Originally posted by AAAintheBeltway
I tend to agree with inandlong but I would think carefully about the potential for disaster if you are long index futures and holding over. I am talking about the potential for another 9/11 type disaster, not an earnings miss, which might be painful but will not destroy you. It seems to me there is an asymetrical risk here. I don't mind holding a short over, one because I am hedged by portfolio investments and two, because the catastrophic event will produce a meltdown. The type of event that might kill you on the upside is just not out there right now.
I apply the same reasoning to crude oil futures. Why hold a short overnight? Even if the price is extended it's just too risky in my view. Same rationale applies to coffee futures in the winter growing season, or OJ for that matter.
Rule 1 of trading is avoid the exposure that can take you out.