Recommendations

06/18/2025
Strategy Idea...Let's add to October sugar (or enter if you aren't already in).
We suggested buying October sugar calls a few weeks ago using the 18.25 strike. Those are obviously underwater, but we haven't given up on the idea. Despite recent weakness, we believe the probabilities are in favor of a reversal. The idea would be to add onto the trade with a lower strike; if prices rally, we can take profits on the added contract and hold the original. If not, our risk on both is limited to the cost of entry. If you didn't participate in the previous recommendation, even better. This option has 90 days to expiration and is only a few ticks out of the money for less than $800! Sugar futures have collapsed in recent weeks, but seasonality is bullish, and the final trendline is supportive.
06/13/2025
Strategy Idea...Bearish Crude Oil Option Play
We suspect that a large trader blew up a fund last night. Overnight markets are dangerous because some are sleeping or unaware of what is happening, and banks are closed (margin calls can't be met before the account runs out of liquidity). The oil market probably remains in sell-the-rally mode.
06/11/2025
Strategy Idea...Risk Reversal in Lean Hogs
The livestock market is on fire; we've rarely seen markets this overstretched. We have never seen a commodity market sustain such significant gains. The livestock market is on fire; we've rarely seen markets this overstretched. We have never seen a commodity market sustain such significant gains.
06/10/2025
Strategy Idea...Synthetic Long Call in December Cotton
It is rare for a commodity market to be this quiet, particularly when it is the subject of a trade war. With traders already positioned in the expiring July futures and options, it feels like a waiting game. We've seen this before; markets habitually inflict the most pain on the most significant number of market participants. In this scenario, the pain trade would be a move higher AFTER the July options and futures expire or are liquidated. Cotton futures are sitting on a 25-year trendline, and specs are holding a rare short position.
06/09/2025
Strategy Idea...Crude oil is up against $65.00 and puts are cheap.
The oil market has drifted back to $65.00, a price we have pointed out has been a directional catalyst over the years. Specifically, once prices fall below $65.00, the downside risk becomes significant. On previous excursions below $65.00, the oil market has fallen into the $30s or lower. Options in oil are relatively inexpensive, so we couldn't find a way to sell calls to offset the cost of our position without accepting unfavorable risk-reward prospects. Instead, we suggest simply buying a cheap put to get a foot in the door. We have been talking about the $65.00 pivot for weeks. Here it is.
06/06/2025
Strategy Idea...Risk Reversald in October Live Cattle.
Being a livestock bear hasn't been an easy way of life lately. Nevertheless, in the end, it is a commodity that will eventually be a victim of its own success. This charade has lasted longer than expected, but high prices always cure high prices. The livestock market has been a barn burner, but we aren't "buying" it.

Newsletters

06/12/2025
The DeCarley Perspective...Greed is overlooking a Rare Opportunity in Risk-Off Assets.
Five, or even ten, years ago, if you had asked someone if they would accept 4.5% annually relatively risk-free (if held to expiration) for the next decade or longer, the response would have likely been skepticism. Greed is overlooking a Rare Opportunity in Risk-Off Assets.
06/12/2025
The DeCarley Perspective...Will the corn market repeat 2014? If so, $3.50 is on tap.
The monthly corn futures chart bears an eerie resemblance to the 2014 chart; this isn’t a good sign for bulls. In 2014, the market was coming off a wild inflationary cycle, during which corn prices were in the $ 8.00-per-bushel range. The selling finally dried up near $4.00 before rallying about $1.00. By May 2014, the market had begun to soften; by September, the harvest lows reached close to $3.30. Unless something surprises the market in the next week or two, it will be difficult for prices to find a different path this time around. Will the corn market repeat 2014? If so, $3.50 is on tap.
05/28/2025
The DeCarley Perspective...We’ve noticed some overcrowded trades in the ag sector.
Being a contrarian thinker is both an asset and a curse. Socially, it can be a hindrance to fitting in with the masses. This mindset prevents us from enjoying the ride when things are going well and lures us into strong opinions too early. But on the bright side, being skeptical of consensus thinking in markets might keep us from getting slaughtered with the herd. We’ve noticed some overcrowded trades in the ag sector.
05/27/2025
The DeCarley Perspective...Nothing good happens for crude oil bulls below $65.00.
The oil market is popular among speculators due to its volatility, liquidity, and familiarity, but it is one that often confounds even the most astute analysts. There are two primary reasons for this: the supply of oil is at least partially dictated by a cartel, and it is primarily produced by a region of the world prone to unpredictable political violence. Nothing Good Happens for Crude Oil Bulls Under $65
05/22/2025
The DeCarley Perspective...The world is selling Treasuries and buying Gold; Mathematically, that’s a bad move
These are not your grandfather’s markets; asset repricing is quicker due to electronic trading, and the bandwagon mentality is more prominent due to instant information dissemination. Further, unprecedented and unfathomable government stimulus via pandemic checks and aggressive monetary and fiscal policy has turned the financial markets into slush funds. The world is selling Treasuries and buying Gold; Mathematically, that’s a bad move.
05/07/2025
The DeCarley Perspective...Is the US Dollar’s Reserve Currency Status at Risk?
Is the US Dollar’s Reserve Currency Status at Risk? If so, what does that mean for the Greenback?

Futures Chart Analysis

Egg Prices
EKC ~ Monthly
ES ~ Weekly
Gold ~ Monthly

DeCarley Press

06/20/2025
Silver is not for the feint of heart...or even most traders.
I guess you could say Carley is a silver market pessimist. In her experience and observation, it is an uncivilized market that deals its fair share of misery. Scott Shellady - The Cow Guy and Carley discussed this with a side of real estate on the Cow Guy Close today. I guess you could say Carley is a silver market pessimist. In her experience and observation, it is an uncivilized market that deals its fair share of misery. Scott Shellady - The Cow Guy and Carley discussed this with a side of real estate on the Cow Guy Close today.
05/28/2025
If crude oil bottoms, it will be because of an unforeseen catalyst.
Carley Garner joined Alex Coffey of the Schwab Network to share her views on the oil market, which she doesn't find bullish. Without an OPEC put in place, and demand waning, oil prices could fall under $50.00 per barrel. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CLIP.
05/23/2025
WATCH COW GUY CLOSE WITH SCOTT SHELLADY ON RFD-TV WEEKDAYS AT 1:30 TO 2:30 EST
If you don't already, tune in to Cow Guy Close on RFD-TV weekdays from 1:30 to 2:30 Eastern for financial and ag market commentary and unique takes on the latest news stories. You will see Carley Garner of DeCarley Trading every Wednesday at 2 p.m.! If you don't already, tune in to Cow Guy Close on RFD-TV weekdays from 1:30 to 2:30 Eastern for financial and ag market commentary and unique takes on the latest news stories. You will see Carley Garner of DeCarley Trading every Wednesday at 2 p.m.!
05/23/2025
Carley and Dale Pinkert of FACE analyzed crude oil, natural gas, gold, silver, and others.
Carley Garner shared her chart analysis on popular financial and commodity markets such as crude oil, natural gas, gold, silver, Treasuries, stock indices, and the US dollar index. CLICK HERE TO VIEW
05/22/2025
Carley spoke to Scott Shellady, The Cow Guy, about gold and Treasuries.
The masses are buying gold and selling Treasuries. Are they wrong? History and math suggest that they might be. The masses are buying gold and selling Treasuries. Are they wrong? History and math suggest that they might be.

Live Economic News/Data

06/23/2025
How the Israel-Iran standoff took a turn and what's next after a pivotal 24 hours
Iran's response will be watched by the rest of the world, especially among oil traders.
06/23/2025
Iran’s parliament backs blocking Strait of Hormuz. Its closure will alienate Tehran further
The Straits are the only sea route from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, and about 20% of the world's oil transits the waterway.
06/23/2025
Russia watches on as ally Iran is pummeled — and it's unlikely to go to Tehran's rescue
While Iran has helped ally Russia in its fight against Ukraine, there might be little that Moscow can or will do now to repay the favor.

Notices

06/16/2025
Juneteenth Holiday Schedule
For all intents and purposes, the US Futures Markets will be closed on Thursday, the 19th, in observation of Juneteenth. For all intents and purposes, the US Futures Markets will be closed on Thursday, the 19th, in observation of Juneteenth.
06/02/2025
DeCarley Trading will be out of the office for most of tomorrow.
DeCarley Trading will not be in the office tomorrow morning, but will return late afternoon. We apologize for the late notice and any inconvenience this may have caused.
05/23/2025
Memorial Day Holiday Trading Schedule
For all intents and purposes, the US Futures Markets will be closed on Monday, the 26th, for Memorial Day.

Platform Tutorial Videos

Posted on 11/22/2024
Introduction to the Stonex futures and options platform, based on CQG Desktop.
DeCarley Trading
Posted on 11/22/2024
In this video, Carley Garner of DeCarley Trading talks about setting up custom pages in CQG Desktop.
DeCarley Trading
Posted on 11/22/2024
Futures, options, and position stats can be sent via push notifications or email.
DeCarley Trading
Posted on 11/22/2024
The Stonex futures & options platform, based on CQG Desktop, offers simple/intuitive charting.
DeCarley Trading
Posted on 11/22/2024
There are many ways to enter futures/options trades into the Stonex commodity platform; here's one.
DeCarley Trading
Posted on 11/22/2024
Viewing working, filled, canceled and parked orders in the Stonex commodity platform based on CQG.
DeCarley Trading

Futures Market News

Posted on 06/20/2025
Bond yields dip as Fed’s Waller opens door to July cut. 6/20/25
CME Group
Posted on 06/20/2025
British Pound futures bounce after 1.84% drop as retail collapse fuels rate cut hopes. 6/20/25
CME Group
Posted on 06/20/2025
Cattle markets slip into red despite early strength; hogs extend gains for 4th week. 6/20/25
CME Group
Posted on 06/20/2025
Grain futures slide as July options expire, despite strong export sales. 6/20/25
CME Group
Posted on 06/20/2025
Market fundamentals have taken a back seat until geopolitical tensions ease. 6/20/25
CME Group
Posted on 06/18/2025
Soybeans are up and crush margins hit their highest level in a year. 6/18/25
CME Group