idea that this months planting intentions report will show lots more cotton acres helped push the market down this week.

2/26/10 Cotton futures prices rallied again this week in spite of the stronger US Dollar and weak economic reports. The market is factoring in tight supplies until this fall's harvest and the idea that wet conditions in the south east of the US will see continued wet conditions that will delay spring plantings. Cotton options premiums are high.

2/12/10 Cotton futures prices rallied this week as the USDA report showed a decrease in US ending stocks from 4.3 to 3.3 million bales and world ending stocks increased from 51.7 to 52.1 million bales. The idea that Europe will help Greece with its financial problems is lending strength to most of the commodity markets including cotton.

2/5/10 Cotton futures prices came down again this week with most of the other commodity markets as the strength in the US Dollar is expected to diminish demand and the recent attempts by China to tighten its monetary system is also hurting prices.

1/30/10 Cotton futures prices came down this week again as the US Dollar remains strong and the disruptive harvest weather a few months ago doesn't seemed to have been too much of a factor for less yields. Cotton option premiums are high.

1/22/10 Cotton futures prices came down again this week along with the rest of the commodity markets as the strong US Dollar and the idea that China is restraining its economy by raising rates and increasing the minimum reserve requirements that banks must keep will diminish demand.

1/15/10 Cotton futures prices came down this week as the USDA supply and demand report showed US ending stocks come down from 4.50 million bales to 4.30 million bales. Cotton prices sold off to an 8 week low based on the news and strength in the US Dollar.

1/8/10 Cotton futures prices sold off this week as the International Cotton Advisory Committee predicted that world cotton production would be 24.1 million tons for 2010-11 which is up 8% from this season's production.

1/1/10 Cotton futures prices rose to the yearly highs this week as the crop expectation coupled with demand show a tight supply situation for the coming year. The recent strength in the US Dollar could not slow the rally in cotton. Cotton options premiums are high.

12/11/09 Cotton futures prices rose 5 cents this week as the USDA supply and demand report showed US ending stocks decrease from 4.90 to 4.50 million bales and world ending stocks down from 54 to 52 million tons.

12/4/09 Cotton futures prices were up again this week in spite of the huge rally in the US Dollar on Friday following the upbeat jobs report and the potential for interest rates to be raised.

11/28/09 Cotton futures prices hit their highest prices in 14 months as the weak US Dollar should help demand from foreign buyers and the wet weather in many cotton growing areas is expected to hurt yields and limit supply. Cotton option premiums are high.

11/20/09 Cotton futures prices rallied this week as the harvest is behind the 5 year average and the US Dollar continues to weaken hitting another contract low this week. Cotton prices are still considered undervalued by some analysts as cotton prices are still 50% below their all time highs.

11/13/09 Cotton futures prices rallied to a 13 month high based on weakness in the US Dollar and strength in the commodity markets. The recent USDA report showed US ending stocks of cotton down from 5.40 million bales to 4.90 million bales and world ending stocks down from 56 million bales go 54 million bales.

11/6/09 Cotton futures prices are rallying again and are near the October highs. The weak US Dollar and strength in the other softs markets may be helping prices for cotton.

10/24/09 Cotton futures prices are rallying again as wet weather in the Mississippi Delta region is hindering harvest and the recent low levels of the US Dollar are also helping push prices higher.

10/12/09 Cotton futures prices are rallying this week along with most other commodity markets as the US Dollar approached 12 month lows on rumors that many countries are switching away from the US Dollar as a reserve currency. The recent USDA report showed US ending stocks of cotton decrease from 5.6 to 5.4 million bales and world ending stocks stay the same at 56 million tons.

9/25/09 Cotton futures prices rallied as strong rains in the South East is causing harvest delays. The recent rally in the US Dollar is limiting rallies in the cotton market so far.

9/18/09 Cotton futures prices hit a 5 week high as a forecast for colder temperatures may hurt yields. Also helping prices are the weakening US Dollar and the idea that the global economy may be strengthening.

9/11/09 Cotton futures prices rallied this week based on the sell off in the US Dollar. The USDA estimated for US ending stocks stayed the same at 5.6 million bales and the world ending stocks were reduced from 57 to 56 million tons. Cotton option premiums are high.

9/4/09 Cotton futures prices are selling off. The World Trade Organization ruled that Brazil can impose $295 million of trade sanctions against the US because of illegal cotton subsidies by the US government. Cotton option premiums are high.

8/21/09 Cotton futures prices are selling off this week as the potential global rebound in growth seems to have stalled for now. Cotton prices are near 57 cents per pound in spite of the weaker US Dollar. Cotton option premiums are high.

8/7/09 Cotton futures prices are up this week as the perception of an improving world economy and the weakening US Dollar are helping many commodities run higher. Cotton option premiums are high.

7/31/09 Cotton futures prices rose along with the rest of the commodity sector as the weakening US Dollar and favorable economic reports may signal and end to the recession soon. Recent rains in Texas may help the crop their. Cotton option premiums are high.

7/20/09 Cotton futures prices are still trading sideways in spite of the weakening US Dollar and more positive economic reports such as retail sales and industrial production. Cotton option premiums are high.

7/10/09 Cotton futures prices are trading sideways as the most recent USDA report showed US ending stocks unchanged at 5.60 million bales and world ending stocks up from 57 to 58 million tons. Cotton option premiums are high.

7/4/09 Cotton futures prices were volatile this week from up limit to selling off as lower planted acreage is being offset by the strong US Dollar. The USDA estimate was 9.05 million acres. Cotton option premiums are high.

6/21/09 Cotton futures prices sold off to a 6 week low as wet weather may help some moisture starved parts of the Texas and the US Dollar continued to rally. Cotton option premiums are high.

6/5/09 Cotton futures prices rallied as China sold 65,422 bales at a price of 84 cents per pound. Cotton option premiums are high.

5/30/09 Cotton futures prices have been selling off recently as lower demand from textile mills and high short term supplies are pressuring prices. Also hurting prices was the recent news that China sold two months worth of domestic demand supplies from their reserves. Cotton option premiums are high.

5/22/09 Cotton futures prices are selling off as China recently announced that the government was making cotton reserves available by the end of the month hinting towards less imports to China. Cotton option premiums are high.

5/15/09 Cotton futures prices are still high as the recent USDA report showed US ending stocks down from 6.8 to 5.6 million bales and world ending stocks down from 62 to 58 million bales. Cotton option premiums are high.

5/8/09 Cotton futures prices are still flying higher. Hot dry weather in Texas may hurt the crop and the potential for China's economy to turn up are helping cotton prices run higher. Cotton option premiums are high.

4/30/09 Cotton futures prices are still heading higher. The most recent rally took cotton to a 5 month high. Farmers are unlikely to plant cotton  unless prices move appreciably higher. Cotton option premiums are high.

4/23/09 Cotton futures prices have been on a tear recently and are currently at the 50 cent level. Dry weather and one of the smallest crops in decades is helping push prices higher. Cotton option premiums are high.

4/10/09 Cotton futures prices are rallying to two month highs as the USDA prospective plantings report expects cotton acreage to be the lowest in 25 years. The USDA estimates US ending stocks down from 7.3 to 6.7 million bales. Cotton option premiums are high.

3/27/09 Cotton futures prices are still running based on dry soil conditions before planting in Western Texas. Cotton option premiums are high.

3/20/09 Cotton futures prices rallied this week as inflation may be coming soon following the worst deflationary cycle since the Great Depression may be ending. The recent move by the Fed to print a trillion dollars and then use then to buy treasuries has significantly weakened the US Dollar. Cotton option premiums are high.

3/13/09 Cotton futures prices rallied on the USDA report news that US ending stocks were down 5% to 7.3 million bales and the world ending stocks went up to 62.5 million bales. Cotton option premiums are still high.

3/7/09 Cotton futures prices are selling off this week based on the strong US Dollar and the sell off in the stock market. Cotton option premiums are high.

2/27/09 Cotton futures prices are trading sideways to down this week in spite of excellent sales figures and the high probability that farmers will plant soybeans of corn instead of cotton this year. Cotton option premiums are high.

2/13/09 Cotton futures prices sold off this week as the USDA report showed US ending stocks up form 6.90 to 7.70 million bales and world ending stocks up form 59 to 62 million tons. Also hurting prices is the estimate that cotton consumption is the lowest in 10 years. Cotton option premiums are high.

2/6/09 Cotton futures prices are trending higher since November as cotton acres are expected to decline and futures prices are below the cost of production. Cotton option premiums are high.

1/30/09 Cotton futures prices are still climbing and recently had the highest close in 3 months. This uptrend is still intact based upon expectations that the South American drought in many growing areas will push farmers away from cotton and towards corn and soybeans. The US farmers will probably also follow suit and plant soybeans and corn at the expense of cotton. Chinese cotton production is also expected to fall. Cotton option premiums are high.

1/16/09 Cotton futures prices rallied based on the high soybean prices may drive more farmers away from cotton over to soybeans. US ending stocks were down from 7.1 to 6.9 million bales. Cotton option premiums are high.

1/10/09 Cotton futures prices rallied recently on a short covering rally and the idea that commodity prices may rebound in 2009 based on the lower US Dollar and inflation. Cotton option premiums are high.

12/27/08 Cotton futures prices have been stabilizing near its contract lows as the cost of production is higher than the current price of cotton. Cotton option premiums are high.

12/19/08 Cotton futures prices have been reacting to moves in the US Dollar this week. Weak dollar days yielding strength in cotton prices and strong dollar days yielding weakness in cotton prices.

12/12/08 Cotton futures prices rallied with the rest of the commodity markets this week as the US Dollar fell from its highs. The USDA estimates the US ending stocks up from 6.2 to 7.1 million bales. Cotton option premiums are high.

12/5/08 Cotton futures prices sold off again to contract lows this week as China and India have weakening economies. China and India consume 59% of the world's cotton. The US is sitting on the smallest crop in 20 years. Cotton option premiums are high.

11/30/08 Cotton futures prices are rallying from contract lows with the falling US Dollar. Cotton option premiums are high.

11/21/08 Cotton futures prices are still coming down and are over 10 cents below their loan value. The fact that cotton prices are cheaper than the cost of production may soon find a bottom in prices. Cotton option premiums are high.

11/7/08 Cotton futures prices are still coming down in spite of the tight supplies. The slowing global economy is hurting demand and crude oil prices falling along with the strong US Dollar are not helping either. Cotton option premiums are high.

11/1/08 Cotton futures prices have fallen below the cost of production based on the weakening outlook for the global economy and the strong US Dollar. Liquidation of commodity index funds and falling crude oil prices are also pressuring cotton prices. Cotton option premiums are high.

10/24/08 Cotton future prices are still falling as mills are unwilling to buy for 50 cents or higher and because of the massive deleveraging that is still occurring in the stock and commodity markets. The large repatriation of US Dollars back to the US is causing the dollar to rally to 3 year highs which hurts export demand. Cotton option premiums are high.

10/10/08 Cotton futures prices were down limit after the USDA report on Friday. Demand destruction, perception of a global recession and lower crude oil prices are pressuring prices. The USDA US ending stocks showed an increase from 4.90 to 6.20 million bales and the world ending stocks increased from 52 to 55 million tons. Cotton option premiums are still high.

10/6/08 Cotton futures prices are selling off and are below the 55 cent level, a contract low. Fears of a global recession, the scramble for liquidity and the strong US Dollar are hurting cotton prices. Cotton option premiums are high.

9/25/08 Cotton futures prices are trading sideways. However, at the current demand rate the old crop supplies will be gone in 8 weeks and a tight new crop is expected. Cotton option premiums are high.

9/19/08 Cotton futures prices sold off to a contract low as the rush to liquidity caused by the global financial meltdown is hurting commodities. Cotton option premiums are high.

9/12/08 Cotton futures prices sold off most of the week as the USDA estimated that US ending stocks were at 4.9 million bales up from 4.6 million bales last month. World ending stocks were at 52 million bales up from 51 million bales last month. Cotton has been following crude oil down recently. Cotton option premiums are high.

9/5/08 Cotton futures prices sold off in spite of the huge amounts of rain created by Hurricane Gustav hitting the already soaked cotton fields. The large lack of demand is shown by the lack of exports. Cotton option premiums are high.

8/29/08 Cotton futures prices rallied this week based on the threat of Hurricane Gustav bringing more rain to the Mississippi and Louisiana crops that already have too much moisture. Boll rot is already taking a toll on yields and more rain will only make it worse. Cotton option premiums are high.

8/22/08 Cotton futures prices rallied this week 3 cents based on the sell off in the US Dollar and the run up in crude oil prices. The rally may not hold because exports are down by 35% from a year ago and beneficial rains are helping the cotton crop. The recent rally was more about a lack of selling versus an increase in buying. Cotton option premiums are high.

8/15/08 Cotton futures prices sold off this week in spite of the USDA estimates for the US ending stocks decreasing from 5.30 to 4.60 million bales and the world ending stocks decreasing from 53 to 51 million tons. Cotton option premiums are high.

8/8/08 Cotton futures prices have been in a 10 cent consolidation for a few months now because bearish news is usually being offset by hot dry weather in the cotton areas of west Texas. Cotton option premiums are high.

7/25/08 Cotton futures prices rallied this week as potential flood damage caused by hurricane Dolly may impact the Texas cotton crop yields. Cotton option premiums are high.

7/18/08 Cotton futures prices fell this week in the wake of the broad based commodity sell off led by crude oil. Cotton is holding the 70 cent level and may have bottomed. Cotton option premiums are high.

7/11/08 Cotton futures prices rallied this week based on the USDA estimates for US ending stocks declining from 5.40 to 5.30 million bales and the world ending stocks were decreased from 54 to 53 million bales. Cotton option premiums are high.

7/4/08 Cotton futures prices have been falling this week based on the yield damage estimates for west Texas cotton not being as bad as expected. The rally in the US Dollar late in the week also hurt cotton prices. Cotton option premiums are high.

6/27/08 Cotton futures prices rallied this week as only 30% of the Texas crop is rated good to excellent. Recent rains probably wont help cotton yields very much. Cotton option premiums are high.

6/20/08 Cotton futures prices rallied this week as hot dry weather is hurting the west Texas cotton crop and the USDA reported that cotton conditions are deteriorating. Weather forecasts are calling for potential rain over the weekend in some of the drier areas. Cotton option premiums are high.

6/13/08 Cotton futures prices rallied this week along with the other commodities and because the USDA supply and demand report showed a decrease in cotton ending stocks from 5.6  to 5.4 million bales. Hot dry weather in Texas is also helping cotton futures prices stay up. Cotton option premiums are high.

6/6/08 Cotton future prices rallied this week because of the fall in the US Dollar based on talk that the EU will raise interest rates to fight inflation. Cotton is very dependent upon exports and a strong dollar typically hurts prices. Cotton option premiums are high.

5/30/08 Cotton futures prices are falling again to an 8 month low as the US Dollar continues to strengthen which should damage export demand for cotton. Cotton option premiums are high.

5/23/08 Cotton futures prices are still trading sideways in a tight 3 cent range for the last few weeks. The USDA reports that 49% of the cotton is planted. This is down from the five year average of 59%. The US Commerce Department said that cotton mill use increased in April from the rate of 4.2 to 4.7 million bales. Cotton option premiums are coming down.

5/15/08 Cotton futures prices are range bound this week. Their has been now real news to move cotton futures prices and the US Dollar has begun to weaken a bit. Cotton option premiums are high.

5/9/08 Cotton futures prices have been trading mostly sideways this week. The USDA supply and demand report US ending stocks estimates came in at 5.60 million bales down from 9.90 million bales in 2007-08. Global ending stocks are 56 million bales down from 62 million in 2007-08. Cotton option premiums are high.

5/1/08 Cotton futures prices are still falling based on the strength in the US Dollar. Higher dollar values hurt cotton exports to other countries. Cotton acreage is still at decade lows and any weather events could spur a rally. Cotton option premiums are high.

4/25/08 Cotton futures prices dropped this week in sympathy to the overall commodity market and especially the grains. The strong US Dollar hurts exports because of higher prices for foreign buyers. The sell off in crude oil from the highs also hurts cotton because when crude oil prices are high textile mills use natural fibers like cotton instead of manmade petroleum product fibers like polyester and rayon. Cotton option premiums are high.

4/18/08 Cotton futures prices rallied through 80 cents this week only to be hit by massive profit taking from commodity funds. The USDA is predicting a 13% drop in planted cotton acres this year because of favorable pricing in corn, beans and wheat for farmers. Cotton option premiums are high.

4/11/08 Cotton futures prices rallied this week as Walmart bought 12 million pounds of cotton for earth month t-shirts. Cotton also lost acres to corn and soybeans and had a huge week in export sales of 484,000 bales. Cotton option premiums are still high.

4/4/08 Cotton futures prices are trading sideways this week even as the USDA predicted the cotton acres to be down 13% from a year ago. Cotton futures prices had been on a tear recently but seemed to have gotten ahead of itself. The dry weather in cotton growing portions of the south and  TX may boost prices but for now the cotton market is content with sideways price action. Cotton option premiums are high.

3/28/08 Cotton futures prices were consolidating this week and traders were positioning for the March 31 Prospective plantings report by the USDA. Expectations are that cotton acres will shrink because farmers can make more per acre with soybeans, corn and wheat. Cotton option premiums are high.

3/21/08 Cotton futures prices kept falling this week as Wall Street hedge funds and commodity funds liquidated futures positions to cover margin calls in stocks and to pay back borrowed money. The Bear Stearns issue took the confidence from investors. The Fed's 75 basis point cut surprised investors because a full 100 basis point cut was expected. Cotton option premiums are high.

3/14/08 Cotton futures prices went limit up for a couple of days and then limit down. Now prices are consolidating sideways. In 14 years of trading, I have never seen such volatility. Cotton futures have more price increases to achieve if farmers are to plant it instead of corn, beans and wheat. The new low for the US Dollar may help prices go higher especially if the Federal Reserve Bank cuts rates again. Cotton option premiums are ridiculous and some sideways price movement will be needed to deflate cotton option premiums.

3/7/08 Cotton futures prices went up limit for 4 days in a row only to sell off limit the last 2 days. The short futures price squeeze produced ridiculous option premiums as short futures holders flooded to the options markets to offset losses. Cotton option premiums are outrageous currently.

2/29/08 Cotton futures prices rallied to contact highs this week based on the battle for acreage with beans, corn and wheat. The National Cotton Council predicts that cotton mill use fell from 4.74 to 4.68 million bushels in January. Cotton futures prices have the challenge of rising enough to compete for acreage with other more profitable agricultural products. The potential 50 basis point rate cut expected by the Fed in March is also helping prices rise on inflationary fears. Cotton option premiums are high.

2/22/08 Cotton futures prices rallied this week the highest close in a month because cotton looks cheap to speculators compared to the grains. The USDA planting estimate came out this week and shows cotton acreage down 12% to 9.5 million acres this year. If this estimate is correct, that would be the lowest plantings in 25 years. All time highs for crude oil futures prices also supported the cotton futures market. Cotton option premiums are getting high.

2/15/08 Cotton futures prices were up limit on Thursday of this week based on expectations of very limited acreage being planted this year. The USDA projected cotton production for 2008-9 is expected to be down 9%. The soybean to cotton ratio of 10 to 1 is one way that farmers decide what crop to plant. It is usually 3 to 1 for corn to soybeans. The 10 to 1 ratio would necessitate cotton futures prices going up over a dollar. The soft commodities have definitely outperformed most other commodities this year and still seem undervalued vs. the rest of the commodity market. Cotton option premiums are above average.

2/8/08 Cotton futures prices rallied in sympathy with the grains and because the USDA says that exports are better than expected. Cotton futures prices have been consolidating around 70 cents for the last few weeks. High crude oil prices helps cotton demand because synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon and rayon are petroleum based and are expensive compared to cotton. Cotton option premiums are above average.

2/1/08 Cotton futures prices are trading sideways this week waiting for next Friday's USDA report. Currently the US cotton planted acreage estimates are near an 18 year low as farmers are paid more to plant corn, beans and wheat at the expense of cotton. Cotton futures prices rallied to $1.17 the last time that global supplies where this low. Cotton option premium is above average.

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