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Weekly Recap & Market Forecast $SPX (Aug 25th—> Aug 30th)Weekly Market Recap 🌐 Hello Investors! 🌟 This week saw US stock markets continue their recovery from early August losses, bolstered by strong market breadth and significant economic developments. Let’s dive into the key events that shaped the financial landscape. 📈 Market Overview: US stock markets opened the week with a strong recovery, continuing to recoup losses from earlier in August. Market breadth was notably strong, though equity volumes remained seasonally low. Treasury yields were under modest pressure, the US dollar slumped to an 8-month low, and gold reached new all-time highs on Tuesday following weaker-than-expected Philly Fed services data. On Wednesday, the BLS released annual payroll revisions, revealing a downward adjustment of 818K payrolls, or ~68K per month, marking the largest downward revision since 2009. This significant revision further set the stage for the Fed to solidify expectations for a September rate cut at the Jackson Hole Symposium later in the week. July FOMC minutes confirmed that some officials had already been open to a rate cut during their last meeting. Meanwhile, crude oil prices remained under pressure due to concerns about Chinese demand and hopes for a Gaza peace deal. Heading into Fed Chair Powell’s speech on Friday, the US 2-year yield was holding at around 4%, with futures markets projecting that investors expected the Fed to begin lowering rates next month, potentially by as much as 100 bps by year’s end. **Powell delivered a message that pleased investors, acknowledging that “the time has come for policy to adjust.” By expressing increased confidence in the inflation trajectory and stating that no further cooling in the labor market is necessary, Powell reinforced the belief that a series of rate cuts are likely to begin in September. Futures markets continued to project 100 bps of easing by early next year, with close to 200 bps over the next 12 months.** For the week, the S&P 500 gained 1.5%, the DJIA rose 1.3%, and the Nasdaq climbed 1.4%. **Stock Market Performance:** - 📈 S&P 500: Up by 1.5% - 📈 Dow Jones: Up by 1.3% - 📈 NASDAQ: Up by 1.4% **Economic Indicators:** - **Treasury Yields:** The US 2-year yield held steady around 4%, as investors priced in expectations for Fed rate cuts. - **BLS Payroll Revisions:** The downward revision of 818K payrolls, the largest since 2009, further supported the case for a September rate cut. - **Gold Prices:** Hit new all-time highs as the US dollar slumped to an 8-month low. - **Crude Oil Prices:** Remained under pressure amid concerns about Chinese demand and hopes for a Gaza peace deal. **Corporate News:** - **Target:** Delivered a strong quarter, beating on both the top- and bottom-line, with improving trends across discretionary categories. - **TJX Companies:** Posted another strong quarter, capitalizing on the current economic environment. - **Palo Alto Networks:** Topped estimates and raised FY product revenue guidance, though margins declined. - **Workday:** Reported a standout quarter and raised long-term operating margin targets. - **Lowe’s:** Reported weaker-than-expected results, missing SSS estimates and lowering its outlook due to a challenging macroeconomic environment. - **Mixed Earnings:** Macy’s, Snowflake, Williams-Sonoma, and BJ’s Wholesale Club reported relatively poorer execution, reflecting varying degrees of macroeconomic challenges. - **Cava Group:** Delivered impressive results, with 14%+ SSS growth, in contrast to Red Robin Gourmet, which missed and lowered its FY profit outlook. - **AMD:** Made headlines with a SEED_TVCODER77_ETHBTCDATA:5B deal to acquire ZT Systems, aiming to better compete with Nvidia in the data center space. **Looking Ahead:** Next week will bring several key economic data releases and earnings reports: - **U.S. Core PCE Inflation** - **U.S. Q2 GDP** - **U.S. Housing Data** - **Earnings Reports:** CrowdStrike ( NASDAQ:CRWD ), Salesforce ( NYSE:CRM ), Dell Technologies ( NYSE:DELL ), Nvidia ( NASDAQ:NVDA ) As we look forward, these developments will be crucial in shaping market sentiment and guiding investment decisions. If you have any questions or need further insights, feel free to reach out. Here’s to another week of informed investing and strategic decision-making! 🌟
SP:SPX
by WallSt007
Determining Which Equity Index Futures to Trade: ES, NQ, YM, RTYWhen it comes to trading equity index futures, traders have a variety of options, each with its own unique characteristics. The four major players in this space—E-mini S&P 500 (ES), E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ), E-mini Dow Jones (YM), and E-mini Russell 2000 (RTY)—offer different advantages depending on your trading goals and risk tolerance. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the contract specifications of each index, explore their volatility using the Average True Range (ATR) on a daily timeframe, and discuss how these factors influence trading strategies. 1. Contract Specifications: Understanding the Basics Each equity index future has specific contract specifications that are crucial for traders to understand. These details affect not only how the contracts are traded but also the potential risks and rewards involved. E-mini S&P 500 (ES): Contract Size: $50 times the S&P 500 Index. Tick Size: 0.25 index points, equivalent to $12.50 per contract. Trading Hours: Nearly 24 hours with key sessions during the U.S. trading hours. Margin Requirements: Change through time given volatility conditions and perceived risk. Currently recommended as $13,800 per contract. E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ): Contract Size: $20 times the Nasdaq-100 Index. Tick Size: 0.25 index points, worth $5 per contract. Trading Hours: Similar to ES, with continuous trading almost 24 hours a day. Margin Requirements: Higher due to its volatility and the tech-heavy nature of the index. Currently recommended as $21,000 per contract. E-mini Dow Jones (YM): Contract Size: $5 times the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index. Tick Size: 1 index point, equating to $5 per contract. Trading Hours: Nearly 24-hour trading, with peak activity during U.S. market hours. Margin Requirements: Relatively lower, making it suitable for conservative traders. Currently recommended as $9,800 per contract. E-mini Russell 2000 (RTY): Contract Size: $50 times the Russell 2000 Index. Tick Size: 0.1 index points, valued at $5 per contract. Trading Hours: Continuous trading available, with key movements during U.S. hours. Margin Requirements: Moderate, with significant price movements due to its focus on small-cap stocks. Currently recommended as $7,200 per contract. Understanding these specifications helps traders align their trading strategies with the right market, considering factors such as account size, risk tolerance, and market exposure. 2. Applying ATR to Assess Volatility: A Key to Risk Management Volatility is a critical factor in futures trading as it directly impacts the potential risk and reward of any trade. The Average True Range (ATR) is a popular technical indicator that measures market volatility by calculating the average range of price movements over a specified period. In this analysis, we apply the ATR on a daily timeframe for each of the four indices—ES, NQ, YM, and RTY—to compare their volatility levels: E-mini S&P 500 (ES): Typically exhibits moderate volatility, offering a balanced approach between risk and reward. Ideal for traders who prefer steady market movements. E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ): Known for higher volatility, driven by the tech sector's dynamic nature. Offers larger price swings, which can lead to greater profit potential but also increased risk. E-mini Dow Jones (YM): Generally shows lower volatility, reflecting the stability of the large-cap stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Suitable for traders seeking less risky and more predictable price movements. E-mini Russell 2000 (RTY): Exhibits considerable volatility, as it focuses on small-cap stocks. This makes it attractive for traders looking to capitalize on significant price movements within shorter time frames. By comparing the changing ATR values, traders can gain insights into which index futures offer the best fit for their trading style—whether they seek aggressive trading opportunities in high-volatility markets like NQ and RTY or more stable conditions in ES and YM. 3. Volatility and Trading Strategy: Matching Markets to Trader Preferences The relationship between volatility and trading strategy cannot be overstated. High volatility markets like NQ and RTY can provide traders with larger potential profits, but they also require more robust risk management techniques. Conversely, markets like ES and YM may offer lower volatility and, therefore, smaller profit margins but with reduced risk. Here’s how traders might consider using these indices based on their ATR readings: Aggressive Traders: Those who thrive on high-risk, high-reward scenarios might prefer NQ or RTY due to their larger price fluctuations. These traders are typically well-versed in managing rapid market movements and can exploit the volatility to achieve significant gains. Conservative Traders: If stability and consistent returns are more important, ES and YM are likely better suited. These indices provide a more predictable trading environment, allowing for smoother trade execution and potentially fewer surprises in market behavior. Regardless of your trading style, the key takeaway is to align your strategy with the market conditions. Understanding how each index's volatility affects your potential risk and reward is essential for long-term success in futures trading. 4. Conclusion: Making Informed Trading Decisions Choosing the right equity index futures to trade goes beyond personal preference. It requires a thorough understanding of contract specifications, an assessment of market volatility, and how these factors align with your trading objectives. Whether you opt for the balanced approach of ES, the tech-driven dynamics of NQ, the stability of YM, or the volatility of RTY, each market presents unique opportunities and challenges. By leveraging tools like ATR and staying informed about the specific characteristics of each index, traders can make more strategic decisions and optimize their risk-to-reward ratio. When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies. General Disclaimer: The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
CME_MINI:M2K1!Education
by traddictiv
Weekly Recap & Market Forecast $SPX (Aug 11th—> Aug 16th)**DIYWallST Weekly Recap & Market Forecast** --- Hello Investors! 🌟 This week began with a flash of panic reminiscent of 1987’s Black Monday, but by week’s end, markets had regained some stability. Let’s explore the key events that shaped this volatile week in the markets. 📈 **Market Overview:** Trading opened with a sense of deja vu as investors confronted fears of a "Black Monday" scenario. A mix of factors—including fears of a forced unwind of the Japanese Yen carry trade and growing concerns that the Fed is behind the curve—triggered a full-blown panic in global financial markets. The VIX skyrocketed nearly 165% to $65, and the Nikkei plunged about 15% on Monday. Warren Buffett’s decision to sell half his Apple stake and raise cash further rattled investors. Safe-haven flows surged into Treasuries, sending yields plummeting, while the Yen and Swiss Franc strengthened. Nearly all other asset classes, including gold and bitcoin, faced significant pressure as investors rushed to raise cash. The US yield curve briefly tested positive territory in the 2-10 year spread for the first time in about two years, and S&P futures tested the 200-day moving average. Fed fund futures markets quickly began pricing in a potential 50 basis point rate cut in September. However, by the time the New York markets opened on Monday, the VIX had already pulled back from its pre-market highs, and stocks began to recover some losses. The NASDAQ composite tested but ultimately held its 200-day moving average. Treasury yields began to rise again, and the yield curve re-inverted. By midweek, fears surrounding the Yen carry trade had eased after a BOJ official indicated they would not continue raising rates during market instability. The whipsaw recovery continued after a stronger-than-expected weekly US initial jobless claims report, which fueled debate on whether the market had found a bottom. The US 10-year yield climbed back to 4% after disappointing 10-year and 30-year coupon sales. Oil prices rose again as markets awaited Iran's response to the assassination in Tehran last week. By the end of a turbulent week, the S&P slipped less than 0.1%, the DJIA shed 0.6%, and the Nasdaq fell 0.2%. **Stock Market Performance:** - 📉 S&P 500: Down by less than 0.1% - 📉 Dow Jones: Down by 0.6% - 📉 NASDAQ: Down by 0.2% **Economic Indicators:** - **VIX:** Skyrocketed nearly 165% to 65, reflecting heightened market volatility. - **US Yield Curve:** Briefly tested positive territory in the 2-10 year spread before re-inverting. - **US Initial Jobless Claims:** Came in stronger than expected, fueling optimism about the labor market and contributing to the market's recovery. - **Treasury Yields:** The US 10-year yield climbed back to 4% by week’s end after disappointing Treasury sales. - **Oil Prices:** Continued to rise amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. **Corporate News:** - **Nvidia:** Faced headwinds after reports suggested the launch of its cutting-edge Blackwell chip would be delayed by a few months due to design issues. This was confirmed by Nvidia supplier SuperMicro during its earnings call, where they reported strong revenue but weakening margins, sending their shares sharply lower. - **AI Trade:** Continued to unwind as questions lingered about the immediate impact of AI on the broader economy. - **Disney:** Beat earnings expectations and raised guidance despite acknowledging economic uncertainty’s impact on consumers. The company also announced price hikes for its streaming services. - **Airbnb and Hilton:** Both guided lower as vacationers tightened their belts ahead of a potential recession, signaling a challenging environment for the travel industry. - **Lyft:** Reported its first-ever profitable quarter but missed estimates and provided weak guidance, contrasting with rival Uber, which reported more robust results. **Looking Ahead:** This week will bring several key economic data releases and earnings reports: - **U.S. CPI Data** - **U.S. PPI Data** - **U.S. Retail Sales** - **Earnings Reports:** Walmart ( NYSE:WMT ), Home Depot ( NYSE:HD ), Cisco ( NASDAQ:CSCO ), Alibaba ( NYSE:BABA ) - **13F Filings:** Expect insights into the latest moves by major investors. As we look ahead, these developments will be crucial in shaping market sentiment and guiding investment decisions. If you have any questions or need further insights, feel free to reach out. Here’s to another week of informed investing and strategic decision-making! 🌟
TVC:DXYShort
by WallSt007
Weekly Recap & Market Forecast $SPX (Aug 4th—> Aug 9th)Hello Investors! 🌟 This week saw volatility surge to levels not seen in over a year, with UST yields sliding to their lowest in months. Renewed concerns about wider conflict in the Middle East, coupled with fears of a rapidly decelerating US economy potentially leading to a recession, resulted in a forced recalibration in the markets. Let's delve into the key events that shaped this volatile week. 📈 **Market Overview:** Volatility spiked dramatically as geopolitical tensions and economic concerns dominated headlines. Renewed fears about a broader conflict in the Middle East and the possibility of a more severe recession in the US led to significant market movements. The FOMC held rates steady, disappointing those hoping for a rate cut. Chairman Powell's focus on employment risks suggested that the committee is nearing a time to reduce restrictiveness, but his message didn't align with the rapidly declining labor indicators. The week ended with a weak July employment report, following a disappointing ISM manufacturing report that spooked markets on Thursday, resulting in risk-off flows and a more dovish outlook towards the Jackson Hole Symposium. **Stock Market Performance:** - 📉 S&P 500: Down by 2% - 📉 Dow Jones: Down by 2.1% - 📉 NASDAQ: Down by 3.4% **Economic Indicators:** US Treasury yields dropped amid a slew of softer economic readings, with the yield curve steepening significantly: - **2-10 Year Spread:** Rose above -10 bps as futures markets and investment houses now foresee a 50 basis point Fed rate cut in September and potentially more than 100 bps in cuts by the end of 2024. - **JOLTS Job Openings:** Showed the ratio of job openings to unemployed workers has fallen back to pre-pandemic levels. - **ADP Employment Data:** Missed estimates, with annual pay growth slowing to its lowest level in years. - **Weekly Initial Jobless Claims:** Hit a 1-year high at 249K. - **ISM Manufacturing:** Missed estimates across the board, with the employment component registering its weakest reading since June 2020. - **July Employment Report:** Payrolls, hours worked, and wages all missed estimates, with unemployment rising to 4.3%, triggering the Sahm recession indicator for the first time since the pandemic. **Commodity Prices:** - **Crude Prices:** Rose early in the week due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran but sold off later on rising recession fears. - **Gold Prices:** Climbed ~10% through Thursday due to a weaker US dollar but fell sharply after the Friday employment report. - **Bitcoin:** Also sold off sharply after the employment report. **Corporate News:** - **AI and Consumer Spending:** The themes of AI investment and weakening consumer spending dominated earnings reports. - **Nvidia:** Criticized by Elliott Management, suggesting AI is overhyped and in a bubble. - **Arm Holdings and Intel:** Reinforced concerns with Arm guiding lower and Intel announcing a fresh turnaround plan after poor results. - **Apple and Meta:** Reported better quarterly results, affirming significant capex growth for AI in the coming year. - **Consumer Sector:** - **McDonald’s:** Missed earnings and reported negative same-store sales, highlighting competition for value meals and deal-seeking consumers. - **Amazon:** Echoed similar sentiments about deal-seeking consumers, with capex increases tied to AI spending. - **Procter & Gamble:** Reported mixed results, noting market challenges expected to persist until the second half of next year, particularly in China.
TVC:DXY
by WallSt007
10-Year T-Note vs. 10-Year Yield Futures: Which One To Trade?Introduction: The 10-Year T-Note Futures and 10-Year Yield Futures are two prominent instruments in the financial markets, offering traders unique opportunities to capitalize on interest rate movements. This video compares these two products, focusing on their key characteristics, liquidity, and the differences in point and tick values, ultimately helping you decide which one to trade. Key Characteristics: 10-Year T-Note Futures represent a contract based on the value of U.S. Treasury notes with a 10-year maturity, while 10-Year Yield Futures are based on the yield of these notes. The T-Note Futures contract size is $100,000, while the 10-Year Yield Futures contract size is based on $1,000 per index point, reflecting a $10 DV01 (dollar value of a one basis point move). Liquidity Comparison: Both 10-Year T-Note Futures and 10-Year Yield Futures are highly liquid, with substantial daily trading volumes and open interest. This high liquidity ensures tight spreads and efficient trade execution, providing traders with confidence in entering and exiting positions in both markets. Point and Tick Values: Understanding the point and tick values is crucial for effective trading. For 10-Year T-Note Futures, each tick is 1/32nd of a point, worth $31.25 per contract. The 10-Year Yield Futures have a tick value of 0.001 percent, worth $1.00 per contract. These values influence trading costs and profit potential differently and are essential for precise strategy formulation. Margin Information: The initial margin requirement for 10-Year T-Note Futures typically ranges around $1,500 per contract, while the maintenance margin is slightly lower. For 10-Year Yield Futures, the initial margin is approximately $500 per contract, reflecting its lower notional value and DV01. Maintenance margins for yield futures are also marginally lower, providing traders with flexible capital management options. Trade Execution: We demonstrate planning and placing a bracket order for both products. Using TradingView charts, we set up entry and exit points, showcasing how the different tick values and liquidity levels impact trade execution and potential outcomes. Risk Management: Effective risk management is vital when trading futures. Utilizing stop-loss orders and hedging techniques can mitigate potential losses. Avoiding undefined risk exposure and ensuring precise entries and exits help maintain a balanced risk-reward ratio, which is essential for long-term trading success. Conclusion: Both 10-Year T-Note Futures and 10-Year Yield Futures offer unique advantages. The choice depends on your trading strategy, risk tolerance, and market outlook. Watch the full video for a detailed analysis and insights on leveraging these products in your trading endeavors. When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies. General Disclaimer: The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
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CBOT_MINI:10Y1!Education
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