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Interest Rate Strategies: Trade Smarter with Fed Rate DecisionsInterest Rate Strategies: Trade Smarter with Fed Rate Decisions Trading interest rates may seem straightforward at first: buy when cuts end and sell when they fall. However, this approach often defies expectations, as determining when rate cuts truly end isn't as simple as pointing to a rate pause following a cut. While today’s Federal Reserve rate decisions are made during scheduled (and unscheduled emergency) Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings, this wasn’t always the case. Before the 1990s, the Fed often made changes outside of meetings. The shift to exclusively deciding rates during FOMC meetings was implemented to provide greater transparency and predictability for markets. Topics Covered: How Are Interest Rates Traded? Three Interest Rate Trading Strategies. Key Insights from Backtesting Interest Rate Trading Strategies. Interest Rate Trading Indicator (Backtest For Yourself). █ How Are Interest Rates Traded? This strategy focuses on trading around Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, including hikes (increases), cuts (decreases), and pauses. These decisions are believed by many to have both short- and long-term effects on the market. Key Strategy Concepts Backtested: Buy on Rate Pauses or Increases: Go long (buy) when the Fed pauses or raises interest rates, typically signaling market stability or optimism. Sell on Rate Decreases: Go short (sell) or close longs when the Fed cuts rates, often indicating economic concerns or slowing growth. Buy on Specific Rate Decreases: Enter trades when the Fed implements specific rate cuts, such as 50 basis points (bps) which represents 0.5%, and analyze market reactions over different time horizons. █ Strategy: Long during Pauses and Increases, Short during Decreases This section examines the effectiveness of going long on rate pauses or increases and shorting during decreases. This strategy performed well between 2001 and 2009, but underperformed after 2009 and before 2001 compared to holding positions. The main challenge is the unpredictability of future rate changes. If you could foresee rate trends over two years, decision-making would be easier, but that’s rarely the case, making this strategy less reliable in certain periods. 2001-2009 Trade Result: 67.02% Holding Result: -31.19% 2019-2021 Trade Result: 19.28% Holding Result: 25.22% 1971-Present Trade Result: 444.13% Holding Result: 5694.12% █ Strategy: Long 50bps Rate Cuts This section evaluates trading around 50 basis point (bps) rate cuts, which is a 0.5% decrease. Large cuts usually respond to economic stress, and market reactions can vary. While these cuts signal aggressive economic stimulation by the Fed, short-term responses are often unpredictable. The strategy tends to perform better over longer timeframes, as markets absorb the effects. 1971-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: -0.19% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: 2.41% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: 2.46% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 11.4% 2001-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: -2.12% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: -1.84% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: -3.72% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 1.72% 2009-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: -15.79% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: -6.11% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: 7.07% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 29.92% █ Strategy: Long Any Rate Cuts This section reviews the performance of buying after any rate cut, not just large ones. Rate cuts usually signal economic easing and often improve market conditions in the long run. However, the size of the cut and its context greatly influence how the market reacts over different timeframes. 1971-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: 0.33% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: 2.65% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: 4.38% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 8.4% 2001-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: -1.12% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: -0.69% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: -1.59% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 0.22% 2009-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: -3.38% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: 3.26% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: 12.55% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 12.54% █ Key Insights from Backtesting Interest Rate Trading Strategies The first assumption I wanted to test was whether you should sell when rate cuts begin and buy when they end. The results were inconclusive, mainly due to the difficulty of predicting when rate cuts will stop. A rate pause might suggest cuts are over, but that’s often not the case, as shown below. One key finding is that the best time to be fully invested is when rates fall below 1.25% or 1.00%, as this has historically led to stronger market performance. But this can be subject to change. █ Interest Rate Trading Indicator (Backtest For Yourself) Indicator Used For Backtesting (select chart below to open): The 'Interest Rate Trading (Manually Added Rate Decisions) ' indicator analyzes U.S. interest rate decisions to determine trade entries and exits based on user-defined criteria, such as rate increases, decreases, pauses, aggressive changes, and more. It visually marks key decision dates, including both rate changes and pauses, offering valuable insights for trading based on interest rate trends. Historical time periods are highlighted for additional context. The indicator also allows users to compare the performance of an interest rate trading strategy versus a holding strategy.
SP:SPXEducation
by TanHef
US CPI Report Set to Influence Fed Decision and Market SentimentUS CPI Data Expected to Show Moderating Price Pressures Ahead of Fed Decision Key Highlights: Expected CPI Rise: The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) is forecast to rise by 3.4% year-over-year (YoY) in May, maintaining the same pace as in April. Core CPI Inflation: Annual core CPI inflation is anticipated to slightly decrease from 3.6% in April to 3.5% in May. Impact on US Dollar and Fed Rate Cut Expectations: The upcoming inflation data could influence the US Dollar value and market expectations regarding a September rate cut by the Federal Reserve (Fed). Detailed Analysis: Upcoming CPI Data Release: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is set to publish the highly anticipated Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data for May on Wednesday at 12:30 GMT. This report is expected to bring intense volatility to the US Dollar, as any surprises in the inflation figures could significantly impact market expectations for the Federal Reserve's rate cut decisions in September. Inflation Expectations: Overall CPI: Expected to rise by 3.4% YoY in May, consistent with April’s rate. Core CPI: Forecast to inch down to 3.5% YoY from 3.6% in April. Month-over-Month (MoM) Changes: The CPI is anticipated to increase by 0.1% in May, down from a 0.3% rise in April. Core CPI is likely to hold steady at a 0.3% MoM increase. Federal Reserve’s Stance: In a recent moderated discussion, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell adopted a dovish stance, expressing lower confidence in inflation moving back down and suggesting it is unlikely that the next move would be a rate hike. Powell's comments came just before the April CPI data release, which showed softened headline and core inflation. Labor Market Impact: A strong US labor market report, showing a substantial increase in Nonfarm Payrolls and higher-than-expected Average Hourly Earnings, has tempered market expectations for a September rate cut. Despite earlier optimism for rate cuts, the robust labor data has led markets to reassess the likelihood of such cuts. Banks' Expectations for CPI: Goldman Sachs: Predicts CPI to be at 3.3% year-over-year, slightly lower than the previous month. JP Morgan: Expects CPI to remain stable at 3.4%, indicating no significant change. Morgan Stanley: Anticipates a slight decline to 3.2%, reflecting easing inflation pressures. Bank of America: Foresees CPI at 3.3%, aligning with a gradual slowdown in inflation. Analysts’ Forecasts: According to TD Securities analysts, core inflation is expected to slow to a "soft" 0.3% MoM in May, with the headline likely rising by a softer 0.1% due to a significant decline in energy prices. They also noted a potential for a dovish surprise with an unrounded core CPI forecast of 0.26% MoM. Conclusion: The upcoming US CPI data release is crucial, with potentially significant impacts on the US Dollar and market expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. A CPI reading in line with expectations could reinforce current market positions, while any deviation could trigger substantial market volatility. This comprehensive analysis outlines the expectations and potential impacts of the upcoming CPI data, providing valuable insights for market participants.
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by SroshMayi
Smart Money Orderflow M15 ApproachIn this context, we define an intelligent order flow, which is a convergence of flows, in this case, downwards, leading the price to create congestions, i.e., internal breaks, and then consolidation phases, i.e., external breaks, which bring the price into the demand zone, where we should consider opening a long position subsequently. The pattern is clear: demand zone on H4 after a defined structural change with the main consolidation phase, and then we expect a retest in the demand zone, where it is highly likely that the price may reverse its direction, especially when analyzing the market from an M15 perspective. I remain available for further clarifications, greetings, and happy studying to all.
Education
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
Mitigation + BOS M15 Setup In this scenario, we examine a very common approach: trend continuation. The particular aspect of viewing it in this light compared to simply looking at trendlines is how we can identify demand zones and structural changes called BOS. Prices always tend to retrace in these zones before continuing. Personally, I identify demand or supply zones at H4, and once the price retraces, I look for rebounds at M15. In that timeframe, I aim to identify a structural change to the upside if I'm looking for a long position. Sometimes during an uptrend, it's very common to identify inefficiencies or FVG, which in turn support the price during retracement. Best wishes and happy trading to all.
Education
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
Pullback After Breakout Entry M15 ApproachIn this model, we define an approach that I personally use a lot, namely the creation of a demand or supply zone on the H4. In this case, we are observing a demand zone. Once the zone has been plotted on the chart, we wait for a retracement on the M15, and as soon as the market shows a structural change, in this case to the upside during the three London, pre-NY, and NY sessions, always considering to have the midnight open behind us, we can enter the market. The target will be the nearest swing high level, always considering to have at least a risk/reward ratio of 1.5. Best regards and have a good day everyone.
Education
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
2
Equal High & Low SweepToday I wanted to talk about two scenarios concerning market structure: the equal high for a bullish structure and the low sweep for a bearish structure. The crucial point of each setup, as always, is to identify a structural change called BOS. From there, I start looking for a demand or supply zone in the market where we should pay attention to observe the price return. This price return should occur as indicated in the setup, with the market starting to consolidate and form a double bottom or top of momentum. It is also important to consider the presence of a liquidity zone, as this will be our primary target zone, followed by the minimum or maximum of the structure. I wish everyone happy trading and remain available for further discussions on the matter.
Education
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
The Best Entry on the MarketIn this model, we will examine a tactical approach to achieve high-performance entry. It all starts with an uptrend characterized by continuous structural changes. In fact, there are continuous directional changes until the retest of the supply zone on M30. Subsequently, the market reacts to this zone by pushing downwards and generating a CHoCH. Here, switching to a 1-minute timeframe, it will be possible to wait for a retest of the supply zone before entering. The trade will target the session or daily low. Greetings and happy trading to all.
Education
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
The Best Strategy of 2024: Reversal Entry ModelGood morning, today I would like to draw your attention to a model that I am integrating into my analyses for this year. In this model, we define simple structural changes either downwards or upwards, in this context downwards using two BOS. Subsequently, we define the main demand zone where the price retests. After the retest, the price breaks upwards the structure creating a CHOCH, or an internal breakout. Afterwards, the price will move into a lateral phase accumulating a lot of liquidity, and as it is known, as soon as the price absorbs liquidity above or below a range, it then moves in the opposite direction of the filled liquidity. In this case, liquidity is absorbed below in the order block zone and the price moves upwards. I recommend supplementing charts with this model and identifying these setups starting from an H4 timeframe which can be simpler compared to smaller timeframes. Best regards and happy trading to everyone.
Education
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
SMC Sell Setup: High Probability EntryGood morning everyone, today we will explore a short entry model using the concepts of smart money. This model involves entering the market in a short position after a series of specific patterns. Firstly, we start with a bearish structure where the price breaks a significant low, creating a BOS. Subsequently, we will identify the SMC zone, which is a trap zone to avoid. In this zone, the price makes a false descent before rising, creating the most important peak that we will use to evaluate a short entry. After identifying this peak, the market begins to decline, forming a CHOCH, representing an internal break. This will signal our sell point, and we could define our sell zone indicated by the POI on the chart. Once the price enters this zone, we may consider opening a short position on the security. Greetings to everyone.
Education
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
Perfect ChoCh : Entry + SetupWith this trading model, I aim to share with the community a particularly significant approach that has revolutionized my way of operating in the markets, especially on shorter timeframes such as 1, 5, and 15 minutes. This model involves defining a clear structure before entering the market, specifically a demand zone already present in the market. A price that reaches this zone through a double structural break (BOS) before rallying and creating an internal break (ChoCh) before returning to the demand zone. Subsequently, the price will surpass the previous high, thereby defining a new demand zone. One will then await the price to reach this zone, and once there, enter the market with the aim of reaching the supply zone depicted on the chart.
Education
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
Advanced Forex Trading Strategy M15The trading strategy under examination is tailored for the M15 timeframe in the forex market, focusing on identifying supply and demand zones to make well-informed trading decisions. Let's delve into the key steps to successfully implement this strategy. Step 1: M15 Chart Analysis Position yourself on an M15 timeframe chart to gain a more detailed view of the market. This shorter time frame allows for capturing swift movements and identifying potential trading opportunities. Step 2: Identification of Supply and Demand Zones Utilize technical analysis tools such as supports, resistances, and volume indicators to clearly pinpoint supply and demand zones. Demand areas represent points where price is expected to rise, while supply zones indicate potential downward reversal points. Step 3: Confirmation of Demand Zone Breakout Wait for the breakout of a demand zone, accompanied by a bounce. This confirms the strength of the movement and suggests a potential change in the price direction. Step 4: Waiting for Price Bounce Above the Broken Zone After the demand zone breakout, observe price behavior and wait for it to return above the same zone. This confirms the effectiveness of the breakout and suggests a potential entry opportunity. Step 5: Identification of Supply Zone Once the price has surpassed the demand zone, identify a possible supply zone. This is the level where price is expected to encounter resistance. Step 6: Market Entry and Goal Planning Enter the market when the price reaches the identified supply zone, aiming to capture the downward movement. Set the target corresponding to the minimum that led to the last uptrend, intending to capitalize on the potential downward movement. Conclusions: This advanced forex trading strategy on the M15 timeframe is based on analyzing supply and demand dynamics. Always remember to manage risk carefully and adapt the strategy to evolving market conditions.
Education
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
Market Phases | Buy & Sell zone!Today, we delve into the crucial market phases, focusing on the dynamics of accumulation and distribution, along with the concepts of BOS (Breakout of Structure), Sweep, Range, and Liquidity. Understanding these phases is essential for developing an informed trading strategy and improving trading decisions. The market goes through various phases, such as accumulation and distribution, which play a key role in price formation. Accumulation represents a period when institutional traders accumulate a significant position, while distribution is associated with the sale of these positions. BOS (Breakout of Structure) is a pivotal event where the price surpasses a significant support or resistance level. Analyzing BOS can provide signals for reversal or trend continuation, indicating the end of one phase and the beginning of another. The concept of Sweep involves the rapid and aggressive buying or selling of a large quantity of assets at current market prices. This may indicate institutional interest and influence the future direction of the price. Range refers to a consolidated price interval where the market is temporarily "locked." During these phases, traders can seek breakout or breakdown signals to identify trading opportunities. Liquidity is crucial as it represents the availability of a large volume of trades at a specific price level. Understanding market phases and concepts like BOS, Sweep, Range, and Liquidity provides a solid foundation for chart analysis. Using this knowledge, informed decisions can be made to identify trading opportunities and manage risks more effectively.
Education
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
Understanding GDP Growth: A Key Indicator of Economic HealthIntroduction Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is a crucial economic indicator that provides insight into the overall health and performance of a country's economy. As a comprehensive measure of a nation's economic activity, GDP growth reflects the value of all goods and services produced within a country over a specific period. In this article, we will explore the significance of GDP growth, its components, and the impact it has on various aspects of a nation's well-being. Definition and Components of GDP GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given time frame. It is commonly calculated quarterly and annually. There are three main ways to measure GDP: the production approach, the income approach, and the expenditure approach. Each approach provides a unique perspective on economic activity. Production Approach: This method calculates GDP by adding up all the value-added at each stage of production. It includes the value of intermediate goods and services to avoid double counting. Income Approach: GDP can also be measured by summing up all the incomes earned by individuals and businesses within a country, including wages, profits, and taxes minus subsidies. Expenditure Approach: This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the expenditures made in the economy. It includes consumption, investment, government spending, and net exports (exports minus imports). Importance Here are some of the primary reasons why GDP growth is considered important: Economic Health - GDP growth is a fundamental measure of a country's economic health. A positive growth rate indicates that the economy is expanding, producing more goods and services over time. This growth is essential for creating jobs, increasing incomes, and improving overall living standards. Job Creation - A growing economy often leads to increased employment opportunities. As businesses expand to meet rising demand for goods and services, they hire more workers, reducing unemployment rates and contributing to a more robust labor market. Income Generation - GDP growth is linked to the overall income generated within a country. As the economy expands, incomes generally rise, providing individuals and households with more financial resources. This, in turn, contributes to an improvement in the standard of living. Investment Climate - Investors and businesses often use GDP growth as a critical factor in assessing the attractiveness of a country for investment. A growing economy suggests potential opportunities for businesses to thrive, encouraging both domestic and foreign investments. Government Policy - Policymakers use GDP growth data to formulate economic policies. High GDP growth rates may lead to expansionary policies aimed at sustaining economic momentum, while low or negative growth rates may prompt policymakers to adopt measures to stimulate economic activity. Consumer and Business Confidence - Positive GDP growth contributes to increased confidence among consumers and businesses. When people perceive a growing economy, they are more likely to spend money, and businesses are more inclined to invest and expand. International Competitiveness - A country with a strong and growing economy is often viewed as more competitive on the global stage. A robust GDP growth rate enhances a nation's economic influence and can attract international trade and investment. Government Revenues - Higher GDP growth rates can lead to increased tax revenues for the government. This additional income can be used to fund public services, infrastructure projects, and social programs, contributing to the overall development of the nation. Debt Management - Economic growth can help manage a country's debt burden. A growing economy typically generates more revenue, making it easier for the government to service its debt without relying excessively on borrowing. Poverty Reduction - Sustainable GDP growth is often associated with poverty reduction. As the economy expands, opportunities for employment and income generation increase, helping to lift people out of poverty. Conclusion In conclusion, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth stands as a cornerstone in understanding and evaluating a nation's economic well-being. Through its comprehensive measurement of all goods and services produced within a country, GDP growth provides valuable insights into economic health, job creation, income generation, and various other facets that collectively contribute to the overall prosperity of a nation. The three approaches to measuring GDP—production, income, and expenditure—offer distinct perspectives, ensuring a holistic understanding of economic activity. The importance of GDP growth cannot be overstated, as it serves as a fundamental gauge of a country's economic trajectory and influences crucial decision-making processes at both the individual and policy levels. The positive correlation between GDP growth and job creation underscores the role of a thriving economy in fostering employment opportunities and contributing to a robust labor market. Additionally, the impact on income generation translates into an improved standard of living for individuals and households, reflecting the tangible benefits of economic expansion. Investors and businesses keenly observe GDP growth as a key indicator when evaluating the potential for investment. Government policymakers, armed with GDP data, craft strategies to either sustain economic momentum or stimulate activity, underscoring the pivotal role GDP growth plays in shaping economic policies. The ripple effects of GDP growth extend to consumer and business confidence, international competitiveness, government revenues, and effective debt management. A growing economy not only instills confidence but also attracts global trade and investment, positioning the nation favorably on the international stage. Perhaps most importantly, sustainable GDP growth is intricately linked to poverty reduction. As the economy expands, opportunities for employment and income generation increase, contributing to the uplifting of individuals and communities from poverty. In essence, the study of GDP growth goes beyond mere economic statistics; it serves as a compass guiding nations towards prosperity, inclusive development, and an improved quality of life for their citizens. Recognizing the multi-dimensional impact of GDP growth enables policymakers, businesses, and individuals to make informed decisions that foster long-term economic well-being and societal advancement.
FRED:GDPEducation
by financialflagship
WORLD VOLATILE SITUATION Economy VS War🔴Be Aware Of Today... 🔹The Violent Movements Will Begins With These News 🔹(ADP) Nonfarm Employment Change 🔹Ism Manufacturing PMI 🔹Ism Manufacturing Prices 🔹Jolts Job Openings 🔹Most Importantly Fed Interest Rate Decision Also And U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Press Conference 🔴Federal Reserve Meeting Investors Will Turn Their Attention To The Federal Reserve's Policy Meeting Tomorrow, Eager To Hear Policymakers' Views On The State Of The Economy And The Future Outlook For Interest Rates. 🔴 Most Investors Are Betting That The Federal Reserve Has Finished Tightening Monetary Policy After Chairman Jerome Powell Said That Rising Long-term Yields Reduce The Need For Further Increases In Interest Rates. On the Other Hand, The War situation: 🟥Israel-Hamas war live updates: Foreign passport holders seen entering Rafah crossing; Gaza communications cut again 🟥Bolivia cuts diplomatic ties with Israel; Chile and Colombia recall ambassadors 🟥Still, the situation of War is so bad Good Luck Everyone 👋
TVC:DXYEducation
by SroshMayi
A very long-term (Macro) Approach To US/Global MarketsAfter completing my weekend research/videos, I wanted to create something that provided an anchor for traders/investors. This video is not focused on the short-term market trends - although it does discuss what I expect to see play out over the next 12 to 24 months. This video is more about preparing traders/investors for the global events related to Central Banks, market trends/opportunities, and how I believe the markets will react over the next 5+ years. After watching this video, your job will be to watch for key events to unfold. These events, described in the video, will be key to understanding where opportunities and risks are in market trends. This is NOT the same market we've been used to from 2010 through 2021. This is an entirely different beast of a global market. Credit/debt issues will persist, and conflicts/war may drive major repricing events. Pay attention and follow my research. I'm delivering this long-term research to help you better prepare for market trends and protect your capital from downside risks.
AMEX:SPYEducation
by BradMatheny
Understanding Interest-rates & InflationHey Traders So, I have been asked by many of my clients to explain the relationship between interest-rates and inflation and how to translate that information into their analysis. For this reason I put this little mini lesson together to explain: - The core role of the central bank - Reason and objectives for interest-rates and inflation - How you can use this information to enhance your analysis - How to take advantage of this info when taking, managing or closing your trades. PS. if you would like me to do more of these types of videos be sure to leave a comment in the comment section.
TVC:DXYEducation
by DeanMuller
Exploring the Weekly OptionsCME: E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Weekly Options ($Q1D-$Q5D) When I first started trading two decades ago, I was overwhelmed by the amount of data that was available. I had a hard time correlating how data relates to price movement. While observing the stock market, I have one question in particular: why does the market often moves drastically immediately after the release of a major report? Over time, I learnt that these reports provide insight into how the economy works. New data validates our assumptions about the future. Take the United States as an example: • Consumers drive the U.S. economy; • Consumers need jobs to be able to buy things and keep the economy going; • The ebb and flow between the degree of joblessness and full employment drive economic activity up or down; • How easy or difficult for households and businesses to get credit affects consumption, jobs, and investment. The following reports have an outsized impact on global financial markets: • The Nonfarm Payroll Report, released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); • The Consumer Price Index, also published by the BLS; • Personal Income and Outlays, by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA); • Gross Domestic Product (GDP), also by the BEA; • Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, this is where the Federal Reserve sets the Fed Funds interest rates, ten times a year; • Interest rate actions by other central banks, including European Central Bank, the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan, and the People’s Bank of China. Binary Outcomes: Ideal Setting for Options Trading For these highly anticipated reports, investors usually reach a consensus on the expected impact of the new data prior to its release. Market price tends to price in such investor expectations. The next FOMC meeting is on September 20th. According to CME Group’s FedWatch tool, the futures market currently expects a 94% probability that the Fed would keep the Fed Funds rate unchanged at the 5.25%-5.50% range. The September contract of CME Fed Funds Futures (ZQU3) is last settled at 94.665. This implies a Fed Funds rate of 5.335%, right in the middle of the target range. When new data is released, investors focus less on the actual data, but more on how it compares to the consensus. Because the prevailing price already reflected market expectation, new data serves to either confirm or dispute it. We could use a range of -1 to +1 to categorize these outcomes: • Well Below Expectations, -1; • Meet Expectations, 0; • Well Above Expectations, +1. The sign of the outcome does not necessarily correspond to a positive or negative price movement. It differs by the type of data and the respective financial instrument. We could further simplify the results into binary outcomes: • Within Expectation: 0, where actual data approximates previous expectation; • Beyond Expectation: 1, either below or above expectation by a pre-defined margin. Both human and computer think in binary terms: Light switch On or Off, Price goes Up or Down, Risk turns On or Off. In derivatives market, we could buy a Call Options if we expect the price to go up, and a Put Options if we think the price will decline. Weekly Options for Event-Driven Strategies The FOMC meeting is the most significant event that affects global markets. Market may stay calm if the Fed keeps rate unchanged (within expectation). However, if the Fed raises rate unexpectedly, you could hear investors screaming all around the world! To trade the Fed decision, investors could form different strategies using a wild variety of instruments, such as stock market indexes, Treasury bonds, forex futures, gold, WTI crude oil, and even bitcoin. Today, we focus on the Nasdaq 100 index. Here are some alternatives to consider: • Nasdaq 100 ETF: many asset managers offer them, including Invesco, iShares and ProShares. From a trader’s perspective, ETFs offer no leverage. A $100K exposure requires $100K upfront investment. If the market moves up 1%, you also gain 1%, minus the fees. • Nasdaq 100 Futures: CME Micro Nasdaq 100 ($MNQ) has a notional value of 2 times the index, valuing it at $31025, given the Nasdaq’s last close at 15512.5. Each contract requires initial margin of $1680. The futures contract is embedded with an 18.5-to-1 leverage. • Nasdaq 100 Options: As the nearby September contract expires on the 3rd Friday, or the 15th, ahead of the FOMC meeting date, we could not use it for our strategy. Instead, we could apply it with the December contract ($NQU3). On September 1st, the 15800-strike Call is quoted $541.50, and the 15400-strike Put is quoted $535. • Weekly Options: On September 1st, the 15800-strike Call to expire in one week is quoted $14.25, while the 15400-strike Put to expire in one week is quoted $54.50. Premiums for the standard American-style Options are expensive. They come with quarterly contracts and quarterly expirations. While our target date is September 20th, we have to use the December contract and acquire 3-1/2-month worth of time value. Weekly options, on the other hand, offer more precise trading and risk management with more expirations. Investors pay low premium to get the exposure they need and avoid the unnecessary and costly time value. For E-Mini Nasdaq 100, the weekly options that expire on Wednesday, September 20th will be listed on the prior Thursday, September 14th. If an investor forms an opinion about the FOMC decision, he could implement it with a weekly call or put next week. Nasdaq Weekly Options are deliverable contracts. If an investor owns a call and it expires in the money, he will settle the contract with a long position in E-Mini Nasdaq 100 futures. Likewise, if he owns an in-the-money put, he will get a short futures position. If the market moves in favor of an investor’s expectation, the potential payoff could be significant due to the leverage in weekly options. If the investor is incorrect, he could lose money, up to the amount of the entire premium. However, the low-premium nature in weekly options helps contain such loss at a tolerable level. Happy Trading. Disclaimers *Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services. CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
CME_MINI:NQ1!Education
by JimHuangChicago
3
KOG - JACKSON HOLE Part 1Jackson Hole Symposium: What is the Jackson Hole Symposium? The Jackson Hole symposium (Economic Policy Symposium) is held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming USA. It is an event attended by the worlds top financial professionals including ministers, bankers and academics. It is a closed event so no press are allowed access to the meetings or talks. Instead, press conferences are held throughout the event where any comments from financial professionals usually move the markets and cause extreme volatility. This is not the usual analysis we provide. Instead, what we wanted to show you is the last 3-4yrs of market data illustrated on the charts, giving you an idea of what this event can do and cause on the markets. In this example, on Gold. So, lets start with last year, 2021. We can see the price was at a similar price point to where we are today, just slightly higher at around the 1780 level. The early sessions were quiet, however, after a retest of the low look at the aggressive move to the upside! Price started at 1780 and the move completed at 1836. 500+ pip move in a matter of days. Lets look at the top right chart, 2020. Again, look at the choppy price action, the whipsaw up and down, then the rested of the low before an aggressive move to the upside. Price started at 1904 and the move completed at 1994. 900pip movement in a matter of days. Now 2019, a slow start in the early sessions, all of a sudden, a rested on the low and then another aggressive move to the upside. Price started at 1491 and completed the move 1557. Over 500pip movement in a matter of days! What we’re trying to show you here is that its going to be a very difficult event to trade for new traders. Its going to be choppy, its going to be volatile, its going to whipsaw and its likely to move. If you’re caught the wrong side of it its going to kill your account. Best practice here is to let the market make the moves it wants to, wait for the price to settle in whatever level they want to drive it to, once this has happened then look for the setup to get in to the trade. Hope this helps. As always, trade safe. KOG
FOREXCOM:XAUUSDEducation
by KnightsofGold
32
The Powell meme bomb & pivotThe fed and Powell have tried everything to dismiss inflation . First ignoring it then saying transitory then changing the perimeters as to how it's calculated. Even Sleepy Joe then chimed in at one point by saying hotdogs are actually cheaper for your red white and blue lies. How about awards... Let's give Ben Bernanke the noble economics prize during this all of this insanity! How about an Oscar to a president? (Sean Penn to Zelensky) yeah why not?? Giving Bernanke an award like "Noble Economics" is like calling Dahmer chef of the year! What the heck is going on? People are so broke they can't even pay attention! Has reality become the twilight zone? or was it always? Who are these people that rule us? Can they really be this incompetent? If so why is there no accountability? Now to Powell and gang. Last year they were caught for insider trading, what was their punishment? They were forced to sell their stock, at record gains mind you. Really... that's a punishment now? No one even batted an eye. The west has become a bunch of zombie filled degenerate nations with it's citizens consuming filth at record pace even Usain Bolt would be envious of. For this charade to keep going, you need to print more zombie snacks (dollars) there is no other way. I do believe the market is pricing in an inevitable Fed pivot at the moment which could turn out to be a sell the news moment next year at some point (not Financial advice). Psychological warfare. The Psy-op being played has been ramped up to new levels the past couple years and it is being reflected in the market due to technology with access to investing now easier than ever with a device sitting in your pocket, just add a little emotion with degenerative news and voila. The Pivot will eventually come, but will be the long term effects of it? Anyone can assume but simple 101 Noble Bernanke economics will tell you it ain't good. Anyway, this is my rant for the day. Actually, I have a question. What effect do SEC (crypto) rulings have past American borders? Here is my opinion, (crypto specifically) They have no jurisdiction past American borders so the effect is limited if any. In my opinion these negative rulings will only stifle any American innovation and growth of the sector. It actually just opens doors for other countries to take advantage of it as crypto is global. Please give me your thoughts on this down bellow. Special Guest Appearance George Carlin Thanks WeAreSat0shi Stay Blessed!
TVC:DXYEducation
by WeAreSat0shi
2
SOFR: Farewell to LIBORCME: SOFR ( CME:SR31! ) On June 30th, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler posted a 3-minute short video on Twitter. In this educational piece titled RIP LIBOR, he explains what the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) is, and why its passing away is actually a good thing for consumers. As CFTC Chairman in 2009-2014 and SEC Chairman since 2021, Mr. Gensler oversaw the investigation of the 2012 LIBOR scandal and its replacement by the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) in 2021 as the benchmark interest rate for US dollar. Eurodollar and LIBOR Offshore Dollar, the US currency deposited in banks outside of the United States, is commonly known as Eurodollar. Traditionally, offshore dollars were traded mainly among European banks. The name sticks to these days and applies to funds in non-European banks as well. A key advantage of trading Eurodollar is the fact that it is subject to fewer regulations by the Fed, being outside of the US jurisdiction. London is the largest trading hub for Eurodollar. The London Interbank Offered Rate came into being in the 1970s as a reference interest rate in the Eurodollar markets. By 1986, the British Bankers' Association (BBA) began publishing the US Dollar LIBOR daily. The BBA Libor was calculated based on interest rates reported by 17 member banks who together represented the bulk of Eurodollar transactions. Libor has been widely used as a reference rate for many financial instruments, including: • Forward rate agreements • Interest rate futures, e.g., CME Eurodollar futures • Interest rate swaps and swaptions • Interest rate options, Interest rate cap and floor • Floating rate notes and Floating rate certificates of deposit • Syndicated loans • Variable rate mortgages and Term loans • Range accrual notes and Step-up callable notes • Target redemption notes and Hybrid perpetual notes • Collateralized mortgage obligations and Collateralized debt obligations How important was Libor? It is a reference rate in the documentation by private trade association International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), which sets global market standard for OTC derivative transactions. In 2008, 60% of prime adjustable-rate mortgages and nearly all subprime mortgages were indexed to the USD Libor in the US. Furthermore, American cities borrowed 75% of their money through financial products that were linked to the Libor. Libor has been the indispensable global benchmark for pricing everything from credit card debt to mortgages, auto loans, corporate loans, and complex derivatives. CME Eurodollar Futures In 1981, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange launched Eurodollar futures, the first ever cash-settled futures contract. It quickly became the most liquid contract by CME. At its peak, over 1,500 traders and clerks worked at the Eurodollar pit on CME trading floor. Not to be confused with the Euro currency, Eurodollar futures contracts are derivatives on the interest rate paid on a notional or "face value" of $1,000,000 time deposit at a bank outside of the United. It uses the 3-month USD Libor rate as its settlement index. The late Fred D. Arditti, CME economist, is credited as the brain behind Eurodollar futures. Eurodollar futures are priced as a Money Market instrument. The CME IMM index is used to convert a coupon-bearing instrument such as bank deposit, into a discounted instrument that does not make regular interest payments. For instance, a futures price of 95.00 implies an interest rate of 100.00 - 95.00, or 5%. The settlement price of a Eurodollar futures contract is defined to be 100.00 minus the official BBA fixing of 3-month Libor on the day the contract is settled. The 2012 LIBOR Scandal The LIBOR Scandal was a highly publicized scheme in which bankers at major financial institutions colluded with each other to manipulate the Libor rate. As the scandal came to light in 2012, investigators found that the banks had been submitting false information about their borrowing costs to manipulate the Libor rate. This allowed the banks to profit from trades based on the artificially low or high rates. A dozen big banks were implicated in the scandal. It led to lawsuits and regulatory actions. After the rate-fixing scandal, LIBOR's validity as a credible benchmark was over. As a result, regulators decided that Libor would be phased out and replaced. If you want to learn more about the LIBOR scandal, feel free to check out the 2017 bestseller by David Enrich: “The Spider Network: The Wild Story of a Math Genius, a Gang of Backstabbing Bankers, and One of the Greatest Scams in Financial History”. What is the SOFR In 2017, the Federal Reserve assembled the Alternative Reference Rate Committee to select a Libor replacement. The committee chose the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as the new benchmark for dollar-denominated contracts. The daily SOFR is based on transactions in the Treasury repurchase market, where firms offer overnight or short-term loans to banks collateralized by their bond assets ,similar to pawn shops. Unlike LIBOR, there’s extensive trading in the Treasury repo market, estimated at $4.8 trillion in June 2023. This theoretically makes it a more accurate indicator of borrowing costs. Moreover, SOFR is based on data from observable transactions rather than on estimated borrowing rates, as was the case with LIBOR. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York began publishing the SOFR in April 2018. By 2021, SOFR has replaced most of the LIBOR-linked contracts. The LIBOR committee officially folded up on June 30, 2023. Chairman Gensler apparently chose this day to post his RIP LIBOR video to mark the end of an era. The difference between Fed Funds Rate and SOFR Fed Funds Rate is set by the Fed’s FOMC meeting, and SOFR is published by the NY Fed. However, they are very different. • Fed Funds Rate is considered a risk-free interest rate, and only member banks have access to this ultra-low rate through the Fed’s discount window. • SOFR is a commercial interest rate where banks charge each other. The NY Fed publishes the rate based on transactions in the US Treasury repurchase market. SOFR is similar to LIBOR because they are both commercial interest rate benchmarks. On the other hand, Fed Funds Rate is a policy rate set by the US central bank. CME SOFR Futures and Options CME Group launched the 3-month SOFR futures and options contracts in May 2018. The contracts were based on the SOFR Index, published daily by the New York Fed. SOFR futures contracts are notional at $2,500 x contract-grade International Monetary Market (IMM) Index, where the IMM Index = 100 minus SOFR. At a 5.215 IMM, for example, each contract has a notional value of $13,037.50. CME requires a $550 margin per contract. An interest rate move by a minimum tick of 0.25 basis point would result in a gain or loss of $6.25. At the beginning, SOFR contracts traded side-by-side with the Eurodollar contracts. By 2021, Eurodollar liquidity has transitioned to SOFR contracts. By April 2023, All Eurodollar contracts were delisted, and the transition was completed. For all intended purposes, you could think of the SOFR futures as the same as the legacy Eurodollar contracts, with the only notable exception being the settlement index switched from LIBOR to SOFR. On June 30th, the daily trading volume and Open Interest of SOFR contracts were 4,443,245 and 9,310,433 contracts, respectively. On the same date, CME Group total volume and OI were 23,769,103 and 104,221,083, respectively. On the latest trade day, SOFR accounts for 18.7% of CME Group’s trade volume and 8.9% of its total open interest. Indeed, SOFR has successfully replaced Eurodollar as new No. 1 contract at CME and is arguably the most liquid derivatives contract in the world. Where We Are at the SOFR Market On June 30th, the JUN SOFR contract (SR3M3) expired and settled at 94.785. This translates to the JUN SOFR rate of 5.215 (100-94.785). SEP 2023 (SR3U3) is now the new lead contract. It settled at 94.595 and implied a forward SOFR rate at 5.405 (100-94.595). This shows that the futures market expects a rate increase in the next Fed meeting. Like Eurodollar futures, rising futures price will confer to declining SOFR rate, as rate is equal to 100 minus futures price. Similarly, a decline in futures price equates to a rising SOFR rate. Happy Trading. Disclaimers *Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services. CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
Editors' picks
CME:SR31!Education
by JimHuangChicago
9
The Gold Standard and the Global Monetary SystemI. Introduction The history of international monetary systems has been a story of constant evolution. Of the many systems that have been used over the centuries, the Gold Standard stands out for its longevity and its critical role in shaping the world's economic landscape. This essay will first discuss the Gold Standard, then delve into President Richard Nixon's monumental decision to sever the tie between the U.S. dollar and gold, known as the 'Nixon Shock.' This discussion will segue into the subsequent transformation of the global monetary system, culminating in an analysis of our present-day monetary era. II. The Gold Standard Era The Gold Standard, which flourished between the late 19th century and the early 20th century, was a monetary system where the value of a country's currency was directly linked to gold. Each country promised to convert its currency into a fixed amount of gold upon demand. This system provided a stability that fostered international trade and investment, as it offered predictability of exchange rates and a constraint on inflation. However, it also meant that national monetary policies were subordinated to the need to maintain gold parity, thereby constraining a government's ability to respond to domestic economic conditions. III. Nixon's Depreciation and the End of the Gold Standard In 1971, amidst growing economic pressures, President Richard Nixon declared that the United States would no longer exchange gold for U.S. dollars held in foreign reserves, effectively ending the Gold Standard. This move was initially designed as a temporary measure to protect U.S. gold reserves, which were dwindling due to persistent trade deficits. However, the 'Nixon Shock' proved to be a permanent shift in international monetary policy. Nixon's move unshackled the U.S. dollar (and other global currencies) from the constraints of gold, allowing for more flexible monetary policies. This change allowed governments to respond more efficiently to economic downturns by manipulating the money supply. Yet, it also introduced a new era of exchange rate volatility and inflation risk, challenges that economies continue to grapple with today. IV. The Transformation of the Global Monetary System The end of the Gold Standard marked the transition to the era of fiat money—currency that is backed by the full faith and trust in the government that issues it, rather than a physical commodity like gold. Fiat money systems have provided governments with greater flexibility to manage economic conditions through monetary policy, as they can adjust the money supply to influence interest rates, manage inflation, stimulate growth, or address economic crises. However, the reliance on faith and trust in the government has also led to episodes of hyperinflation and economic crises in countries where that faith was misplaced or abused. V. The Present-day Monetary Era In the current monetary era, central banks, like the Federal Reserve in the U.S., use open market operations and other monetary policy tools to control the money supply and influence economic conditions. Decoupling from gold has also facilitated the rise of digital currencies and novel monetary ideas like cryptocurrency, reshaping our understanding of money and value. However, this freedom has its downsides; the absence of a physical constraint like gold can lead to fears about runaway inflation, especially in times of significant increases in the money supply, such as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. VI. Conclusion The Gold Standard, Nixon's Shock, and the transformation of the global monetary system offer key insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different monetary systems. While the Gold Standard provided a stability that fostered international trade, it limited the ability of governments to respond to domestic economic conditions. The Nixon Shock and the transition to a fiat money system have provided greater flexibility, but also introduced new challenges in terms of inflation risk and exchange rate volatility. As we navigate our present-day monetary era, it is essential to remember the lessons of the past while staying open to new innovations and ideas in our ongoing quest to develop a monetary system that best serves the needs of society.
FX_IDC:XAUUSDEducation
by financialflagship
The Debt Ceiling AgreementThe debt ceiling is a limit set by the U.S. Congress on the amount of debt that the federal government can have outstanding. This debt is primarily made up of two components: debt held by the public (like U.S. Treasury bonds held by investors) and intragovernmental holdings (like those in the Social Security Trust Fund). From a financial perspective, the debt ceiling is significant for several reasons: 1. Creditworthiness of the United States: The U.S. government is seen worldwide as an issuer of risk-free assets, primarily because it has never defaulted on its debt. If the debt ceiling is not raised in time, it could potentially lead to a default, shaking the world's confidence in U.S. government securities. This could increase the interest rates that the U.S. has to pay to borrow money in the future. 2. Global Financial Markets Stability: U.S. Treasury securities are used as a benchmark for many other types of credit and are widely held by financial institutions around the world. A default could cause significant upheaval in these markets and potentially lead to a financial crisis. 3. Economic Recession : A default could lead to severe economic consequences. It could cause a sharp decrease in government spending (since the government couldn't borrow to finance its operations), which could in turn lead to job losses and potentially a recession. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned of this risk in the case of the 2023 debt ceiling negotiations. 4. Budgeting and Planning: The debt ceiling also has implications for how the government budgets and plans its finances. When the debt ceiling is reached, the Treasury Department has to use "extraordinary measures" to keep the government funded, which can create uncertainty and inefficiency. 5. Political Tool: While not strictly a financial point, it's worth noting that the debt ceiling has often been used as a political tool. Lawmakers may refuse to increase the debt ceiling without certain concessions, such as spending cuts or policy changes. This can lead to financial uncertainty, as was the case during the 2023 debt ceiling negotiations. The negotiations that led to the agreement were marked by considerable compromise. President Biden, for instance, noted that the agreement represented a compromise where not everyone got what they wanted but was nonetheless an important step forward1. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, despite opposition within his own party, committed to passing the bill within 72 hours of its introduction on the House floor. This commitment was a testament to the urgency felt by lawmakers due to the looming threat of a potential default on the U.S. debt obligations. The agreement was a product of compromise and necessity, driven by the urgent need to avoid a default on U.S. debt obligations. It included a two-year budget deal holding spending flat for 2024 and imposing limits for 2025, effectively reducing spending as Republicans had insisted. This was in exchange for raising the debt limit for two years, until after the next election. The deal would boost spending on the military and veterans' care and cap spending for many discretionary domestic programs. However, the specifics of these spending caps remained subject to further debate between Republicans and Democrats. Conclusion The 2023 U.S. debt ceiling negotiations showcase the intricate dynamics of American politics and its intersection with economic policy. They underscore the importance of compromise in a divided government and the challenges that ideological divergences within parties can pose to such compromise. These negotiations and their outcome also highlight the potential economic implications, such as the risk of default, that can arise when political disagreements hinder prompt fiscal decisions.
FRED:GFDEGDQ188SEducation
by financialflagship
6
Decoding the Structure of the Federal Reserve System 🏦 If you've ever wondered how the U.S. monetary system functions and who runs the show, keep reading. In this article, we will break down the structure of the Federal Reserve System and help you understand how it operates. 🏦 The Federal Reserve System, often referred to as the Fed, is the central banking system of the United States. It was created in 1913 by the Federal Reserve Act and is an independent entity within the government. The Fed has a three-part structure, including the Board of Governors, the Federal Reserve Banks, and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). 1️⃣ Board of Governors: The Board of Governors is the governing body of the Federal Reserve System. It consists of seven members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for 14-year non-renewable terms. One person is designated by the President as Chair and another as Vice-Chair. The Board's main function is to set monetary policy, supervise and regulate banking institutions, and maintain the stability of the financial system. 2️⃣Federal Reserve Banks: There are 12 Federal Reserve Banks located throughout the United States. Each Federal Reserve Bank serves a specific geographic district and is responsible for carrying out the policies set forth by the Board of Governors. The Federal Reserve Banks are overseen by a board of nine directors, six of whom are appointed by banks in the district, and three by the Board of Governors. In addition to overseeing the banking system, the Federal Reserve Banks also provide services to financial institutions and the U.S. Treasury. These services include processing and clearing checks, storing currency, and distributing new currency. 3️⃣Federal Open Market Committee: The FOMC is the most powerful body within the Federal Reserve System. It is responsible for setting monetary policy, specifically the target for the federal funds rate, which is the interest rate that banks charge each other for overnight loans. The FOMC is made up of the seven members of the Board of Governors and five of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank presidents. The FOMC meets eight times a year to analyze economic data and determine appropriate policy decisions. Their decisions impact not only the banking system but also the overall economy. For example, if the FOMC decides to raise interest rates, it will become more expensive to borrow money, affecting everything from mortgages to credit card payments. Conclusion: The Federal Reserve System is a complex organization that plays a critical role in the U.S. economy. Its structure is designed to ensure checks and balances across its three branches so that no one entity has too much power. While the Board of Governors sets policy and oversees the entire system, the Federal Reserve Banks carry out those policies and provide essential services to the financial system. The FOMC, on the other hand, is responsible for setting monetary policy, affecting the interest rates that impact our daily lives. Understanding the Federal Reserve System is essential for anyone wanting to understand the U.S. economy. Knowing how the Fed operates can help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about their finances. With this knowledge, you can better navigate the ups and downs of the economy and protect your hard-earned money. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
FOREXCOM:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
6