Commodity Trader's Almanac 2013: For Active Traders of Futures, Forex, Stocks, Options, and ETFs

OCTOBER ALMANAC

STOCKS AND BONDS

S&P's have shown a tendency to see major bottoms in October, kicking off what is dubbed the “Best Six Months”, according to Stock Traders Almanac. Our best seasonal percentage play gets long the March futures contract on or about the 25th and holds until December 24. This trade has a cumulative gain from the last 30 years of $231,888 (page 100). 30-year Treasuries tend to move in tandem with equities during this time of year (page 140).

ENERGY

Crude oil continues its seasonally weak period. We remain short from September, holding until about December 10 (page 82). Liquidate the natural gas long position from July, on or about October 21 (page 68). Heating oil prices see price surges as wholesalers begin to market to consumers, colder than normal temperatures add support as we begin the heating season. Traders can sell this strength by going short December heating oil around the 14th and hold until around Thanksgiving. This trade has a success rate of 62.5% over the past 32 years with a total gain of $51,652.

METALS

Gold tends to remain ...