Veteran futures analyst Ira Epstein has offered a cautious assessment of current financial market conditions, describing the significant sell-off in the stock market as "brutal" and advising caution.

In his latest commentary, published on GoldSeek, Epstein noted that despite the equity market's decline, gold and silver are not holding up as expected. Precious metals have long carried a reputation among investors as a refuge during equity turbulence, which is what makes their subdued performance in this sell-off a notable observation in his assessment. Silver, which the commentary observes is often referred to as "Dr. Copper," has also seen a downturn.

Epstein additionally highlighted upcoming economic indicators that could influence market movements, including the nonfarm payrolls report and consumer indices. The nonfarm payrolls report is among the most closely watched monthly reads on the U.S. labor market, while consumer-related data gives traders a scheduled window into household conditions. For readers tracking the metals complex, those releases are the near-term markers Epstein's commentary puts on the calendar amid the current turbulence.

In a personal note, Epstein shared his experience of undergoing eye surgery, using it to underscore the importance of staying informed.

His ongoing analysis and recommendations in the futures market currently focus in particular on metals and grains.

About the Author

Ira Epstein (IraEpstein.com, LINN & Associates; author page) has over the past 35 years built a reputation for providing clients with easy-to-use technology and "good old fashioned trading know-how." A number of the firm's brokers have more than 30 years of trading experience. In the firm's view, no matter how technology changes the methods of entering orders, there is no replacement for having "been there and done that before." The blend of services — education, market information and trading platforms — is what brings solutions together.

Epstein entered the futures markets in 1969, working his way up from "floor runner" to becoming a Floor Trader. In the mid-1970s he made a career shift within the industry to develop both retail and commercial clientele. As his customer base grew, he founded "Ira Epstein & Company" in 1984, a trading firm specializing in retail, commercial and self-directed discount futures trading.

Along the way, Epstein became a leader in trading technology out of necessity, driven by increased small-lot trade volume. He was among the first to embrace the Internet, which has dramatically changed both the way information is delivered and how trading takes place today.

Epstein and his brokers showcase their work through emailed market information and Ira's "Futures Videos," which can be viewed on the firm's website, through Market Center, Linn-IraChart Software and on YouTube. A newsletter signup is available at IraEpstein.com.