Looking to start your day with an edge in trading?Good morning FX traders! 🌍 Looking to start your day with an edge in currency trading? Here's the best way to read market sentiment every morning:
1️⃣Economic calendar: Begin by checking the economic calendar for scheduled releases of important economic indicators, such as interest rate decisions, employment data, inflation figures, and GDP reports. These events can shape currency sentiment. Compare overnight data to your previous session's baseline bias.
2️⃣Central bank communications: Monitor upcoming and review overnight statements, speeches, and press conferences from central banks, especially those of major economies. Central bank actions and policymakers' comments can heavily influence currency market sentiment. Here too, compare your new bias to previous baseline to see if anything has changed.
3️⃣Technical analysis: Utilize technical tools like support and resistance levels, trendlines, and Fibs to analyze currency pairs' price action. Patterns and key indicators like RSI, Stochastics or MACD can offer insights into market sentiment. Reading price action momentum is important in order to come up with the best trade ideas. TradingView makes this extremely easy!
4️⃣Sentiment indicators: Keep an eye on sentiment indicators specifically tailored for currency markets, such as the COT report (Commitments of Traders), which reveals the positioning of large traders in futures markets. It can indicate prevailing sentiment. You can also use Central Banks odds trackers (such as FEDwatch), the FEAR/GREED meter and your own risk reading markers (I mostly use equities, Yen, commodity currencies and bond yields).
5️⃣News wires and social media: Follow trusted news wires and forex-focused social media accounts to stay updated on geopolitical developments, breaking news, and market chatter. This can provide valuable context and sentiment analysis, especially if you cannot afford a squawk service.
Remember, currency market sentiment is influenced by a multitude of factors. Stay well-informed, evaluate various sources, and trust your own analysis. Adapt swiftly and make prudent trading decisions. Wishing you profitable trades this week!
Fundamental Analysis
5 tips for building a professional trading mindsetHey traders
Building a professional trading mindset is crucial for success in the forex market. Here are five tips to help develop and maintain a professional approach:
1 . Develop Discipline and Patience:
Stick to a Trading Plan: Develop a detailed trading plan that outlines your strategies, risk management rules, and goals. Adhere to this plan consistently to avoid impulsive decisions.
Be Patient: Understand that success in trading doesn't happen overnight. Be patient and wait for the right trading opportunities that align with your plan.
2 . Embrace Continuous Learning:
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with market news, economic indicators, and geopolitical events that can impact the forex market.
Learn from Mistakes: Analyse your trades, both successful and unsuccessful, to identify what worked and what didn’t. Use this knowledge to improve your strategies.
3 .Manage Emotions:
Stay Calm Under Pressure: Trading can be stressful, especially during volatile market conditions. Practice techniques to manage stress and maintain a clear, focused mind.
Avoid Overtrading: Don’t let emotions drive you to overtrade. Stick to your trading plan and avoid chasing losses or getting overly greedy after wins.
4 . Implement Strong Risk Management:
Use Stop-Loss Orders: Protect your capital by setting stop-loss orders to limit potential losses on each trade.
Diversify Trades: Avoid putting all your capital into a single trade.
Diversify your trades to spread risk across different currency pairs or financial instruments.
5 . Set Realistic Goals and Expectations:
Define Clear Objectives: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your trading activities.
Understand the Learning Curve: Recognise that becoming a successful trader takes time and effort. Set realistic expectations regarding your progress and returns.
By incorporating these tips into your trading routine, you can build a professional mindset that enhances your decision-making, improves your performance, and increases your chances of long-term success in forex trading.
What Is Yield Farming In Crypto? Yield farming can be likened to traditional bank deposits, where an investor puts in money and earns returns over time. However, in the world of cryptocurrencies, the concept takes on a more complex form. Yield farming is a broad term that encompasses various activities, including liquidity mining and staking. While these methods share similarities, they differ in their objectives, such as whether they involve issuing new tokens or not.
📍 HOW YIELD FARMING WORKS
Yield farming is a way for cryptocurrency holders to generate income by lending or providing liquidity to decentralized financial (DeFi) protocols. By contributing their assets, users can earn rewards in the form of additional tokens or interest income. This opportunity allows individuals to participate in the DeFi ecosystem and benefit from the growing demand for decentralized financial services.
📍 THE PROCESS:
1. Providing liquidity: Users deposit their cryptocurrency assets into liquidity pools on the DeFi platform, which facilitates various financial transactions such as token exchanges, lending, and borrowing.
2. Earning rewards: In return for providing liquidity, users receive rewards, including:
Commissions from transactions passing through the liquidity pool
Native tokens of the platform (e.g. management tokens)
Additional tokens through various incentive programs
📍 EXAMPLES OF DEFI PLATFORMS:
Uniswap: A decentralized exchange (DEX) where users deposit tokens into liquidity pools, earning commissions on each transaction made through these pools.
Compound: A lending platform where users can lend their cryptocurrencies and earn interest on their deposits. Borrowers pay interest on the use of these assets, providing a revenue stream for lenders.
Aave: A platform that allows users to earn interest on deposited assets and use them as collateral for loans, providing a dual income stream.
SushiSwap: A DEX similar to Uniswap, but with an additional twist - liquidity providers are rewarded with SUSHI tokens, providing an additional incentive to participate in the platform.
📍 MAKING PROFIT IN DEFI:
1. Analyze and Choose a Platform: Select a reputable platform with a stable income stream. Carefully review the terms and conditions of liquidity provision to ensure you understand the risks involved.
2. Diversify Your Assets: Spread your investments across multiple platforms and pools to minimize risks. This will help you ride out market fluctuations and potential platform-specific issues.
3. Optimize Your Strategy: Continuously compare different pools and platforms to find the best terms for your investments. Some platforms offer combination strategies that can help maximize returns.
4. Monitor and Adapt : Regularly review your investments and adjust your strategy as market conditions change. This will help you stay ahead of the game and mitigate potential losses.
📍 RISKS OF YIELD FARMING:
• Technical Risks: Smart contract vulnerabilities can lead to irreversible losses, compromising the security of your funds.
• Market Risks: Cryptocurrency price fluctuations can impact your income. In many cases, you're unable to withdraw your funds immediately, leaving you vulnerable to potential losses if token values decline.
• Liquidity Risks: Low liquidity in pools can result in significant spreads and reduced returns, limiting your earning potential.
• Platform Risks: The risk of platform hacking or closure can result in the loss of your invested funds, leaving you without access to your assets.
📍 CONCLUSION
While yield farming can be an attractive option for earning additional income, one of the most significant risks is the potential for a price drop and the inability to quickly withdraw your locked coins. However, for those who have a long-term perspective and plan to hold their cryptocurrency for at least a year or more, temporary drawdowns are unlikely to significantly impact their overall returns. On the other hand, yield farming offers the possibility of generating significant additional income, potentially exceeding 10-15% per year. By carefully weighing the risks and rewards, investors can make informed decisions about whether yield farming is a suitable strategy for their investment goals.
My Latest Open Source Indicator: Stef's Dollar Volume CounterStef's Dollar Volume Counter is my second script that I've worked on and coded. It is free and open source for everyone! Get it here:
I am proud of this script because it does something very, very important: it counts the amount of money traded, not just the number of shares or contracts. In this educational post, I want to share why I think it matters and explain some concepts of markets along the way.
1. This is key for understanding where the big and small money is flowing in the market. By focusing on the dollar volume, traders can gain insights into liquidity and significant money movements over time.
2. Watch the money, not the shares. This script is totally different from other volume scripts because it shows the amount of money traded, not just the shares, contracts, or coins. More importantly, it stands out from other volume indicators because it specifically showcases dollar volume amounts either as a table or a label. This focus helps traders track the sheer money movements.
3. Know your perspective! I personally am most pleased with two important features that the indicator offers: it shows the Dollar Volume Counter table that illustrates the highest and lowest and average dollar volumes over a specific period that YOU can customize in the settings menu.
Fun little feature: In the spirit of Doge, I added a text lable that says "Wow! Much Money!" which highlights the top three recent highest dollar volumes within the visible chart area, emphasizing significant trading periods. You can toggle this on or off in the settings menu.
Thanks for reading! I look forward to hearing your feedback.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN FOREX & COMMODITIESThe Correlation Between Forex Currencies and Commodities🌟
🔰The interplay between forex (foreign exchange) markets and commodities is intricate and multifaceted. Understanding these connections can provide valuable insights for traders and investors. Here are some key points to consider👇
🔰Commodity Pairs (Commodity Currencies):
Certain currency pairs are closely tied to changes in commodity prices. These pairs are often referred to as “commodity pairs” or “commodity currencies.”
🔰Commodity currencies come from countries with substantial commodity reserves. These nations produce and export various commodities, which significantly influence their economies.
⭐The three primary commodity currencies are👇
🔰Australian Dollar (AUD): Australia is a major gold producer, and its currency tends to correlate with gold prices. Additionally, Australia exports other commodities like iron ore and coal!!
🔰Canadian Dollar (CAD): Canada is a significant exporter of oil, making its economy sensitive to oil prices. The CAD is closely linked to crude oil!
🔰New Zealand Dollar (NZD): New Zealand’s economy is also tied to commodities, particularly dairy products. Hence, the NZD has correlations with dairy prices.
❗Other currencies, such as the Swiss Franc (CHF) and the Japanese Yen (JPY), are impacted by commodity prices but exhibit weaker correlations. For instance, the CHF and JPY tend to rise when commodity prices fall.
⭐Understanding Correlations👇
🔰Currency traders can capitalize on the fact that specific currencies tend to move in sync with commodity prices. This alignment often occurs when a country’s economy heavily relies on natural resources.
🔰When commodity prices rise, the currencies of resource-dependent countries tend to strengthen, and vice versa.
🔰Monitoring correlations in real-time is crucial. There are times when relationships break down, and failing to recognize these shifts can be costly for traders.
🔰Traders should consider factors like commissions, spreads, liquidity, and access to information when deciding which currency/commodity relationships to trade.
⭐Examples of Correlations👇
🔰CAD/JPY (Canadian Dollar vs. Japanese Yen): Canada’s economy is significantly affected by oil prices due to its oil exports. Japan, on the other hand, is a major oil importer. As a result, the CAD/JPY positively correlates with oil prices. Traders can monitor this pair along with the USD/CAD.
🔰USD/CAD (US Dollar vs. Canadian Dollar): Since oil is priced in US dollars globally, fluctuations in the dollar impact oil prices (and vice versa). Both the US and Canada are major oil importers and exporters, making the USD/CAD relevant for tracking oil-related movements.
AUD/USD (Australian Dollar vs. US Dollar): Australia’s strong ties to gold production and other commodities create a correlation between the AUD and commodity prices.
🔰NZD/USD (New Zealand Dollar vs. US Dollar): New Zealand’s dairy exports influence the NZD’s movements.
⭐Using Correlation Indicators👇
🔰Traders can employ correlation indicators to visualize real-time correlations between commodities and currency pairs over specific periods.
🔰These indicators help capture small divergences and provide insights for trading decisions.
In summary, the relationship between forex and commodities is dynamic. Changes in commodity prices can impact currency values, and understanding these interconnections can enhance your trading strategies. Remember to stay informed, monitor correlations, and adapt to market shifts! 🌟
High-Impact News Trading StrategiesHigh-Impact News Trading Strategies
Trading in the dynamic world of foreign exchange demands a constant adaptation to the ever-evolving factors influencing currency markets. Among these factors, high-impact forex news stands out as a catalyst capable of reshaping market action. In this article, we explore some of the nuances of high-impact news trading, aiming to offer insights that may help manage high volatility and harness its power.
Trading High-Impact News
Understanding which news releases wield significant influence over the forex market and what market reaction can be expected is paramount for any trader.
Forex News with High Impact
High-impact news includes events like interest rate decisions, inflation rates, retail sales, consumer spending, labour market data, and nonfarm payroll reports. The impact of these events can be profound, affecting market sentiment and, thus, currency values. Traders keen on mastering this domain must comprehend the dynamics that drive market reactions to such news and position themselves accordingly. It's important to note that these news events can cause extreme volatility in either direction, creating both challenges and opportunities.
Forex News Impact Analysis
Traders analyse the potential impact of events on currency pairs, employing a combination of technical and fundamental analysis.
Fundamental Impact of Economic Data
Fundamental analysis involves evaluating the economic factors that underpin a currency's value based on the country's economic health. Traders delve into the consensus forecast, scrutinise historical data, and gauge the prevailing economic climate to gain insights into how these fundamental elements might shape market reactions.
Technical Analysis
Simultaneously, technical analysis plays a vital role in deciphering the market sentiment and potential price movements. Utilising technical analysis tools such as indicators, support and resistance levels, and trendlines, traders can identify key entry and exit points. By integrating technical analysis, traders gain a more comprehensive view of the market, potentially enhancing their ability to make informed decisions.
Forex News Trading Strategies
Considering the expected impact of economic data and utilising advanced technical analysis tools based on past forex rates performance, traders can design viable trading strategies at times of major news releases.
Retracement Trading: Unveiling Potential Reversals
Retracement trading is a strategic approach that capitalises on market pullbacks following significant movements triggered by high-impact news. Look at the example of trading on the US CPI announcement in November 2023:
- Fibonacci Retracement: Helps identify key support and resistance areas where price corrections may occur.
- Moving Averages: The 9- and 20-period MAs can be applied as a trend confirmation.
Entry
Traders identify significant Fibonacci retracement levels, typically 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, or 78.6%, and look for alignment with a bullish/bearish MA crossover to confirm entry points for a long/short position.
Stop Loss
Stop loss may be placed just below (for long positions) or above (for short positions) the identified Fibonacci retracement level to safeguard against unexpected market reversals.
Take Profit
A potential signal for a take-profit point could be an MA crossover in the opposite direction of a trade following a failed attempt of the price to break a resistance/support level that coincides with a Fibonacci extension level.
Do you already have a strategy for the upcoming high-impact forex news today? Visit FXOpen and trade on the free TickTrader forex trading platform.
Trend-Change Trading Strategy
Trading during major news releases demands a nimble and precise approach to capitalise on medium-term price fluctuations. This strategy incorporates three technical indicators simultaneously to evaluate the strength of the price movement and determine potential entry and exit points. In this approach, we utilise:
- Relative Strength Index (RSI): Identifying overbought or oversold conditions.
- Stochastic Oscillator: Gauging the strength of a price trend.
- Average True Range (ATR): Measuring market volatility, helping to settle appropriate stop-loss levels.
Entry
Following a major price move on the news event, traders could identify weakness in an uptrend/downtrend by observing the divergence of both RSI and Stochastic indicators with the price movement. A potential entry for a long/short position involves aligning bullish/bearish signals from RSI and Stochastic, such as crossing above/below oversold/overbought areas.
Stop Loss
Stop loss could be placed just below recent lows or above recent highs for long and short trades, respectively, factoring in the ATR to account for potential market volatility.
Take Profit
Traders may determine possible take-profit points by considering bearish/bullish signals from RSI and Stochastics.
Exploiting Increased Volatility
Trading during high-impact news events requires a specialised strategy that accounts for increased market volatility. A sound volatility-based approach implements specific indicators so traders may be able to capitalise on rapid forex rate deviations. The chart shows trading on Japan’s industrial production data release at the end of October 2023, and we use:
- Bollinger Bands: These help identify potential surges in volatility through band expansion.
- ATR (Average True Range): This can be used for trailing stop-loss levels
- MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence): A surge in buying or selling pressure can be reflected in MACD crossovers.
Entry
Traders would monitor Bollinger Bands for an expansion preceding news events. Price cross above/below the middle Bollinger Band after the release may signal an entry point for long/short positions. This should align with a bullish/bearish MACD crossover.
Stop Loss
Traders may place stop-loss orders just beyond recent price extremes to account for potential market reversals and limit possible losses and use the ATR indicator to calculate trailing stop-loss levels.
Take Profit
A possible take-profit level for long/short trades can be derived from a bearish/bullish reversal of the MACD indicator, or it can be set based on the expected price range derived from the ATR.
Concluding Thoughts
Trading high-impact forex news requires a mix of market analysis, risk management, and strategic execution. By understanding the dynamics of high-impact events and implementing robust trading strategies, traders may navigate the volatility inherent in these situations. Ready to trade on major economic news? You can open an FXOpen account and try out your strategies.
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.
Why it PAYS to be a PATIENT trader - 5 ReasonsPatience isn’t just a virtue.
Patience is your portfolio’s best friend.
Now you might think that patience is just sitting on your hands and doing nothing.
It’s not!
It’s about taking the time to prepare, analyse and wait for when the moment arrives.
And that’s why you have to keep your eyes peeled and ready to take on the big bad market.
So here are 5 reasons why it pays to be a patient trade.
🚦 #1: Stops You From Making Impulsive Decisions
Ever caught yourself hitting the ‘buy’ button for the sake of taking a trade?
You’re not alone.
Impulse is the enemy of reason, and in trading, it’s the fast track to a thinner wallet.
Remember, the market will always be there tomorrow, but the same can’t be said for your capital.
Impulsive decisions normally yields LOW probability trades. And that’s a reason in itself to STOP doing it.
Why take the risk?
🔍 #2: Helps You Spot High Probability Trades
The markets speak to those who listen.
Patience gives you the superpower to cut through the noise and hone in on high-probability trades.
It’s like having a financial crystal probability ball.
Instead of predictive qualities, you’re armed with analysis, trends, and a likelihood of how a trade is more likely to play out.
Remember, more trades from all types of markets don’t mean more wins.
Often, they just mean more fees, more stress and more losses.
🤲 #3: Hold Onto Winners
Got a winner in play?
Cool…
Patience says, “Hold it, let’s ride this wave a bit longer.”
It’s the difference between a quick sprint and a marathon.
Sure, locking in profits feels good and it looks promising on the portfolio.
But in the medium to long run, it’s a traders kryptonite to defeat.
Trading patience whispers in your ear,
“There’s more to come,” and more often than not, it’s right.
🧠 #4: Takes Away Fixation
Obsession is a trader’s Achilles heel.
Patience frees you from the chains of market fixation.
This will allow you to take a step back, focus on other things and not get hung up on every markets ticks.
Stop fixating on your trades once you’re in.
You have the strategy in play, you have risk and reward levels setup.
Let them be and follow your strategy (regardless of whether it’s a winner or a loser).
🐆 #5: Wait for the Prey
In the wild, the most successful predators are those that can wait, watch, and pounce at the perfect moment.
A leopard will wait for hours in the tall grass. But when the probability is high and the leopard has done its instinctual calculations – it will pounce and WIN.
You’re not chasing every gazelle; you’re waiting for the right one, the one that’s worth the energy.
It’s about being proactive, not reactive.
You set your terms, your entry, and exit points, and then you wait.
The market will move; it always does. And when it moves into your crosshairs, that’s when you strike.
So let’s sum up the reasons it pays to be a patient trader.
🚦 #1: Stops You From Making Impulsive Decisions
🔍 #2: Helps You Spot High Probability Trades
🤲 #3: Hold Onto Winners
🧠 #4: Takes Away Fixation
🐆 #5: Wait for the Prey
Engage: Type of trading Day { DOUBLE DISTRIBUTION TREND DAY}DOUBLE DISTRIBUTION TREND DAY
A double distribution trend day is an extension of a regular trend day. It exhibits two distinct price distribution phases within the trading session, with each phase characterized by a different price range. The first distribution typically follows the morning market open, while the second occurs later in the day.
Key features:
The market opens with brief consolidation phase
After the consolidation, a new trend emerges, usually with higher volatility
Followed by another consolidation phase
Trading strategies:
Use Initial base Breakout trade.
The Concept shared from the Book " Secrets of a Pivot Boss: Revealing Proven Methods for Profiting in the Market " by Frank O Ochoa (Author)
The Psychology of Trading:Identifying and Overcoming FrustrationFrustration in trading is an emotional state that traders experience as a result of unsuccessful trades, losing money, or being unable to follow their trading plan. It can be caused by a number of factors including unexpected changes in the market, errors in analysis or lack of discipline. Frustration occurs when expected results do not match reality or when a trader fails to achieve his or her goals.
Imagine this scenario: you've been eyeing a specific gift for your birthday, available exclusively at a single store. However, when the time finally arrives to make the purchase, you discover that the item is sold out – and there's no alternative option. This sense of disappointment, accompanied by feelings of annoyance and irritation, is a common experience known as frustration.
In the context of trading, frustration can manifest in similar ways. Imagine spending hours analyzing market trends, only to watch your carefully crafted trading plan fall apart due to unexpected market fluctuations. Or, picture yourself agonizing over a losing trade, unable to extricate yourself from a losing position despite your best efforts. In both cases, the emotional toll can be significant, leading to feelings of frustration that can compromise your decision-making and ultimately impact your overall performance.
📍 THE IMPACT OF FRUSTRATION IN TRADING:
➡️ Emotional Responses to Trading Challenges. Traders may experience a range of emotional responses to trading challenges, including irritation, anger, anxiety, and depression. Frustration can be particularly debilitating, as it can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction with oneself due to perceived missed opportunities or imperfect decisions.
➡️ Self-Doubt and Loss of Confidence. Frustration can also erode a trader's confidence in their abilities. A series of losing trades can lead to self-doubt, causing a trader to question their skills and judgment. This can have a negative impact on subsequent trades, ultimately resulting in significant losses.
➡️ Impulsive Decision-Making. Frustration can also prompt traders to re-evaluate their earlier decisions and seek changes to their strategies without sufficient analysis. This impulsive decision-making can lead to further mistakes and exacerbate the situation.
➡️ Loss of Motivation. As frustration builds, traders may experience a loss of motivation. The desire to achieve a goal or make progress in the market can fade, leaving them feeling disconnected from their trading activities. Without motivation, traders are less likely to make informed decisions or take calculated risks, which can hinder their long-term success.
Frustration in trading can have far-reaching consequences, extending beyond the trading arena to impact one's overall well-being. Prolonged frustration can lead to nervous system disorders, insomnia, depression, and even unhealthy habits. However, in the early stages, frustration can be leveraged as a motivating force. Its benefits include:
⚡️ Increased Motivation and Perseverance: Frustration can propel an individual to redouble their efforts and push harder to achieve their goals. Those who are initially unsuccessful may be more likely to give up, but those who persist despite setbacks can emerge stronger and more resilient.
⚡️ Creative Problem-Solving: Frustration can stimulate innovative thinking and inspire out-of-the-box solutions. When standard approaches fail, individuals may need to think creatively to overcome challenges, leading to novel and effective problem-solving strategies.
📍 MANAGING FRUSTRATION: A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH
To effectively manage frustration, it's essential to first acknowledge and accept your emotions. Recognize when you're feeling frustrated and avoid denying the issue. Instead, focus on finding solutions.
🔹 Identify the Root Cause. To address the frustration, identify the specific trigger or event that led to it. This could be a particular action, situation, or decision. Once you understand the cause, you can develop a plan to address it.
🔹 Develop a Plan of Action. Create a plan that outlines potential solutions to the problem causing your frustration. This will help you feel more in control and empowered to take action.
🔹 Seek a Fresh Perspective. Talking to someone about your frustration can provide a valuable fresh perspective. They may help you see the situation from a different angle, and you may realize that the problem is not as severe as you thought.
🔹 Set Realistic Goals. When setting goals, aim for something achievable. Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and further frustration. Instead, strive for a middle ground that is challenging yet attainable.
🔹 Work on Your Self-Esteem. Maintaining a healthy self-esteem is crucial for confidence and setting realistic goals. Avoid underestimating or overestimating your abilities, and focus on building a balanced sense of self-worth.
🔹 Emotional Management. Lastly, learn to manage your emotions by quickly shifting your focus away from negativity. Try to find something positive in the situation or practice mindfulness techniques to maintain a calm and centered state.
📍 CONCLUSION
In the realm of trading psychology, several emotions and thought patterns are common pitfalls that can hinder performance. Frustration, Fear of Missing Out, and rumination are all closely related to mistakes and failures, which can snowball into negative consequences if left unchecked. However, it is crucial to recognize that these psychological states can be transformed from liabilities into assets.
By acknowledging our mistakes, incorporating them into our learning process, and approaching challenges with creativity and resourcefulness, we can turn any psychological obstacle into an opportunity for growth. By doing so, we can break free from the cycle of negative thinking and cultivate a mindset that is resilient, adaptable, and ultimately successful.
Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment 📣
Technical Analysis vs. Fundamental Analysis: Why Not Both?Hey there, fellow traders and market mavens! Ever found yourself staring confused at the screen and not making sense of things that happen in trading?
So you decided to wander off deep into technical analysis shutting out its other half — fundamental analysis? Or vice versa — you digested every economic report that big media outlets churned out and yet failed to factor in some support and resistance levels?
Fear not, for we've got the lowdown on why you don't have to pick sides and go with either the Fibonacci sequence or the latest jobs data . In fact, we're here to tell you why embracing both might just be your secret to trading success. So, grab your charts and financial reports and let's dive into the world where candlesticks meet earnings reports!
Technical Analysis: The Lost Art of Tape Reading
Technical analysis is like the cool, intuitive friend who always seems to know what's going to happen next. It's all about reading the market's mood through price charts, patterns and indicators. Here's why tech analysis should be in your skill set:
Trend Spotting : Ever wished you could predict the next big trend? With moving averages, trend lines and momentum indicators like the MACD, you can ride the waves like a pro surfer and let the market carry your trades into a sea of profits.
Timing is Everything : Candlestick patterns and support/resistance levels are your besties when it comes to perfect timing. The more you study them, the more you elevate your chances of entering and exiting trades with ninja-like precision.
Market Sentiment : Tools like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Bollinger Bands give you the scoop on whether the market's feeling overbought, oversold or just right. Learn these if you want to increase the probability of correctly gauging the market’s mood.
But hold up, before you get lost in the charts, let's not forget about the fundamentals.
Fundamental Analysis: Making Sense of Things
If technical analysis is your go-to for instant market vibes, fundamental analysis is the place to figure out why things happened in the first place. Here’s why fundamentals are a big deal and can help you to a) learn what moves markets and b) become fluent in marketspeak and own every trading conversation:
Long-Term Vision : While technical analysis can sometimes feel like guesswork, fundamental analysis is spitting facts. Earnings reports, P/E ratios and economic indicators help you see the bigger picture and educate you into a better, more knowledgeable trader.
Value Hunting : Ever heard of value investing legends like Warren Buffett? They thrive on finding undervalued gems through rigorous fundamental analysis. And, some say, this approach to investing is not reserved for companies only. It works for crypto, too.
Economic Health Check : Understanding GDP growth, interest rates and inflation can feel like having a crystal ball for market trends. And, one big plus is that you’ll become a lot more interesting when you explain things like monetary policy or forward-looking guidance to your uncle at the Thanksgiving table.
The Power Couple: Combining Technical and Fundamental Analysis
Now, here’s the kicker: Why choose one when you can have both? Imagine the synergy when you combine the swift foresightedness of technical analysis with the solid foundation of fundamental analysis. Here’s how to make this dynamic duo work for you:
Double-Check Your Entries and Exits : Use technical analysis for pinpointing your entry and exit points but back it up with fundamental analysis to build a convincing narrative of the asset’s long-term potential.
Confirm the Trend : Spot a promising trend with technical indicators? Validate it with strong fundamentals to make sure it’s not just a flash in the pan.
Risk Management : Technical analysis can help set your stop-loss levels, while fundamental analysis keeps you informed about any potential game-changers in the market.
Diversification : Fundamental analysis might show you the hottest sectors right now, while technical analysis can help you call tops and bottoms if an indicator you trust is showing oversold or overbought levels.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it, folks! Technical analysis and fundamental analysis don’t have to be opposite camps. Think of them as your dynamic duo, Batman and Robin, peanut butter and jelly — better together. By blending the best of both worlds, you’ll increase your chances of success in trading and do yourself a favor — you’ll get to know a lot and become more interesting!
Ready to take your trading game to the next level? Start combining technical and fundamental analysis and watch as your trading strategies transform into a market-crushing masterpiece. Happy trading and may your profits be ever in your favor!
Compound Interest - A Trader's Secret WeaponIn this video I give you a perspective that traders often neglect - Compound Interest.
Compounding is probably the most important part in terms of becoming a trader that survives in the long run. Social media is filled with traders nowadays, and some of them are pretty good at trading. However, shortsightedness gets to them as they forget about the one thing that ensures longevity in this game. It is way easier dig yourself into drawdown than it is increase your wealth, it is just math. The technique that greatly rewards the disciplined and patient trader is COMPOUNDING.
As Albert Einstein said according to some sources although not verified is that "Compound interest is the 8th wonder of the world".
- R2F
Why Are Bonds Still Crashing?Why are US, UK, and EU bonds still crashing since March 2020?
In this video, we are going to study the relationship between bonds, yields, and interest rates, which many of us find confusing. How can we understand them, and why are bond prices leading the yield, followed by interest rates this season?
10 Year Yield Futures
Ticker: 10Y
Minimum fluctuation:
0.001 Index points (1/10th basis point per annum) = $1.00
Disclaimer:
• What presented here is not a recommendation, please consult your licensed broker.
• Our mission is to create lateral thinking skills for every investor and trader, knowing when to take a calculated risk with market uncertainty and a bolder risk when opportunity arises.
CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups in real-time 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
Liquidity is KEY to the MarketsIn this video I go through more about liquidity and why it is important.
The markets move because of liquidity. Without liquidity, there is no trading. The larger the trader, the larger the liquidity required. Understanding the concept of liquidity and the fractal nature of price, trading becomes very interesting. A whole new world opens up to you and you no longer have to keep guessing where price is going. You no longer have to keep chasing candles.
I hope you find this video insightful.
- R2F
Nasdaq's Stellar Returns, Potential Risks AheadThe Nasdaq-100 has been a stellar performer since its debut in 1985, rising 22,900% (with dividends reinvested) for a 14.8% compounded annual total rate of return. By comparison, the S&P 500 returned 7,200% over the same period with dividends reinvested, an 11.5% compounded return (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Since the inception of the Nasdaq-100 index in 1985, it has outperformed the S&P
Source: Bloomberg Professional (XNDX and SPXT)
However, the Nasdaq’s outperformance can partly be attributed to higher risk levels. It has been consistently more volatile than the S&P 500 (Figure 2) and has been subject to much greater drawdowns. On March 28, 2000, Nasdaq began a drawdown that reached -81.76% on August 5, 2002 (Figure 3). The total return index didn’t hit a new high-water mark until February 12, 2015. It also had a sharper drawdown during the 2022 bear market.
Figure 2: The Nasdaq-100 has nearly always been more volatile than the S&P 500
Source: Bloomberg Professional (XNDX and SPXT), CME Economic Research Calculations
Figure 3: From 2000 to 2002, the Nasdaq-100 fell by nearly 82% and didn’t recover until 2015.
Source: Bloomberg Professional (XNDX and SPXT), CME Economic Research Calculations
A large part of the reason for the Nasdaq’s greater overall return, higher volatility and its heightened susceptibility to deep and long drawdowns is its dependence on one sector: information technology. Since at least the 1990s, Nasdaq has been nearly synonymous with the tech sector.
While nearly every sector has at least some presence in the Nasdaq, since its launch in 1999 it has always had a near-perfect correlation with the S&P 500 Information Technology Index (the basis for the S&P E-Mini Technology Select Sector futures launched in 2011). That correlation has never fallen below +0.9 and has sometimes been as high as +0.98. In the past 12 months the correlation has been +0.95 (Figure 4).
Figure 4: The Nasdaq-100 has always had extremely high correlations with the tech sector
Source: Bloomberg Professional (NDX, S5INFT, S5UTIL, S5ENRS, S5FINL, S5HLTH, S5CONS, S5COND, S5MATR, S5INDU, S5TELS)
The preponderance of technology stocks in the Nasdaq is largely a function of history. Nasdaq was founded in 1971 as the world’s first electronic stock market and it began to attract technology companies, in part, because it had more flexible listing requirements regarding revenue and profitability than other venues. Over time the technology ecosystem settled largely on this market and came to dominate the Nasdaq-100 Index.
Those who need to minimize tracking risks with respect to the S&P 500 Information Technology Index can do so with the Select Sector futures. However, those who wish to increase or decrease exposure to the technology sector more generally, and for whom tracking risks is a less of a concern can easily increase or reduce their exposure with the Nasdaq-100 futures.
Also launched in June 1999 were E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures, which are now turning 25 years old. The contracts caught on quickly, and today trade at more than 668K contracts or $60 billion in notional value each day.
E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures offer capital-efficient exposure to the Nasdaq-100 index, and allow investors to trade and track one NQ futures contract versus 100 stocks to achieve nearly identical exposure. These futures also help mitigate risk against the top-heavy nature of the Nasdaq-100 index, where the so-called Magnificent Seven companies—Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, Google-parent Alphabet and Tesla—have dominated recently. Broad exposure to this index acts as a hedge if the Magnificent Seven stocks decline.
The Nasdaq has also correlated highly in recent years with consumer discretionary stocks as well as telecoms. By contrast, it has typically low correlations with traditional high-dividend sectors such as consumer staples, energy and utilities which tend to be listed on other exchanges. The exception to this rule is during down markets, when stocks tend to become more highly correlated.
The Nasdaq also has very different interest rate sensitivities than its peers. For starters, high short-term interest rates seem to benefit the Nasdaq-100 companies as many of them have large reserves of cash that are earning high rates of return by sitting in T-Bills and other short-term maturities. This is a sharp contrast to the Russell 2000 index, which has suffered as Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hikes have increased the cost of financing for smaller and mid-sized firms, which borrow from banks rather than bond holders and don’t usually have substantial cash reserves.
By contrast, the Nasdaq has shown a very negative sensitivity to higher long-term bond yields. Many of the technology stocks in the Nasdaq-100 are trading at high earnings multiples. Some have market capitalization exceeding $1 trillion. Higher long-term bond yields are a potential threat because much the value of these corporations is what equity analysts might refer to as their “value in perpetuity,” meaning beyond any reasonable forecast horizon. Typically, such earnings are discounted using long-term bond yields and the higher those yields go, the lower the net present value of those future earnings. Additionally, higher long-term bond yields can also induce investors to switch out of highly volatile and expensive equity portfolios into the relatively less volatile, fixed- income securities.
The Nasdaq’s high sensitivity to long-term bond yields may explain why the index sold off so sharply in 2022 alongside a steep fall in the price of long-dated U.S. Treasuries, whose yields were rising in anticipation of Fed tightening and due to concerns about the persistence of inflation. By contrast, the Nasdaq has done well since October 2022 despite the Fed continuing to raise short-term rates through July 2023 and subsequently keeping those rates high. On the one hand, many of the cash-rich Nasdaq companies are benefitting from higher returns on their holdings of short-term securities. On the other hand, they are also benefitting from the fact that higher short-term rates have steadied long-term bond yields by making it clear that the Fed is taking inflation seriously.
This isn’t to suggest that the Nasdaq is immune from downside risks. History shows that the risks are very real, especially in the event of an economic downturn. In the 2001 tech wreck recession, the Fed cut short-term rates from 6.5% to 1% but long-term bond yields remained relatively high, which was not a helpful combination for the tech sector. In addition to its 82% decline during the tech wreck recession, it also fell sharply during the global financial crisis, though not as badly as the S&P 500, which had a far larger weighting to bank stocks.
This time around, potential threats to the Nasdaq include:
The possibility of an economic downturn which could crimp corporate profits.
Rate cuts which would reduce the return on cash positions.
Large budget deficits and quantitative tightening which could push up long-term bond yields.
Possibly tighter regulation of the tech sector in the U.S. and abroad.
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
By Erik Norland, Executive Director and Senior Economist, CME Group
*CME Group futures are not suitable for all investors and involve the risk of loss. Copyright © 2023 CME Group Inc.
**All examples in this report are hypothetical interpretations of situations and are used for explanation purposes only. The views in this report reflect solely those of the author and not necessarily those of CME Group or its affiliated institutions. This report and the information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience.
Visualize $TSLA CALL pricing skew due to the upcoming earningsLet’s take a look at our new tradingview options screener indicator to see what we observe, as the options chain data has recently been updated.
When we look at the screener, we can immediately see that NASDAQ:TSLA has an exceptional Implied Volatility Rank value of over 100, which is extremely high. This is clearly due to the upcoming earnings report on July 23rd.
As we proceed, we notice that Tesla's Implied Volatility Index is also high, over 70. This means that not only the relative but also the absolute implied volatility of Tesla is high. Because the IVX value is above 30, Tesla’s IV Rank is displayed with a distinguishable black background. This favors credit strategies such as iron condors, broken wing butterflies, strangles, or simple short options.
Next, let’s examine how this IV index value has changed over the past five days. We can see it has increased by more than 6%, indicating an upward trend as we approach the earnings report.
In the next cell, we see a significant vertical price skew. Specifically, at 39 days to expiration, call options are 84% more expensive than put options at the same distance. This indicates that market participants are pricing in a significant upward movement in the options chain.
The call skew is so pronounced that at 39 days to expiration, the 16 delta call value exits the expected range. This signifies a substantial delta skew twist, which I will show you visually.
We see a horizontal IV index skew between the third and fourth weeks in the options chain. This means the front weekly IVX is lower than the IVX for the following week, which may favor calendar or diagonal strategies. Hovering over this with the mouse reveals it’s around the third and fourth week.
In the last cell, we observe that there’s a horizontal IVX skew not just in weekly expirations but also between the second and third monthly expirations.
Now, let’s see how these values appear visually on Tesla’s chart using our Options Overlay Indicator. On the right panel, the previously mentioned values are displayed in more detail when you hover over them with the mouse. The really exciting part is setting the 16 delta curve and seeing the extent of the upward shift in options pricing. This significant skew is also visible at closer delta values.
When we enable the expected move and standard deviation curves, it immediately becomes clear what this severe vertical pricing skew in favor of call options means. Practically, market participants are significantly pricing in upward movement right after the earnings report.
Hovering over the colored labels associated with the expirations displays all data precisely, showing the number of days until expiration and the high implied volatility index value for that expiration. Additionally, a green curve indicating overpricing due to extra interest is displayed. Weekly expiration horizontal IVX skew values appear in purple, and those affected by monthly skew are shown in turquoise blue.
The 'Lite' version of our indicators is available for free to everyone, where you can also view Tesla as demonstrated. Pro indicators are available more than 150 US market symbols like SPY, S&P500, Nvidia, bonds, etfs and many others.
Trade options like a pro with TanukiTrade Option Indicators for TradingView.
Thank you for your attention.
$RST Is a Prime Example of a Chart to AVOIDCharts that look like LSE:RST are the scariest ones to be in rn, especially in this downtrend.
literally no hope in sight, besides some crazy news sending it.
there's literally not even a trendline to go off of.
to turn bullish, it needs to have a 55% pump, and range in that $0.30 level for a while to show it built a floor.
then you might attract some bulls in.
Btc dominance Market Dominance:
BTC's Market Cap: Bitcoin has the largest market capitalization (total value of all outstanding coins) compared to other cryptocurrencies. This significant size means its price movements have a ripple effect.
Investor Confidence: Bitcoin is often seen as the most established and trusted cryptocurrency. When its price goes down, it can trigger a loss of confidence in the entire crypto market, leading to sell-offs in other cryptocurrencies.
Trading Mechanisms:
BTC Pairing: Many altcoins (alternative cryptocurrencies) are traded against Bitcoin (BTC) on crypto exchanges. A drop in Bitcoin's price can lead to a decrease in the altcoin's BTC value, even if its USD price remains stable.
Margin Trading: Some investors use margin trading to leverage their positions, borrowing funds to amplify potential gains (and losses). When Bitcoin's price falls, it can trigger margin calls, forcing investors to sell other crypto holdings to meet margin requirements. This can lead to a broader sell-off.
Investor Psychology:
Correlation Bias: Investors sometimes perceive a correlation between assets even when it's not inherently strong. A decline in Bitcoin's price might lead investors to believe the entire crypto market is headed for a downturn, leading them to sell other cryptocurrencies as well.
Bitcoin as a Benchmark: Many investors use Bitcoin as a benchmark for the overall health of the cryptocurrency market. A decline in Bitcoin's price can signal broader market weakness, prompting investors to sell other crypto holdings.
However, there are also signs that the correlation between Bitcoin and altcoins is weakening:
Rise of DeFi and NFTs: The growth of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) has created new sub-sectors within the crypto market with their own dynamics, less reliant on Bitcoin's price movements.
Maturing Market: As the cryptocurrency market matures, individual projects are increasingly valued based on their own fundamentals and functionalities, potentially reducing their dependence on Bitcoin's price.
Overall:
While Bitcoin still exerts a significant influence, the relationship between Bitcoin and the broader crypto market is evolving. As the market matures and diversifies, we might see altcoins become less susceptible to Bitcoin's price swings.
Chart Time SettingsIn the chart analysis tool that I use, selecting the right time frame is crucial for correctly interpreting and analyzing market movements. Unfortunately, I cannot upload 1-minute charts on TradingView, but I can start from a 15-minute interval. This is helpful, but I particularly recommend using shorter time frames like 1-minute or 5-minute charts for day trading.
What are Time Settings?
Time settings determine the period that a single candle or bar on the chart represents. For example, a 1-hour chart shows price movements in hourly intervals, with each candle representing the price action of one hour.
Available Time Frames
A wide range of time frames, from minutes to months, is available. Here are some of the most common options:
15 Minutes (15M): Popular among day traders who execute multiple trades within a day. (CAUTION - For the 15-minute interval, one should be able to wait 2-5 days - always conduct analysis using 1-minute and 5-minute charts for day trading.)
1 Hour (1H): For traders who want to recognize intraday patterns without tracking every movement. I never use the 1-hour view. Does anyone use 1-hour charts? What experiences have you had with them, and how long do you hold trades?
4 Hours (4H): A good compromise for swing traders who hold trades for several days.
1 Day (1D): Provides a comprehensive overview for long-term strategies.
1 Week (1W): Suitable for long-term investors observing larger trends.
1 Month (1M): Ideal for analyzing very long-term trends.
How Do I Choose the Right Time Frame?
Choosing the right time frame depends on my trading strategy and time horizon. Here are some of my tips:
Scalping and Short-Term Trading: For scalping and short-term trades, I recommend shorter time frames like 1-minute (1M) or 5-minute (5M). These help in capturing small market movements and reacting quickly to changes. Although I cannot upload these time frames, I use them for detailed analysis.
Day Trading: For day trading, I use the 15-minute (15M) charts, (1M and 5M) charts to analyze the entire trading day and respond to intraday trends.
Swing Trading: For swing trading, I use longer time frames like 15-minute and 4-hour (4H) charts, and 1-day (1D) charts to follow trends over several days or weeks.
Long-Term Investments: For long-term investments, weekly (1W) or monthly (1M) charts are ideal for identifying major trends and long-term movements.
Multi-Time Frame Analysis
A proven method is multi-time frame analysis. I examine the same market in different time frames to get a more comprehensive picture. For example, I identify a long-term trend on the daily chart and then use the 15-minute chart to find precise entry and exit points.
Conclusion
The right time setting can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful trade. Although I cannot upload 1-minute charts, I experiment with various time frames to find the one that best suits my strategy. By understanding and applying different time settings, I can improve my trading decisions and refine my market analyses.
WHAT IS APY IN CRYPTO ?💹 APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is the amount of money an investor will earn in a year if the money is reinvested after each accrual period. The calculation formula is compound interest. In cryptocurrencies and decentralised finance (DeFi), APY is used to express the returns users can get from staking, liquidity mining and other types of income farming.
📍 UNDERSTANDING APY CALCULATION
APY allows users to understand what annual returns they can expect from their investments, taking into account reinvestment of interest earned. This helps to compare different investment opportunities in cryptocurrency startups:
➡️ Comparing the returns of different cryptocurrencies in staking, income farming on one exchange.
➡️ Comparing the yield of staking one coin on different exchanges.
The rate, which is calculated using the simple interest formula, only takes into account the initial investment amount. In comparison, APY gives a more accurate idea of how much an investor will earn, taking into account the re-investment of interest
📍 THE APY CALCULATION FORMULA IS:
APY is the Annual Percentage Yield
r is the interest rate per period (in decimal form, e.g. 0.05 for 5%)
n is the number of times interest is compounded per year
For example, if an investment has an annual interest rate of 5% compounded quarterly, the APY would be:
APY = (1 + 0.05/4)^(4) - 1 = 5.127%
This means that over a year, the investment would earn an effective annual return of 5.127%, taking into account the compounding effect. Note that this formula assumes that the interest is compounded at the end of each period, which is often referred to as "compounding frequency". The more frequently interest is compounded, the higher the APY will be.
📍 THREE CRUCIAL POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND ARE:
1️⃣ Frequency of interest accrual. The more frequently interest is accrued, the higher the APY will be, even if the nominal interest rate remains the same.
2️⃣ Reinvestment. APY assumes that all interest earned is reinvested, which increases the total return.
3️⃣ Transparency. APY provides a more accurate representation of potential returns compared to a simple interest rate.
APY is a forecast and actual returns may vary. It may be affected by market volatility, changes in interest rates, risks associated with a particular investment product. APY is specified for each product and each coin separately, you can find this information on the website of the cryptocurrency exchange. To understand the amount of earnings, you need to know the period of accrual of income. For example, accrual in staking can occur both every minute and every day.
In addition to APY, there is another key rate to consider: APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Similar to APY, APR is a rate that measures the yield of an investment, but it is calculated using the simple interest formula. While APR is commonly associated with the cost of borrowing at an interest rate, it can also be applied to investments. Like APY, APR is not a fixed value, as it can fluctuate based on network activity and other factors.
📍 CONCLUSION
APY is a critical parameter that represents the return on an asset with compound interest, taking into account the reinvestment of profits after each accrual. This metric is essential when evaluating the feasibility of staking or other income-generating opportunities. For instance, it can help you decide whether to stake Coin A or convert it to Coin B and stake it instead. By comparing APY rates for different coins and staking options, you can make informed decisions about where to allocate your assets to maximize your returns.
Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment 📣
Comparing the new SPYU to UPRO and SPXLI am not sure if anyone else noticed, because quite frankly I completely missed it, but there is a new leveraged share on the block that aims to track the S&P 500 ( SP:SPX ). That ticker is $SPYU.
Now this isn’t a conventional leveraged share. Most leveraged shares are between 2 x to 3 x max. However, this one is 4 x. Yeah, you read it correctly, 4 x the S&P. So if the S&P moves 2%, your theoretical gains are 8%.
Now there are inherent risks with leveraged share usage, which I have spoken about before. Now I am not going to get into the risks involved with over-leveraging yourself. I feel like there is enough cautionary tales, both from me and others, about such travesties. But what I want to cover in this post is really just an evaluation of SPYU vs the popular others, such as SPXL and UPRO. For me, my go to has always been UPRO; however, this new one intrigued me so decided to look at it a little more closely.
Overview
SPYU was launched in December of 2023. Surprisingly, despite being an ETF that tracks and American index and is listed on the NYSE, this leveraged ETF is managed by a Canadian institution, the Bank of Montreal. While it is a little strange to see the Bank of Montreal offering such an asset as an American asset, this bank is well known in Canada for offering multiple types of ETFs with exposure to both American and Canadian industries. I myself have many of their products and have been pleased with the returns!
Owning to SPYU’s short-ish existence, its difficult to really make long term predictions about how this will hold up over time. But I have done some comparative analysis on SPYU, UPRO and SPXL, using SPY as a benchmark, to see how SPYU has performed in its short timespan. So let’s get into the results.
Correlation:
Generally, the first thing you want to look at when identifying a leveraged share is the correlation. If a leveraged ETF tracks the underlying well, you are going to see a high correlation. If it struggles to track the underlying well, you will see a correlation with a lot of ‘variance’. Variance just means deviation from what would be, generally, a statistically strong relationship.
So let’s take a look at our 3 amigos in relation to SPY:
In the chart above, we are looking at the correlation of SPYU, UPRO and SPXL in relation to SPY over a rolling 14 period lag (in other words, a 14 day time period).
Purple represents UPRO, green SPXL and Aqua SPYU. In the legend on the right, you can see the max and min correlation of the various leveraged ETFs in relation to SPY. We see that UPRO and SPYU are pretty much on par with each other, with a correlation of roughly 0.97 to 0.98. This would equate to a variance of 0.04 (a perfect correlation has a score of 1, which would be the benchmark to compare the degree of variance or drift from the ability to track the underlying). This is, from a statistical perspective, fantastic! For most instances, we would say this is pretty much on par with a perfect correlation.
The same is technically true for SPXL. SPXL has a min correlation of 0.96, which equates to a variance of around 0.05, only 0.01% more than the other 2 ETFs. Statistically, these tickers are indistinguishable and there really is no statistically significant difference observed between their ability to track the underlying.
What about Slippage and Returns?
Slippage, which can be the result of contango and other factors, refers to a type of “loss in value” so to speak (AKA DECAY!!!). Essentially what it means is, is the ETF delivering what it says to deliver. In SPYU’s case, it says it delivers 4 x that of the S&P (or SPY). No leveraged ETF will ever be able to perfectly match their quoted returned consistently, owning to normal market volatility. However, what we want to see in a good leveraged share is very little slippage. In other words, we want to see a leveraged ETF that more frequently returns what it promises than doesn’t.
To measure this, we can use an indicator I developed a while ago called leveraged share decay tracker ().
Let’s kick it off with SPY vs SPYU:
In this chart, we can see that over a short period of time (under 100 days), the average slippage of SPYU is around 2.4%. For the most part. We can see this quantified in variance (the difference in correlation) and drift (the monetary measure of variance). This means that, at approximately 100 days, the variance in the potential loss or gain is around $1.72. At 30 days, it is $0.25.
This means, theoretically, you could be down $1.72 per share, if you intended to hold for approximately 100 days. Now, this $1.72 could be meaningless if the ETF managed to offer around the quoted returns, and indeed, it seems that it does. At 100 days, the expected return would be 42.65%, based on SPY’s trajectory. The actual return was 31.88%. This is a 10.77% difference. Had you traded SPY directly, you would be up about 21%. So the 10% slippage kind of evens out in that sense, because you are still up more than 10% than the actual underlying itself.
But wait, we need to check how the other leveraged ETFs perform. Let’s look at UPRO and SPY next:
So, remember UPRO promises 3 x the leverage, so the returns will likely be less than the returns on SPYU, which offers 4 x the leverage. Looking at this, we can see the average % slippage is about 0.40%. The average monetary slippage is about 0.40$. And finally, if you held for 100 days, you would only have a slippage of around 3%. So had you invested in SPY in December of 2023 , your returns would have been about 21% and your returns on UPRO would have been about 28%.
And finally, let’s take a look at SPXL:
Remember, SPXL promises to deliver 3x the exposure to the S&P, similar to that of UPRO.
You can see it’s pretty identical to UPRO:
UPRO seems to drift a bit more than SPXL; however, the difference is not statistically significant. The $ amount is also equivalent, taking into account that SPXL is approximately 1.5 x the cost of UPRO.
Cointegration
And finally, the last way to visualize how effective leveraged shares are at tracking the underlying is by creating a co-integration regression. This uses the price of the leveraged share to predict the price of the underlying. A leveraged share with a good relationship will be on point in predicting the price of the underlying. One that struggles will have frequent drifts and deviations from the price of the underlying. Here is all 3 tickers, compared to SPY (SPY represented by the red dotted line):
From here, we can see qualitatively that SPXL tends to have more dramatic swings in both directions, then UPRO or SPYU. However, SPYU and UPRO tend to perform identically.
So what’s the verdict on SPYU and the Leveraged trio as a whole?
My go to for trading SPY has been UPRO. As I just recently learned about SPYU I plan to make the shift here. The results of these analysis show that, from a statistical standpoint, the differences are marginal and not significant.
If you want to nail it down to “which is the MOST significant within the significance” so to speak, the winners here can be grouped by desired outcome. Here they are:
Returns focus:
If its returns you want, its SPYU you should do. SPYU will deliver up and above the returns of UPRO or SPXL, even in light of the drift and slippage. Under 100 days, the slippage shouldn’t be objectively notable. It will only become apparent at the 100 day mark or longer; however, SPYU still manages to deliver returns that surpass both UPRO and SPXL at that time point.
Risk Management:
Risk management has to go to SPXL, for the lack of slippage associated over the longer term. While SPXL does have a little wider variance, it manages to have the lowest slippage in percent and money drift. SPXL frequently delivers on what it promises.
And that’s it folks! Hope you enjoyed!
Safe trades as always!
The Psychology of Mass Behavior in Trading and How to Overcome
Hello Traders,
Understanding the psychology of mass behavior in trading is crucial for success in the markets. This post delves into key psychological phenomena and provides strategies to overcome these biases.
Key Psychological Phenomena
1. Herd Behavior: Traders often follow the crowd without independent analysis. This can lead to bubbles and crashes.
2. Emotional Contagion: Emotions like fear and greed spread rapidly among traders, driving irrational market behavior.
3. Overconfidence and Optimism Bias: Traders overestimate their ability to predict market movements and believe they are less likely to face negative outcomes.
4. Information Cascades: Decisions are based on the actions of others rather than personal analysis.
5. Confirmation Bias: Traders seek out information that confirms their beliefs, ignoring contradictory data.
6. Availability Heuristic: Overestimating the likelihood of events based on recent news or experiences.
7. Loss Aversion: The pain of losses is felt more acutely than the pleasure of gains, leading to irrational decision-making.
8. Social Proof: Looking to others’ actions for cues in uncertain situations.
9. Fear and Greed: These emotions drive market movements, often leading to panic selling or speculative bubbles.
How to Overcome These Biases
1. Risk Management: Implement strict risk management strategies, such as stop-loss orders and position sizing, to protect against irrational market moves.
2. Contrarian Investing: Consider taking positions contrary to prevailing market trends when there is a strong indication of herd behavior.
3. Diversification: Spread investments across different assets to reduce the impact of market volatility driven by mass behavior.
4. Continuous Learning: Stay educated about market psychology and remain aware of your biases.
5. Emotional Discipline: Develop a trading plan and stick to it, regardless of market noise. Meditation and mindfulness can also help maintain emotional balance.
6. Independent Analysis: Conduct thorough research and analysis before making trading decisions. Rely on your judgment rather than following the crowd.
7. Seek Feedback: Engage with a trading community or mentor to gain diverse perspectives and avoid confirmation bias.
By understanding and mitigating the effects of mass behavior in trading, we can make more rational, informed decisions and improve our trading performance. Let’s strive to be mindful of these psychological factors and continue to learn and grow as traders.
Happy trading!
Developing Emotional Resilience: Bouncing Back from LossesOkay, fellow TradingViewers, it’s time we tackle a topic that may make you a bit uncomfortable. But, rest assured — it’s for your own good! Today, we explore the realm of emotional resilience and, more precisely, how to bounce back from losses.
Losses are inevitable. Ask anyone — even the big dogs in the industry have gone through painful losses (as you’ll see at the end of this write-up). Drawdowns so severe that they’ve nearly put hedge funds out of business (just ask Ray Dalio). And yet, bouncing back from losses is what has helped these one-time losers to develop emotional resilience and make the best out of the experience.
Acknowledge the loss, but don’t overblow it
Accept that losses happen and they’re a natural part of the trading journey. No matter how skilled or successful you are, you will have losing positions every once in a while. First, make sure you find out what went wrong. And second, don’t dwell on the losses too much and don’t let them cloud your prospects of becoming a better trader.
Size your positions according to risk tolerance
Never let a single position wipe out your entire account if it turned against you. We know how attractive it is to bet big on currencies swings spanning European countries . But keep in mind that, in such case, the old market adage "You're as good as your last trade" will hold true and it may not be pretty.
There are two main ways to prevent the wipeout of your account with a single trade — don’t bet too big (or use too much leverage). If you do bet big, make sure you have a tight stop loss that won’t let your balance get washed out and drawn underwater. Always think about defense before you think about offense.
Let your strategy take care of your trading
You won’t have to be emotional if you let your strategy take care of your trading. Having the right trading plan will eliminate the need to react on the spot and make rushed decisions out of emotion. A solid strategy can empower you to withstand even the harshest market conditions with your chin up and trading account unscathed.
Embrace the power of habit and routine
In trading, consistency is key. Create for yourself a nice and easy-to-follow trading routine. This may include making your cup of coffee before you sit to do some chart reading. Or get a workout in before you read the daily news. Whatever will help you stay disciplined and emotionally balanced — do more of that.
Invest in yourself and then trade the markets
Your most valuable asset isn’t your trading account — it’s you. Invest time in learning, reading, watching interviews of successful traders and financiers. Read books on finance and trading, study the economic calendar , or sign up for a paper-trading account to test your trading skills risk-free. The more knowledge and practice you soak up, the more resilient and prepared you will become.
Know when to step back and get a break
Sometimes, the best thing to do after a loss is do nothing at all. It’s understandable if you feel emotionally unstable, off-kilter and overwhelmed when the markets gives you a slap in the face. Especially if you’re just starting out in the volatile trading space. What to do then? Unplug, unwind, recharge. The market will still be there tomorrow — go touch grass and come back with a refreshed perspective.
Celebrate the wins — no matter how small
Trading has to be about more than just coping with losses. Give yourself a nice pat on the back for every little victory. Made a successful trade? Or even got out at breakeven thanks to your stop loss? Perfect. Recognize and celebrate these moments. They’re little milestones to remind you that you’re on the right path to success.
Loss advice from the big dogs in trading
Let’s wrap up some with loss advice from the world’s best traders and see how they dealt with the blows of Mr. Market.
Paul Tudor Jones , hedge fund manager: “Losses are not your problem. It's how you react to them. Ignore losses with no plan, or try to double down on your losses to recoup, and those losses will come back like a Mack truck to run over your account.”
Ray Dalio , founder of the world’s largest hedge fund Bridgewater, on how he viewed a near-bankruptcy experience: “I needed to balance my aggressiveness and shift my mindset from thinking ‘I’m right’ to asking myself, ‘How do I know I’m right?’ It was very, very painful, yet it changed my way of thinking. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me.”
George Soros , pioneer of the hedge fund industry: “It’s not whether you’re right or wrong, but how much money you make when you’re right and how much you lose when you’re wrong.”
Let’s hear from you
How do you usually deal with a trading loss? What’s the best thing a loss has taught you? Comment below and let’s spin up a nice discussion!
EGO NO GO Traders’ Downfall: Six Actions to AvoidThere is NO place for ego and bravado with trading.
If it falls under your personality, you have been warned.
Do you know why?
Because ego and emotion are traders’ kryptonite.
In this piece, we’ll dive into the egotistical trader’s playbook and shine a light on six actions that could be crippling your trading game.
EGO NO GO #1: Overtrade: More is Not Always More
Overtrading is like trying to sprint a marathon; it’s unsustainable and a fast track to burnout.
You need to pace yourself or you’re going to get a spasm or a stitch.
As a trader, you’re not a machine-gun trader, firing rounds at every shadow.
You need to only look and wait for the highest probability trades.
Remember, it’s about the right trades, not just more trades.
Solution: Quality Over Quantity as I always tell my MATI Traders!
EGO NO GO #2: Revenge Trade: The Emotional Spiral
After a loss, I know it feels tempting to jump straight back into the markets in order to recover your funds.
But let’s face it…
Revenge trading is about as effective as using a leaky bucket to bail water out of a sinking ship.
Solution: Keep Cool and Carry On
Clear your head.
Take a walk, grab a beer – The market will always be there for you the next day.
And it will probably dish out even better trades.
Remember, the market doesn’t know you, and it certainly doesn’t owe you. Stick to your plan, not your pride.
EGO NO GO #3: Ignore Risk Management: The Silent Killer
If you ignore risk management, it’s like skydiving without checking your parachute.
What if you jumped and instead of a parachute you’re wearing a backback?
Don’t laugh, these things happen.
With trading you need your risk management measures:
Stop loss of less than 2%
Drawdown management when the portfolio goes down.
Risking money you can emotionally handle to lose.
Making sure of your trade size.
Checking your risk to rewards.
Ensuring you’ve protected your positions.
Solution: Plan Your Risk
Decide on your risk parameters before you enter a trade, and then—this is key—stick to them.
Your future self will thank you.
EGO NO GO #4: Dismiss Market Analysis: Gut Feelings vs. Hard Data
You also need to check the weather.
By weather I mean, look at the news events coming out for the day and week.
Is it NFP (Non Farm Payrolls)? – The day when you DON’T day trade.
Is it CPI (Consumer Price Index)? – The day you DON’T Trade
Is it FOMC where the federal committee talks and causes volatility?
Solution: Check the news events and be vigilant.
EGO NO GO #5: Blame Everything: The Pointless Game
When trades go south.
They look to blame.
They point fingers to their mentors, their strategy, themselves.
There is NO blame game with the markets.
If you followed your rules, strategies, risk to reward and everything else – You did the best of your ability for that trade.
Solution: Own your trade to Hone your trade It
Accept responsibility, learn from your mistakes, and grow stronger. It’s the only way.
EGO NO GO #6: Fail to Adapt: Evolve or Be Left Behind
The market is a beast that’s always changing.
I always say adapt or die.
Feel the general market’s environment.
Know whether it’s in a favourable or unfavourable period.
Tweak your system to improve your metrics.
Change the markets by adding or removing ones that aren’t working.
Take ego out of the analysis.
Solution: Stay Sharp, Stay Updated
FINAL WORDS:
I’m sure you already feel less egotistical when it comes to trading. And that means, this article has done it’s job.
Whenever you feel ego creeping in, remember this article save it and store it.
In fact go through all the articles that resonate, print them and store them in a file.
It will be your guide to trading well!
Let’s sum up the ego tendencies and how to avoid them…
Avoid Overtrading: Less can be more.
No Revenge Trading: Act with strategy, not emotion.
Stick to Risk Management: It’s your safety net.
Conduct Market Analysis: Never trade uninformed.
Stop the Blame: Learn and move forward.
Adapt to the Market: Evolve your strategy to stay relevant.