How to pick a benchmark for you portfolio and beat the market What is a benchmark?
A benchmark is an index or a basket of assets used to evaluate the performance of an investment portfolio In the context of portfolio analysis the benchmark serves as a point of comparison to determine whether a fund a strategy or an investment is performing better worse or in line with the reference market.
In the current chart, Bitcoin ( BINANCE:BTCUSDT ) is displayed with a solid and larger blue line in relation to other cryptocurrencies for the current period.
Benchmarks are essential tools for institutional and private investors as they allow measuring the effectiveness of asset allocation choices and risk management Additionally they help determine the added value of an active manager compared to a passive market replication strategy.
Benchmark analysis example: NASDAQ:TSLA - NASDAQ:NDX
Benchmark analysis example: NASDAQ:TSLA - NASDAQ:AAPL - NASDAQ:NDX
What is the purpose of a benchmark
The use of a benchmark in portfolio analysis has several objectives
1) Performance Evaluation: Provides a parameter to compare the portfolio's return against the market or other funds
2) Risk Analysis: Allows comparing the volatility of the portfolio against that of the benchmark offering a measure of risk management
3) Performance Attribution: Helps distinguish between returns derived from asset selection and those linked to market factors
4) Expectation Management: Supports investors and managers in assessing whether a portfolio is meeting expected return objectives
5) Strategy Control: If a portfolio deviates excessively from the benchmark it may signal the need to review the investment strategy
How to select an appropriate benchmark?
The choice of the correct benchmark depends on several factors:
1) Consistency with Portfolio Objective: The benchmark should reflect the market or sector in which the portfolio operates
2) Representativeness of Portfolio Assets: The benchmark should have a composition similar to that of the portfolio to ensure a fair comparison
3) Transparency and Data Availability: It must be easily accessible and calculated with clear and public methodologies
4) Stability Over Time: A good benchmark should not be subject to frequent modifications to ensure reliable historical comparison
5) Compatible Risk and Return: The benchmark should have a risk and return profile similar to that of the portfolio
Most used benchmarks
There are different benchmarks based on asset type and reference market Here are some of the most common.
Equity
FRED:SP500 Representative index of the 500 largest US companies.
NYSE:MSCI World Includes companies from various developed countries ideal for global strategies
FTSE:FTSEMIB Benchmark for the Italian stock market
NASDAQ:NDX Represents the largest technology and growth companies
Bonds
Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index Broad benchmark for the global bond market
JP Morgan Emerging Market Bond Index EMBI Benchmark for emerging market debt
[* ]BofA Merrill Lynch US High Yield Index Representative of the high-yield bond market junk bonds
Mixed or Balanced
6040 Portfolio Benchmark 60 equities SP 500 and 40 bonds Bloomberg US Aggregate used to evaluate balanced portfolios
Morningstar Moderate Allocation Index Suitable for moderate-risk investment strategies
Alternative
HFRI Fund Weighted Composite Index Benchmark for hedge funds
Goldman Sachs Commodity Index GSCI Used for commodity-related strategies
Bitcoin Index CoinDesk BPI Benchmark for cryptocurrencies
A reference benchmark is essential in portfolio analysis to measure performance manage risk and evaluate investment strategies The selection of an appropriate benchmark must be consistent with the strategy and market of the portfolio to ensure meaningful comparison.
Understanding and correctly selecting the benchmark allows investors to optimize their decisions and improve long-term results.
Analysis
A poem of the marketIn the financial markets, the Pin Bar candle is like a poem silently composed within the charts, a poem that tells the tale of the battle between buyers and sellers. This candle, with its long shadow, narrates the story of effort and defeat, as if one side sought to conquer the sky or split the earth, but in the end, was pushed back, leaving only a shadow of its aspirations.
**The Bullish Pin Bar** is like a poet who, in the darkness of night, sees a star and, with hope for light, draws its long shadow toward the earth. It says, "The sellers tried to pull me down, but I, with the light of hope, rose again and conquered the sky."
**The Bearish Pin Bar** is like a poet who, at the peak of day, sees a dark cloud and, with fear of darkness, casts its long shadow toward the sky. It says, "The buyers tried to lift me up, but I, with the force of reality, returned to the ground and embraced the darkness."
The Pin Bar candle, with its small body and long shadow, is like a poem that encapsulates all the emotions of the market in a single moment. This candle, in its simplicity and beauty, reminds us that sometimes efforts do not yield results, and sometimes, turning back is the only way forward. Within this candle lies the story of hope and despair, effort and defeat, light and darkness—a story that repeats itself every day in the financial markets, each time narrated in a new language.
"Taken from artificial intelligence."
Understanding Market Activity in CryptoMarket activity measures the level of trading intensity in a market. It includes transaction volume, price fluctuations, supply and demand, and how different participants interact. In crypto, this is reflected in metrics like trading volume, liquidity, and order book depth.
Example: Bitcoin ( BTC ) trading volume spikes when major news (e.g., ETF approvals) or macroeconomic events occur. This increased activity shows how market sentiment drives price movement.
Who Are the Market Participants?
Market participants are anyone buying or selling an asset. In crypto, this includes:
- Retail traders (individuals buying BTC, ETH, etc.)
- Institutional investors (hedge funds, large companies)
- Market makers (liquidity providers ensuring smooth order flow)
- Miners & validators (securing the network and earning rewards)
The more participants in a market, the more liquid it becomes, making price movements smoother and reducing volatility.
Example: Bigger CEX have a deeper liquidity than a small DEX, meaning orders execute faster with less slippage.
Price + Time = Value (Crypto Perspective)
One fundamental rule in markets is:
➡️ Price + Time = Value
This means that an asset’s value is determined not just by its price but also by how long people are willing to hold or trade it.
Example: A long-term BTC holder who bought at $1,000 and held for 5 years sees a much different "value" than a day trader who flips BTC in minutes.
Additionally, crypto markets always have price levels that attract buyers and sellers (support and resistance levels).
Example: Bitcoin's $20,000 level in past cycles acted as both strong support and resistance, attracting buyers when the price dipped and sellers when it surged.
Market Analysis & Price Patterns (Normal Distribution in Crypto)
To analyze market activity, traders break price movements into time segments. One useful tool is the normal distribution curve, which shows where most trades happen.
Example: In on-chain analysis, if most Bitcoin transactions happen between $40,000–$45,000, this becomes the value area where market participants agree on price.
Crypto analogy: Think of a whale buying BTC in chunks over days, forming a distribution pattern. If they stop buying, price trends shift.
Supply & Demand in Crypto (Using a Bakery Analogy)
Markets function based on supply and demand. Imagine a bakery:
In the morning, fresh bread (high demand, low supply) = higher prices
By evening, leftover bread (low demand, excess supply) = discounted prices
The same happens in crypto:
New altcoin launch: Limited supply, high hype = price pumps
Token unlocks: More supply enters the market = price dumps
Example: When a project like Aptos (APT) unlocks millions of tokens, supply increases, and the price often drops due to selling pressure.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Market Trends
Markets move in different timeframes—hourly, daily, weekly, and even yearly trends.
Short-term example: Ethereum’s price swings daily based on trader speculation.
Long-term example: Bitcoin halving cycles create multi-year trends that drive overall growth.
Example: In 2020, BTC was under $10K, but by 2021, it reached $69K due to long-term macro factors.
Crypto Market Makers (Real-World Examples)
Bitcoin Miners: Similar to a car company adjusting production, Bitcoin miners decide whether to sell mined BTC or hold it for higher prices.
2️⃣Whales & Institutions: Like property developers adjusting prices, whales accumulate crypto at low prices and distribute at highs.
3️⃣Liquidity Pools in DeFi: Like restaurants pricing meals based on demand, liquidity providers adjust fees and slippage in Uniswap pools.
Example: Alameda Research (before FTX collapsed) was a key market maker, providing liquidity across major crypto exchanges.
Long-Term Disruptions (Crypto Example: Ethereum vs. Bitcoin)
Long-term players reshape entire markets over time.
Example:
Bitcoin ( CRYPTOCAP:BTC ) was the first mover, dominating the crypto market for years.
Ethereum (ETH) introduced smart contracts, shifting activity from BTC to DeFi, NFTs, and Web3.
Now, new chains like Solana challenge ETH, forcing changes in network fees and scalability.
This mirrors how Japanese car companies disrupted the U.S. market, forcing competitors to evolve.
How to Spot Fair Prices in Crypto?
Markets always seek equilibrium—a price where buyers and sellers agree.
Example:
If a new altcoin doubles in price, but trading volume drops, it signals overvaluation.
If on-chain data shows steady BTC accumulation, it suggests a fair price floor forming.
➡️ Traders watch repeated transactions to gauge market sentiment.
Consumer Awareness in Crypto
As investors, we naturally understand how price and time impact value. However, we also need to watch long-term market participants like:
Whales (Smart Money): Who is accumulating?
On-Chain Data: Are large wallets buying or selling?
Institutional Trends: Are hedge funds moving into crypto?
📌 Example:
When Tesla bought #bitcoin in 2021, it signaled institutional confidence, but when they sold, market sentiment shifted.
Final Thoughts
Crypto markets follow the same supply and demand principles as traditional markets but with 24/7 trading, higher volatility, and unique tokenomics. Understanding market activity helps traders anticipate moves and make better investment decisions. 🚀
Hope you enjoyed the content I created, You can support with your likes and comments this idea so more people can watch!
✅Disclaimer: Please be aware of the risks involved in trading. This idea was made for educational purposes only not for financial Investment Purposes.
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• Look at my ideas about interesting altcoins in the related section down below ↓
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Are You a Technical or Fundamental Trader? (And Why It Matters)Financial markets are a battleground of opposing forces: buyers vs. sellers, bulls vs. bears, diamond hands vs. paper hands. But one of the oldest rivalries in trading doesn’t involve price movements at all — it’s the ongoing feud between technical and fundamental traders.
One side believes the charts hold all the secrets (you, maybe?), while the other insists that cold, hard data dictates market direction (you, maybe?). In this Idea, we break down the two and ask: which side are you on?
📈 The Chartists: The Lost Art of Tape Reading
Technical traders are the wizards of the candlestick, seeing patterns where others see chaos. To them, a moving average isn’t just a squiggly line — it’s guidance. Fibonacci levels ? More sacred than grandma’s secret pie recipe. They don’t care if a company just launched the greatest product of the century — if the RSI says it’s overbought, they’re out.
Technical analysis thrives on one simple principle: price action reflects all available information and hints at the next possible move. Instead of diving into earnings reports or economic data — the fundamental traders’ bread and butter — technical traders study past price movements, volume, and momentum indicators to predict the next leg up or down. They’re the ones glued to their TradingView charts, eyes darting between support and resistance levels, waiting for the perfect breakout.
💸 The Fundamentalists: Betting on Real-World Events
Fundamental traders scoff at the idea that lines on a chart can predict the future. Instead, they dig into earnings reports , economic calendars , and all sorts of reports and data. They believe markets, like everything else in life, move based on value, supply and demand, and macroeconomic forces—not just on price action.
To them, a stock isn’t just a ticker symbol; it’s a business with revenues, expenses, and growth prospects. If they’re trading forex , they’re looking at interest rates USINTR and inflation reports USCPI , not head-and-shoulders patterns. The goal? To determine an asset’s intrinsic value and bet on it going up or down, ideally running ahead of the pack.
If a company’s earnings are strong, like Spotify’s SPOT latest earnings figures , they buy—regardless of what a stochastic oscillator says. And vice versa, if a company’s earnings are weak, like Google parent Alphabet’s GOOGL latest showing , they sell.
👉👈 Who’s Right?
Both, depending on who you ask. Technical traders argue that prices move in patterns, and those patterns repeat. Fundamental traders counter that real-world events drive prices, and charts are just a delayed reflection of reality.
The truth may actually be somewhere in the middle — markets are a mix of both. Even the most die-hard fundamentalist will glance at a chart before making a trade, and many technical traders keep an eye on economic calendars to avoid being blindsided by major news.
💡 Why It Matters
Your trading style affects everything: the markets you trade, the tools you use, and even your level of stress. If you’re a fundamentals-first trader trying to scalp five-minute charts, you’re in a world of pain. Conversely, if you’re a technical trader attempting to hold trades for years without considering financial data, you might miss obvious warning signs.
Understanding your own tendencies can help refine your strategy and improve your results. Are you more comfortable crunching numbers and reading financial statements? You might be in the same boat with other cash-flow guys like Warren Buffett and Ray Dalio. Do you prefer spotting patterns and reacting to price action? Say hello to your billionaire buddies Paul Tudor Jones and Stanley Druckenmiller.
💚 Final Thoughts
Bottom line, trading isn’t about proving one method superior — it’s about making the right decisions, and, let’s be frank, turning a profit. Whether you’re a chart junkie or an earnings aficionado, what matters most is having a strategy that works for you.
So now the big question… which side are you on? Fundamental analysis or technical analysis? Comment below and let’s see who’s who!
Bitcoin: Don't be blind to the world (Trump inauguration)Regular readers will know that we avoid fundamental analysis In these reports - we stick to the price.
But that doesn’t mean being blind to the world around us.
On Monday January 20, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as US President.
I’m sure many of you have your political views about Trump - but just keep those away from your trade ideas!
The crypto market - and Bitcoin especially - has been on a huge rally since Trump spoke at a Bitcoin conference in favour of cryptocurrencies last year.
There’s a chance President Trump could mention Bitcoin in his inaugural speech but even if he doesn’t, the prospect of favourable regulation is broadly positive for Bitcoin - or if we’re more honest - the idea of better regulation could be enough justification to keep the crypto bull run going for now.
Bitcoin
On the weekly chart, we can see Bitcoin (BTC/USD) has been trading sideways around the $100,000 level - with roughly $90,000 as support.
But bigger picture it’s a huge uptrend and we want to trade in line with the trend (as always)
Importantly - it just closed the week back over the critical $100K mark - and it did so with a bullish engulfing candlestick that engulfed the previous 3 weeks.
As a reminder - where the week closed is more important than the high or low of the week - and a weekly close is more significant than a daily close. You can think of the closing price as the price that everybody agreed was the right price for that period.
The final missing piece to the bullish breakout is a weekly close at a new record high.
On the daily chart we are watching the broken trendline as well as the $100k level as support that needs to hold if the breakout is going to happen soon.
But while the price trendline is not especially reliable with only two ‘touches’ or swing points the broken RSI trendline is much more significant and shows a big pickup in momentum that will be needed if the price is to break out.
If the breakout does happen, the first barrier that needs to break is $110,000 but after that $120k then even $130k could come quite quickly given Trump’s inauguration this week.
But - as always - that’s just how my team and I are seeing things, what do you think?
Share your ideas with us - OR - send us a request!
Send us an email or message us on social media.
cheers!
Jasper
Visualizing Liquidity in Retail PatternsIn this short video I go through a nice example of liquidity being engineered and raided on both sides of the market in order to facilitate a AMD/PO3 schematic.
I hope you find it insightful in how you view price, and how you can use retail patterns in order to fade the retail mindset.
- R2F
PROVEN STRATEGY FOR PROFITSThe Truth About the Holy Grail Market Strategy
Every trader dreams of finding that perfect strategy—the so-called "Holy Grail" that guarantees success. The one that wins every trade, beats every market condition, and transforms your account overnight.
Here’s the secret: it doesn’t exist.
Why do we chase it, then? Because we’ve been conditioned from a young age to believe there’s always a right answer. In school, careers, and life, we’re taught to strive for perfection and fear mistakes. This mindset slips into trading, where losses feel like personal failures instead of natural steps in the process.
Unfortunately, this is also why strategies claiming "100% accuracy" get so much attention. They feed into our hope of finding that mythical Holy Grail. People flock to these posts, hitting like, commenting, and even buying courses—all based on a fantasy. And the creators? They profit off this hope, knowing full well that no strategy is foolproof.
The reality is, trading isn’t about being right. It’s about being consistent. The pros aren’t chasing Holy Grails—they’re managing risk, mastering probabilities, and playing the long game.
If you’re stuck in the trap of searching for perfection, stop and ask yourself: Am I being sold a dream instead of learning the skills that matter?
Success in trading doesn’t come from avoiding losses but from mastering how to lose small and win big. Once you realize that, you’ll stop chasing myths and start building something real.
✨ Forget the Holy Grail. Focus on discipline, probabilities, and growth. ✨
FOLLOW ME FOR MORE SUCH CONTENT AHEAD
Till then,
HAPPY TRADING :)
US Interest Rates: Impact on Global Markets and StrategiesUS interest rates are a cornerstone of the global financial system, wielding significant influence over markets worldwide. Set by the Federal Reserve (Fed), these rates dictate the cost of borrowing, the return on savings, and overall liquidity in the economy. However, the impact of US interest rates goes far beyond American borders, affecting currency pairs, stock markets, and global investment strategies.
This article explores how changes in US interest rates shape global markets, including their effect on currencies like EUR/USD and USD/JPY, stock prices, and the strategies investors can adopt to navigate rate hikes and cuts.
The Role of US Interest Rates in Global Markets
US interest rates, specifically the federal funds rate, are a crucial tool for managing the US economy, but they also play a critical role in global financial stability. When the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, it signals shifts in economic conditions, such as inflation control or economic stimulation, to investors and central banks worldwide.
Effective federal funds rate - Bank of New York
The influence of US interest rates extends beyond domestic policy. A higher US interest rate often attracts global capital, strengthening the US dollar as investors seek better returns. This shift in investment flows impacts foreign currencies, stock markets, and global economic growth, making US monetary policy a key factor in global financial strategies.
For example, a rise in US interest rates can strengthen the dollar and increase borrowing costs for emerging markets holding dollar-denominated debt. On the other hand, lower US interest rates can boost global liquidity, prompting investment in riskier assets like foreign equities or bonds. As such, US interest rates serve as a global benchmark, shaping monetary policy decisions and influencing investment strategies worldwide.
Inflation and US Interest Rates
Inflation is a central consideration in the Fed’s interest rate decisions. When inflation rises, the Fed typically raises interest rates to cool the economy by making borrowing more expensive, which in turn curbs consumer spending and business investment. Conversely, when inflation is low or the economy is struggling, the Fed cuts interest rates to encourage borrowing, boost spending, and stimulate economic growth.
The US Dollar Currency Index (DXY) dropped during the coronavirus pandemic despite the Fed raising interest rates.
However, the relationship between inflation and interest rates is a balancing act. If rates are cut too much or inflation rises while rates remain low, purchasing power can be eroded, causing instability in financial markets. In the global context, rising inflation in the US can weaken the dollar, affecting currency pairs like EUR/USD and USD/JPY, while inflation-related volatility in commodities like oil and gold can ripple across global markets.
For global investors, tracking US inflation trends and the Fed’s response is crucial for understanding potential shifts in exchange rates and market stability.
Impact on Currency Pairs
US interest rates have a direct impact on the US dollar’s value relative to other major currencies. When the Fed raises interest rates, the US dollar usually strengthens because higher rates offer better returns on dollar-denominated investments. This increase in demand for the dollar causes currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY to move in favor of the dollar, making these currencies weaker relative to the USD.
On the flip side, when the Fed lowers interest rates, the dollar typically weakens as investors look for higher returns in other currencies. As a result, other currencies gain strength relative to the USD, leading to significant shifts in global currency markets.
Moreover, interest rate differentials—the gap between interest rates in different countries—create opportunities for strategies like the carry trade, where investors borrow in a currency with low interest rates (such as the Japanese yen) and invest in a currency offering higher yields (like the US dollar). These strategies add further volatility to currency markets, especially when central banks adjust their policies unexpectedly.
Impact on Global Stock Markets
US interest rates have a profound influence on global stock markets. When the Federal Reserve raises interest rates, yields on US Treasury bonds increase, making them more attractive to investors seeking safer returns. This can lead to a shift away from equities, especially in riskier markets like emerging economies, and into bonds, causing stock prices to fall.
US Government Bonds 5 Years
US Government Bonds 2 Years
United State Interest Rate
Higher interest rates can also hurt sectors that are sensitive to borrowing costs, such as technology and consumer discretionary, which rely heavily on debt to finance growth. In contrast, financial stocks, particularly banks, often benefit from rising interest rates as they can charge more for loans, improving their profitability.
Conversely, when the Fed cuts interest rates, borrowing costs decrease, which can lead to a rally in stock markets. Sectors like technology and consumer discretionary tend to perform well in a low-interest-rate environment, as companies find it cheaper to borrow and expand. At the same time, dividend-paying stocks and real estate investment trusts (REITs) become more attractive as investors seek better returns than those offered by bonds.
Possible Market Reactions to a Fed Rate Cut
A Federal Reserve rate cut can trigger several reactions across global markets:
--Stock Market Rally: Lower interest rates reduce the cost of borrowing for businesses, potentially boosting economic activity and stock prices. Sectors like technology and consumer discretionary often benefit, while investors may also flock to dividend-paying stocks due to their relatively higher yields.
--Weaker US Dollar: A rate cut usually weakens the dollar, as lower rates make the currency less attractive to investors. This depreciation can benefit exporters and companies with significant foreign revenues but can hurt importers.
--Increased Inflation Risk: While rate cuts stimulate growth, they can also fuel inflation if demand exceeds supply. Investors may turn to inflation-protected assets like commodities or inflation-linked bonds.
--Emerging Markets: Lower US interest rates reduce borrowing costs for emerging markets, encouraging investment in their higher-yielding assets. However, a weaker dollar can lead to currency appreciation in these markets, impacting their export competitiveness.
--Bond Market Dynamics: A Fed rate cut can lead to lower yields on short-term US government bonds, pushing investors to seek better returns in long-term bonds or riskier assets.
Strategies for Managing Interest Rate Volatility
In periods of fluctuating interest rates, investors must adjust their strategies to protect portfolios and capitalize on new opportunities.
During Interest Rate Hikes:
--Shift to Bonds and Fixed-Income Assets: As interest rates rise, bonds, particularly short-term ones, offer higher yields, making them an attractive addition to portfolios.
--Focus on Financial Stocks: Banks and financial institutions benefit from higher rates, as they can charge more for loans, increasing their profits.
--Reduce Exposure to High-Growth Stocks: High-growth sectors, like technology, are more sensitive to rising borrowing costs and may underperform during rate hikes.
During Interest Rate Cuts:
--Increase Equity Exposure: Rate cuts often lead to stock market rallies, particularly in growth-oriented sectors like technology. Increasing equity exposure during rate cuts can help capture gains.
--Look for Dividend-Paying Stocks: In a low-rate environment, dividend-paying stocks become more attractive as investors seek yield.
--Consider Real Estate Investments: Lower rates reduce borrowing costs, making real estate and REITs more appealing as an investment.
Managing Volatility in Your Portfolio
To navigate the volatility caused by interest rate changes, diversification is essential. A well-diversified portfolio, spanning stocks, bonds, commodities, and currencies, can help mitigate the impact of rate fluctuations on overall returns.
Currency hedging is another key tool for managing volatility. When US interest rates rise, the dollar strengthens, potentially eroding the value of foreign-denominated investments. Hedging strategies using currency futures or options can protect against adverse currency movements.
Lastly, a focus on defensive stocks—such as utilities and consumer staples—can provide stability in uncertain times. These companies tend to have stable earnings and are less affected by interest rate changes.
Conclusion
US interest rates wield significant influence over global markets, affecting everything from currency pairs to stock prices. Investors must stay informed about the Fed's actions and adapt their strategies to reflect the current interest rate environment. By incorporating risk management tools like diversification, currency hedging, and a focus on defensive stocks, investors can better protect their portfolios and capitalize on opportunities that arise from interest rate fluctuations.
EURNZD - A Top-Down Tutorial (ICT)In this video I go through how I perform a top-down analysis and zone in on exactly where I am in price action in order to source for the next high-probability trade. IF there is none, then we stay out until more clues are provided. We DO NOT want to chase price and get in on consolidative and manipulative price action. We want to be hunters, not sheep.
- R2F
Stairway to Heaven - R2F Model #1This is one of my models, named 'Stairway to Heaven'. Whilst I am an ICT trader, I developed this model myself. My models are considered POIs where I may look for a trade, but all my entries are based on using PD Array in a fractal nature, along with Time Theories.
Watch the vid, if you have any questions on it let me know.
- R2F
How I Perform My Analysis (ICT Concepts)This video is for educational purposes, but feel free to enjoy the analysis using ICT Concepts.
I had trouble uploading this a couple of days ago, but finally works.
Update on the analysis, price came to a Daily SIBI, but the overall directional bias and target should still be intact.
- R2F
Stock feedback loopStock market is a adaptive system or a stock, with feedback loops (for inflow, outflow function). Where nobody knows the outcome or future, but feedbacks (corrections or resistance) gives tells (makes inflows or outflows). Without a common leader.
Economists think in models (price is the result of supply-demand, or inflow-outflow) that helps to explain system behavior (short term moves), but models are just ideas to explain complex world (models work until they dont). System thinkers study the stock not aggregate behavior .
Looking at markets trough perspective of "eco system" helps better understand the drivers or moving forces?
How to Perform Fundamental Analysis of StocksHow to Perform Fundamental Analysis of Stocks
In the dynamic world of financial markets, traders seek every available edge to make informed decisions. Among the numerous tools at their disposal, two approaches stand out: technical analysis and fundamental analysis of stocks. In this article, we will explore what fundamental analysis is, how it applies to stocks, and why it is a crucial tool for traders. Traders have the option to open an FXOpen account to perform fundamental analysis on numerous stocks available at FXOpen.
Understanding Fundamental Analysis
Before diving into the intricacies of fundamental analysis, it's essential to grasp the basics of technical and fundamental analysis.
Technical analysis primarily focuses on historical price and volume data to predict future price movements. Traders using this approach rely on charts, trendlines, and indicators like moving averages and Relative Strength Index (RSI) to make trading decisions.
Fundamental analysis, on the other hand, takes a more holistic view. It delves into the financial statements of a firm, examines economic indicators, and assesses industry trends. The goal is to determine the intrinsic value of an asset and whether it is overvalued or undervalued in the market.
Key Fundamental Analysis Components
Fundamental analysis involves several key components that traders must understand to make informed decisions:
Financial Statements
Fundamental analysis begins with a deep dive into a company's financial statements. These documents provide a wealth of information that is critical for assessing a company's financial performance. The three primary financial statements to consider are:
Balance Sheet: This statement offers an overview of a company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity at a specific point in time. It acts as a quick overview of the company's financial standing.
Income Statement: Also known as the profit and loss statement, the income statement details a company's revenue, expenses, and profitability over a specific period. These ratios evaluate a company's capability to fulfil its immediate commitments.
Cash Flow Statement: The cash flow statement tracks the inflow and outflow of cash from the company's operating, investing, and financing activities. It offers valuable information about the company's liquidity and cash management.
Ratios and Metrics
To gain deeper insights into a company's financial health, fundamental analysts use various financial ratios and metrics. Some of the key ratios and metrics include:
Liquidity Ratios: These ratios evaluate a company's capability to fulfil its immediate commitments. Notable examples include the Current Ratio and Quick Ratio.
Profitability Ratios: These ratios measure a company's ability to generate profit relative to its revenue and assets. Examples include the Gross Margin, Net Profit Margin, Return on Equity (ROE), and Return on Assets (ROA).
Solvency Ratios: Solvency ratios evaluate a company's ability to meet its long-term financial obligations. The Debt-to-Equity Ratio and Interest Coverage Ratio are significant in this category.
Efficiency Ratios: These ratios assess how efficiently a company manages its resources to generate income. Examples include Inventory Turnover, Receivables Turnover, and Payables Turnover.
Growth Metrics
Understanding a firm's growth trajectory is essential for projecting its future potential and assessing its investment attractiveness.
Earnings Per Share (EPS) Growth: This metric indicates the rate at which a firm's earnings per share are increasing or decreasing over time.
Revenue Growth: It measures the growth in a firm's revenue compared to a specific period.
Book Value per Share Growth Rate: This metric assesses the increase in the firm's Book Value Per Share over the last five years.
Steps to Perform Fundamental Analysis
Here are the most essential steps to perform fundamental analysis.
Company Selection
The first step of fundamental analysis in the stock market is selecting the companies you want to analyse. Criteria for selection may include factors like the company's industry, market capitalisation, and growth potential. It's crucial to consider the broader industry landscape and market trends to identify promising candidates.
Collecting Financial Data
Gathering accurate and relevant financial data is paramount. Sources of financial data include the company's website, authority filings, and financial news outlets. Ensuring the data's accuracy and timeliness is essential for making informed decisions.
Analysing Financial Statements
In-depth analysis of a company's financial statements is the heart of fundamental analysis. Such metrics as a balance sheet and income and cash flow statements that were mentioned above are widely used by traders and investors to determine companies’ strengths and weaknesses.
Calculating and Interpreting Ratios
Utilising financial ratios is a critical aspect of fundamental analysis. These ratios provide a quantitative basis for evaluating a company's performance. Comparing the ratios with industry benchmarks helps identify areas of strength or weakness.
Evaluating Business Strategy
Assessing the quality of a company's management and its strategic decisions is another crucial element of fundamental analysis. This involves evaluating factors such as corporate governance, competitive positioning, and market share.
Economic and Industry Analysis
Understanding the broader economic landscape and industry dynamics is essential for contextualising a company's performance. Identifying macroeconomic trends and the stage of the industry lifecycle is critical.
Valuation Techniques
Fundamental analysts employ various valuation techniques to determine whether a stock is overvalued or undervalued. These techniques help traders make informed decisions about whether to buy, sell, or hold a particular asset. Common methods include:
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Analysis: This method calculates the present value of a company's future cash flows to estimate its intrinsic value.
Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio Analysis: Comparing a company's stock price to its earnings per share, relative to industry peers, to assess its valuation.
Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio Analysis: Comparing a company's market capitalisation to its book value per share to determine undervalued and overvalued companies.
Risk Factors and Limitations
Fundamental analysis, while a powerful tool, comes with its own set of challenges and limitations:
1. Incomplete Data: Many firms, especially in less regulated markets, may not disclose full financial information, thus hindering comprehensive analysis.
2. Future Uncertainty: Even though it's grounded in thorough research, fundamental analysis relies heavily on historical economic data. This approach also makes assumptions about future geopolitical and macroeconomic events, which can be unpredictable, thereby carrying a degree of inherent uncertainty.
3. Subjectivity: Different analysts may interpret the same data in various ways, leading to different conclusions about a currency's value.
4. Overemphasis on Long-term: Fundamental analysis typically focuses on long-term economic cycles and trends, potentially missing out on short-term trading opportunities.
5. Political Instabilities: Unexpected political events, like elections, conflicts, or diplomatic tensions, can have sudden and significant impacts on a stock value.
6. Global Events: Natural disasters, pandemics, or major technological breakthroughs can all have unforeseen effects on the stock market, making predictions based on fundamental analysis challenging.
7. Market Perception: Even if all fundamentals point towards a particular trend, market perception and investor sentiment can drive the market in the opposite direction.
8. Lagging Nature: By the time certain economic indicators are published, the market might have already reacted, making it a lagging tool.
By understanding these limitations, traders can complement their fundamental analysis with other techniques to make more informed decisions in the forex market.
Conclusion
Fundamental analysis is pivotal for traders who aim to make judicious decisions in the financial landscape. It extends beyond just scrutinising financial statements, encompassing the assessment of crucial ratios, metrics, and the overarching economic and industry environment to gauge an asset's inherent worth. FXOpen enhances this analytical journey with its suite of resources.
You can combine fundamental and technical tools on the TickTrader platform to conduct a comprehensive analysis, allowing you to navigate the intricate realm of financial markets with bolstered confidence and insight.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
The Problem of Fundamental Analysis in the Crypto MarketFundamental analysis in the traditional financial markets involves evaluating a company's intrinsic value through a variety of metrics, such as earnings, revenue, and growth prospects. However, applying this same approach to cryptocurrency networks presents unique challenges. Cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, and their value often stems from factors that don't align with conventional financial metrics.
Key Challenges:
Traditional Metrics Fall Short:
Cryptocurrency networks are not companies with revenues, profits, or physical assets. Therefore, traditional metrics like price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios or revenue growth don’t apply.
Misleading Social Media Data:
Social media presence and subscriber count might seem like indicators of a project’s popularity or potential, but these figures are easily manipulated. Fake followers, bots, and exaggerated engagement can create a false impression of legitimacy and success.
Isolated On-Chain Metrics:
While on-chain metrics provide valuable insights, they can be misleading if analyzed in isolation. For instance, a high number of active addresses might suggest widespread usage, but without context, it doesn't reveal whether these addresses represent genuine users or automated bots.
Relevant On-Chain Metrics:
Number of Transactions: Indicates the level of network activity, but doesn’t differentiate between meaningful transactions and spam.
Transaction Cost: Reflects the cost of using the network, which can indicate demand, but also congestion or inefficiency.
Active Addresses: Shows how many unique addresses are participating, but could be skewed by the creation of multiple addresses by a single entity.
Commissions (Fees): High fees might indicate network demand, but can also point to issues like scalability problems.
Hashrate or Coins in Staking: High hashrate or staking levels suggest network security and confidence, but can also centralize control if dominated by a few large players.
Design Indicators:
Whitepaper: This document outlines the project's goals, technology, and roadmap, but its value depends on the technical understanding of the reader and the honesty of the team.
Project Team: The experience and reputation of the team are crucial, but the anonymous or pseudonymous nature of many crypto projects complicates assessment.
Competitors: Understanding a project's competitors helps gauge its potential, but the fast-paced nature of the crypto space means that new competitors can emerge quickly.
Tokenomics: The economic model of the token, including supply, distribution, and incentives, is vital, but poorly designed tokenomics can lead to inflation or lack of demand.
Financial Indicators:
Capitalization: Market cap is often used as a quick measure of a project’s size and importance, but can be misleading in low-liquidity markets.
Liquidity: High liquidity indicates that an asset can be traded quickly without affecting its price, but low liquidity can lead to price manipulation.
Emission Method: The way tokens are issued (e.g., through mining, staking, or ICOs) affects supply dynamics, which can influence price stability and long-term viability.
In summary, while fundamental analysis in the crypto market is challenging, a multi-faceted approach combining on-chain metrics, design indicators, and financial indicators can offer valuable insights. However, these should always be interpreted with caution and in context, given the unique dynamics and rapid evolution of the cryptocurrency landscape.
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✅Disclaimer: Please be aware of the risks involved in trading. This idea was made for educational purposes only not for financial Investment Purposes.
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• Look at my ideas about interesting altcoins in the related section down below ↓
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Insider Knowledge: Exploiting the House Money EffectIntroduction
In trading and investing, psychological biases significantly influence decision-making. One such bias is the "House Money Effect." Understanding this effect can help traders avoid common pitfalls and take advantage of this phenomenon.
What is the House Money Effect?
The House Money Effect is a psychological phenomenon where individuals are more likely to take risks with money they have won rather than their initial capital. In trading, this means traders become more risk-tolerant after experiencing gains, treating profits as "house money" and taking on higher risks than they would with their own capital.
Why Does It Happen?
The House Money Effect occurs due to several psychological factors:
Mental Accounting : People tend to treat money differently based on its source. Profits are often seen as less valuable than initial capital.
Overconfidence : After a winning streak, traders may become overconfident in their abilities, leading to riskier trades.
Loss Aversion : Gains are perceived as a buffer, reducing the fear of losses and encouraging riskier behavior.
Example of the House Money Effect on Crypto
In the 2021 Crypto Bull Market, we saw Bitcoin soar to all time highs. This subsequently caused many altcoins to rally really hard resulting in some 100-500x and numerous 2-3x tokens. If you observed at what point in the timeline this happened, this happened towards the end of the bull run, when everyone already knew about crypto and everybody was seemingly getting rich by buying cryptocurrencies. This was the peak of retail activity, which includes newcomers as well as those who got rich from holding tokens earlier.
This is a perfect example of the phenomenon with several key characteristics
Was after a period of extreme gains
Was causing risk assets to outperform, suggesting a higher risk tolerance in the market
Immediately after the markets tanked, clearly indicating this was a massive retail loss
By understanding and spotting the House Money Effect, traders can better manage their emotions and make more rational trading decisions. Recognizing this bias is the first step toward mitigating its impact and maintaining a disciplined trading strategy. We hope you enjoyed reading this idea.
EURUSD - Another Trade Analysis Using ICT ConceptsVery beautiful again today.
With the expectation of higher prices, I took a long on EURUSD. As I illustrate in the video, there were very nice algorithmic price action and sentiment manipulated. All the things I love to see in a high-probability setup.
I hope you enjoy the video and found it insightful.
- R2F
Economic Calendar: Top Market Events You Should Watch Out forMarkets tend to get especially volatile whenever there’s an economic report or some data dump that takes investors by surprise. That’s why we’re spinning up this Idea where we highlight all the major market-moving events you should watch out for when you do your trading.
Today, we look at the Economic Calendar .
🏦 Central Bank Meetings and Announcements
• Federal Reserve (Fed) Meetings
The US Federal Reserve holds Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings roughly every six weeks,or ( eight times a year ), to talk about monetary policy, including interest rates. Setting interest rates is arguably the most significant event with long-lasting consequences for markets.
Each of these meeting takes two days and wraps up with a speech by the gentleman who moves markets with a simple “Good afternoon” — Fed boss Jay Powell.
• European Central Bank (ECB) Meetings
Similar to the Fed, the ECB holds regular meetings to decide on monetary policy and borrowing costs for the Eurozone.
ECB officials’ decisions sway financial markets, especially those based in the old continent. Indexes such as the Stoxx 600 Europe (ticker: SXXP ) and the European currency tend to fluctuate wildly during ECB events.
• Bank of England (BoE) Meetings
The BoE's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) frequently meets to discuss and set interest rates and other monetary matters.
Decisions made by BoE policymakers mainly affect the UK corner of the financial markets. That means elevated volatility in the British pound sterling and the broad-based UK index, the FTSE 100, among other UK-based trading instruments .
• Bank of Japan (BoJ) Meetings
The BoJ holds policy meetings to decide on interest rates and monetary stimulus, among other central-bank topics.
Until recently, the Japanese central bank was the only one to sport a negative interest rate regime .
📝 Economic Data Releases
• Nonfarm Payrolls
In the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the Employment Situation Summary on the first Friday of every month. The data package includes the non-farm payroll print , which tracks how many new hires joined the workforce, the unemployment rate, and average hourly earnings.
• Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Monthly CPI measures the rate of inflation at the consumer level. The reading is closely monitored by the Fed in order to gauge the temperature of the economy. A reading too hot indicates an expanding economy, and vice versa.
• Producer Price Index (PPI)
Similar to CPI, PPI measures inflation at the wholesale level and can provide signals about inflation trends.
• Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Quarterly GDP churns out a comprehensive measure of a country's economic activity and growth.
• Retail Sales
Monthly retail sales indicate consumer spending patterns, which are a critical component of economic activity. The data shows whether consumers pulled back from spending or splurged like there’s no tomorrow.
• Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)
PMI reports for manufacturing and services sectors lay out insights into business activity and economic health.
🏢 Corporate Earnings Reports
Publicly traded companies around the world release earnings reports every quarter. The hottest ones are America’s corporate giants, such as tech stocks , banking stocks , and more.
The quarterly earnings figures include financial performance for the most recent three months and forward-looking guidance, which comprises earnings and revenue expectations.
🌐 Geopolitical Events
Political developments, such as Presidential elections, and geopolitical tensions can have immediate and significant impacts on financial markets. These events are less predictable but are closely monitored by market participants and can quickly fuel volatility across asset classes, prompting investors to shuffle their portfolio holdings.
Final Considerations
Pay attention to these reports, events, and economic data and you’ll get to understand what moves markets. Anytime you witness a sharp reaction in gold ( XAU/USD ) or a quick reversal in the US dollar ( DXY ), it’s likely that the underlying factor is an economic report you didn’t know about.
If you do track them — which one is your favorite market report or economic news release? Let us know in the comments below!
Trade Like A Sniper - Episode 44 - EURNOK - (17th June 2024)This video is part of a video series where I backtest a specific asset using the TradingView Replay function, and perform a top-down analysis using ICT's Concepts in order to frame ONE high-probability setup. I choose a random point of time to replay, and begin to work my way down the timeframes. Trading like a sniper is not about entries with no drawdown. It is about careful planning, discipline, and taking your shot at the right time in the best of conditions.
A couple of things to note:
- I cannot see news events.
- I cannot change timeframes without affecting my bias due to higher-timeframe candles revealing its entire range.
- I cannot go to a very low timeframe due to the limit in amount of replayed candlesticks
In this session I will be analyzing EURNOK, starting from the 3-Month chart.
If you want to learn more, check out my TradingView profile.
How to Get into an Entry after the setup is passedIn the world of investing, it is not uncommon to come across a missed trade setup that tempts investors to make impulsive decisions. However, it is important to remain disciplined and avoid falling into the trap of #FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). For instance, if an investor misses a trade setup on Ethereum ( CRYPTOCAP:ETH ), instead of rushing in with a full position, a more prudent approach would be to enter with half the intended position. This allows the investor to participate in the trade while minimizing the risk of committing too much capital at once.
Once the initial entry is made, it is crucial to implement a strategy known as Dollar Cost Averaging (#DCA). This involves gradually increasing the position size by buying more ETH over time. By using DCA, investors can mitigate the impact of short-term market volatility and avoid making rash decisions based solely on emotions.
To effectively implement DCA, it is important to maintain the original stop loss level. This means that even if the price of ETH decreases after the initial entry, the stop loss order should remain at the predetermined level. By sticking to this plan, investors can ensure that their risk management strategy remains intact and that they do not expose themselves to unnecessary losses.
In summary, when faced with a missed trade setup on ETH, it is crucial to resist the urge to FOMO in with a full position. Instead, entering with half the intended position and utilizing Dollar Cost Averaging can provide a more measured and disciplined approach. By maintaining the original stop loss level throughout the process, investors can enhance their risk management and increase their chances of success in the long run.
Trade Like A Sniper - Episode 27 - GME - (8th June 2024)This video is part of a video series where I backtest a specific asset using the TradingView Replay function, and perform a top-down analysis using ICT's Concepts in order to frame ONE high-probability setup. I choose a random point of time to replay, and begin to work my way down the timeframes. Trading like a sniper is not about entries with no drawdown. It is about careful planning, discipline, and taking your shot at the right time in the best of conditions.
A couple of things to note:
- I cannot see news events.
- I cannot change timeframes without affecting my bias due to higher-timeframe candles revealing its entire range.
- I cannot go to a very low timeframe due to the limit in amount of replayed candlesticks
In this session I will be analyzing Gamestop (GME), starting from the 4-Month chart.
If you want to learn more, check out my other videos on TradingView or on YT.
If you are interested in private coaching, feel free to get in touch via one of my socials.
Trade Like A Sniper - Episode 26 - CNYUSD - (8th June 2024)This video is part of a video series where I backtest a specific asset using the TradingView Replay function, and perform a top-down analysis using ICT's Concepts in order to frame ONE high-probability setup. I choose a random point of time to replay, and begin to work my way down the timeframes. Trading like a sniper is not about entries with no drawdown. It is about careful planning, discipline, and taking your shot at the right time in the best of conditions.
A couple of things to note:
- I cannot see news events.
- I cannot change timeframes without affecting my bias due to higher-timeframe candles revealing its entire range.
- I cannot go to a very low timeframe due to the limit in amount of replayed candlesticks
In this session I will be analyzing CNYUSD, starting from the 4-Month chart.
If you want to learn more, check out my other videos on TradingView or on YT.
If you are interested in private coaching, feel free to get in touch via one of my socials.
Trade Like A Sniper - Episode 26 - QQQ - (8th June 2024)This video is part of a video series where I backtest a specific asset using the TradingView Replay function, and perform a top-down analysis using ICT's Concepts in order to frame ONE high-probability setup. I choose a random point of time to replay, and begin to work my way down the timeframes. Trading like a sniper is not about entries with no drawdown. It is about careful planning, discipline, and taking your shot at the right time in the best of conditions.
A couple of things to note:
- I cannot see news events.
- I cannot change timeframes without affecting my bias due to higher-timeframe candles revealing its entire range.
- I cannot go to a very low timeframe due to the limit in amount of replayed candlesticks
In this session I will be analyzing Investco QQQ Trust (QQQ), starting from the 4-Month chart.
If you want to learn more, check out my other videos on TradingView or on YT.
If you are interested in private coaching, feel free to get in touch via one of my socials.
Trade Like A Sniper - Episode 25 - BABA - (8th June 2024)This video is part of a video series where I backtest a specific asset using the TradingView Replay function, and perform a top-down analysis using ICT's Concepts in order to frame ONE high-probability setup. I choose a random point of time to replay, and begin to work my way down the timeframes. Trading like a sniper is not about entries with no drawdown. It is about careful planning, discipline, and taking your shot at the right time in the best of conditions.
A couple of things to note:
- I cannot see news events.
- I cannot change timeframes without affecting my bias due to higher-timeframe candles revealing its entire range.
- I cannot go to a very low timeframe due to the limit in amount of replayed candlesticks
In this session I will be analyzing Alibaba (BABA), starting from the 6-Month chart.
If you want to learn more, check out my other videos on TradingView or on YT.
If you are interested in private coaching, feel free to get in touch via one of my socials.