Gold → Breaking through channel resistance. New ATH target?Hello everyone! Ben here!
Today, gold has officially broken out of the price channel, while the bulls are striving to maintain control, defending the key support level around 2665. This level was formed in the context of a weakening USD after signs of correction. The precious metal is now facing significant growth potential, with the opportunity to distribute prices at local highs in the near future.
Macroeconomic factors are playing an essential role in supporting gold prices. Concerns over rising tensions in the Middle East continue to drive safe-haven demand, making gold a highly sought-after asset. Meanwhile, the U.S. jobs report released last Friday has fueled expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) might consider cutting interest rates in its December policy meeting, which is generally a positive signal for gold prices.
However, gold's growth outlook still faces short-term challenges. Investors are currently awaiting key inflation reports, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI). Both reports are expected to provide critical signals for the Fed's monetary policy direction and could create substantial market volatility.
From a technical perspective, the main trend remains bullish, but prices are currently testing strong resistance. To reinforce upward momentum, gold needs to break out of this resistance zone and sustain above it. If this happens, prices could quickly move to new highs. However, if prices fail to break through, a retest of key support areas around 2677 (Fibonacci 0.618) and 2663 (Fibonacci 0.5) should be anticipated before the uptrend can continue.
Share your evaluations and questions about XAUUSD so we can discuss further!
Optionsstrategies
Opening (IRA): IBIT January 17th 48 Covered Call... for a 46.16 debit.
Comments: Adding to my IBIT position at a strike/break even better than what I currently have on, selling the -75 delta call against shares to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put to take advantage of call side IV skew and to have the built-in defense of the short call.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 46.16/share
Max Profit: 1.84
ROC at Max: 3.99%
50% Max: .92
ROC at 50% Max: 1.99%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max/roll out short call on break even or take profit test.
Opening (IRA): USO Jan 17th 66 Covered Call... for a 64.89 break even.
Comments: With 42 DTE in the January monthly, adding a "rung" to my USO position at strikes better than what I currently have on at the 68, selling the -75 delta call against stock to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with the built-in defense of the short call. The ROC at max isn't stellar here with the usual metric I'm looking for being at least 2.0%.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 64.89/share
Max Profit: 1.11
ROC at Max: 1.71%
50% Max: .56
ROC at 50% Max: .86%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max, roll out the short call on test of my take profit at 65.45.
Opening (IRA): X January 17th 33 Covered Call... for a 30.36 debit.
Comments: High IVR/IV at 99.4/105.2. Selling the -75 delta call against long stock to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with the built-in defense of the short call.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 30.36
Max Profit: 2.64
ROC at Max: 8.70%
50% Max: 1.32
ROC at 50% Max: 4.35%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max.
Gold--> Is the Upswing Just Starting or Is a Pause Ahead?Hello, Amazing Friends of Brian! Let's Strategize for Today's Market!
Gold continues to showcase its resilience today, with prices trending higher and currently hovering around the $2,700 mark, up 0.22% on the day. This movement reflects a growing appetite for the safe-haven metal amid mounting uncertainty in the Middle East and speculation about a potential rate cut by the Federal Reserve. These factors are providing robust support for gold in both the medium and long term.
Yet, as the market digests these developments, the critical question arises: Can this bullish momentum sustain, or are we approaching a potential correction? Much of the answer hinges on the trajectory of the U.S. dollar, which remains a decisive force in gold’s price action.
From a technical perspective, gold is fast approaching a significant resistance level at $2,720. A breakout above this mark could ignite further buying interest, paving the way for an extended rally. Conversely, failure to breach this level might trigger a short-term pullback. However, the overall bullish structure remains intact, as evidenced by the upward trendline on the 1-hour chart.
Looking ahead, I anticipate gold to continue its upward journey, with any correction near resistance presenting a strategic buying opportunity. Key targets to watch include $2,750, $2,790, and $2,800, as highlighted on the 3-hour chart.
Let’s seize these market opportunities together—wishing you all a profitable trading day!
EURUSDThe EUR/USD pair continues to trade below the 34 and 89 EMA levels, signaling a short-term bearish trend. Despite attempts at consolidation in recent sessions, the pair remains under pressure, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar, geopolitical uncertainty, and diverging monetary policies between the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the European Central Bank (ECB).
The U.S. dollar has extended its rally for the third consecutive day, with the Dollar Index (DXY) climbing past the 106.60 mark. This persistent strength has added significant downward pressure on EUR/USD, leaving the pair vulnerable to further declines as market dynamics unfold.
From a technical perspective, traders should focus on two key resistance levels. These areas could provide optimal entry points for positioning, with the primary targets set at well-defined support zones. Monitoring price action around these levels will be crucial to aligning strategies with the prevailing market trend.
Stay disciplined and vigilant as you navigate today’s trading opportunities. Wishing you success and profitable trades!
Gold-> Testing Resistance Levels: A Decline or a False Breakout?OANDA:XAUUSD currently consolidating within a descending channel, trading near $2,669. Technically, investors are caught in a dilemma, and the fundamental backdrop remains murky. So, what will happen next with the precious metal?
The focus early in the week shifts to demand catalysts, with news of the People's Bank of China continuing its aggressive gold buying capturing attention. This, coupled with expectations of further monetary easing, creates a supportive foundation for gold prices. Traders are pricing in an 87% probability that the central bank will cut interest rates by another 25 basis points during its meeting on December 17-18. However, despite these factors, the path forward is far from clear. Theoretically, it remains uncertain whether prices can climb higher as they approach a strong resistance level and traders remain cautious ahead of key economic data like CPI and PPI, which could shift market sentiment.
From a technical perspective, the market seems to lack a decisive trigger to escape its current consolidation phase. Personally, I foresee a high probability of a false breakout in the near term. However, if price action at the $2,677 resistance level and the upper boundary of the descending channel shows sufficient rejection, a decline could occur sooner than expected. In such a scenario, the downside target appears to be around $2,615.
Share your thoughts, opinions, and questions—let’s discuss what’s happening with OANDA:XAUUSD :)
COST Costco Wholesale Corporation Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought the dip on COST:
Now analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of COST Costco Wholesale Corporation prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 1020usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2025-1-17,
for a premium of approximately $22.30.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
Gold price clings to gain around $2,670/two-week topDear friends, let's explore the gold price after yesterday's big move!
Gold prices rebounded near a two-week high and received support from a combination of factors. Geopolitical risks continue to favor the safe-haven XAU/USD amid the Fed's December rate cut. The current technical setup looks bullish and supports the outlook for further gains...
This rally is expected to reach $2700, which is in line with the resistance channel limits.
Opening (IRA): XBI January 17th 92 Covered Call... for a 90.47 debit.
Comments: IVR/IV isn't fantastic here at 11.1/26.3%, but there is some IV skew to take advantage of on the call side -- 31.34% at the 92 call relative to 26.62% at the 92 put.
Selling the -75 delta call against shares to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put to take advantage of the IV skew and the built-in defense of the short call. From a charting standpoint, the break even sets up nicely with the "RFK, Jr. low" in November.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 90.47
Max Profit: 1.53
ROC at Max: 1.69%
50% Max: .77
ROC at 50% Max: .85
GOLD--> Consolidation. Waiting for new move to change trend.OANDA:XAUUSD mild fluctuations on Friday and a second consecutive weekly decline were recorded. Accordingly, the precious metal lost approximately 0.5% this week, after hitting its lowest level since November 26 at the start of the trading session.
So, do you wonder what factors have impacted XAUUSD?
Talking About Influencing Factors:
The sentiment among short-term traders and technical positioning in the gold market has clearly cooled, with efforts underway to find momentum to improve sentiment in the short term.
Throughout the day, gold showed little reaction to the much-anticipated employment data of the week. The latest report revealed that although job growth remains relatively stable, cracks in the U.S. labor market have begun to emerge, suggesting potential vulnerabilities.
Regarding U.S. monetary policy, midweek, Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted that the U.S. economy is stronger than it was in September and adopted a more cautious stance regarding rate cuts. According to the CME Group's FedWatch Tool, with two rate cuts already this year, traders predict a 68% probability that the Fed will cut rates by another 25 basis points at its December 17–18 meeting. Theoretically, it remains unclear whether gold can sustain an uptrend as prices approach a strong resistance level.
Talking About Technicals:
Gold is currently in a sideways trend, so we are considering trading within the range's boundaries. Our focus is on the local channel from H1 2660 - 2615. At this point, gold is heading toward the upper zone of interest. A false breakout of the main resistance zone and price consolidation in the selling area may lead to a price decline toward the lower boundary of the sideways range.
Assess, share your thoughts and questions, and let’s discuss what’s happening with OANDA:XAUUSD :))
Opening (IRA): TAN Jan 17th 33 Short Put... for a 1.01 credit.
Comments: Adding to my TAN position at a strike/break even better than what I currently have on. Here, going Plain Jane short put, since there isn't a great advantage to going monied covered call here because the IV skew isn't between the call and put sides isn't significant.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 31.99
Max Profit: 1.01
ROC at Max: 3.16%
50% Max: .52
ROC at 50% Max: 1.58%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max.
XAUUSDOver the past week, spot gold prices (XAU/USD) have shown little significant movement, continuing to trade sideways within the narrow range of 2613 to 2656. Market sentiment has weakened following U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on certain countries. Despite the Nonfarm Payrolls report bolstering the U.S. dollar, investor sentiment remains cautious, with focus shifting to the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cut on December 19. Interestingly, the dollar's upward momentum mirrors gold's movements, reflecting a unique dynamic in the current market environment.
Technical Analysis
On the H4 timeframe, gold prices remain trapped in a sideways channel. The EMA 34 and EMA 89 lines are moving in parallel and remain close together, indicating that the price is likely to continue ranging within this zone in the short term. This week, the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report is a critical event that could act as a catalyst for breaking out of this sideways pattern. If the price breaks out, gold could either rally or fall further to key support levels at 2593-2595 and potentially deeper to 2540-2545.
Key Levels to Watch
BUY : 2610 - 2615 ; 2592 - 2594
SELL: 2660 - 2665 ; 2680 - 2685
Specific Trade Strategy
XAU/USD SELL Zone: 2654 - 2656
Stop Loss (SL): 2659
Take Profit (TP): 2652 - 2649
Given the current sideways trend, it is advisable to wait patiently for prices to reach clearly defined support or resistance zones to maximize the risk-reward ratio. Additionally, closely monitoring this week’s CPI release will help refine strategies as the market reacts to new data.
Wishing everyone a productive and successful trading day!
GBP/USD → Breaks Out, Eyes New Trend Target Around 1.300Hello everyone, Ben here!
The GBP/USD pair has found an opportunity to recover as a breakout from the previous parallel channel around the 1.271 region takes shape amid the dollar's ongoing correction. Key levels of interest are now set around the 1.300 area, with market sentiment cautiously optimistic.
A notable test of the intermediate low near the 1.248 mark was followed by an impressive reversal pattern, suggesting a bullish shift in momentum. Theoretically, the outlook leans toward further upside. However, the bigger question remains: How sustainable is this rally? The answer primarily lies in the trajectory of the U.S. dollar.
According to the CME FedWatch tool, the market is currently pricing in a 71.8% probability that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by 25 basis points in December. This scenario implies increased downside pressure on the USD, potentially opening the door for a moderate recovery in other currencies, including the pound.
From a technical perspective, the channel breakout provides a promising bullish signal, potentially setting the stage for a stronger upward move. However, traders appear cautious, waiting for further confirmation. If a false breakout above resistance occurs and the price falls below 1.271, a move back toward 1.240 could be on the horizon. For now, though, the mid-term outlook hints at a gradual climb from 1.275 to the psychological level of 1.300, supported by positive technical signals.
What are your thoughts on the current dynamics of GBP/USD? Share your insights, questions, or observations—let’s analyze this fascinating setup together!
GOLD--> Consolidation. Which Direction Will Momentum Take?Hello dear friends, Ben here!
Gold prices continue to consolidate sideways within a familiar range as the market eagerly awaits a new catalyst to determine the next directional move. What lies ahead, and what scenarios could unfold?
Meanwhile, sellers are holding back as they await key developments, including comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, U.S. employment data, and the CPI report, to gain insights into the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders currently assign a 74% probability of the Fed cutting interest rates by 25 basis points at the upcoming policy meeting. However, theoretically, this remains uncertain, and the market may remain in consolidation until new information emerges.
On the technical side, gold may build bullish momentum to test critical resistance levels, which could potentially lead to a decline afterward. However, if the price breaks below the 2636 support level and consolidates beneath it, bearish pressure may emerge earlier than expected.
What are your thoughts? Share your insights, forecasts, and questions—let’s explore the ongoing dynamics of XAUUSD together!
Gold prices continue their downward trend, falling from $2,710.
Gold prices today continue their downward trend, trading around $2,642.
This decline comes as the market braces for the release of the highly anticipated U.S. labor report from the Department of Labor, scheduled for Friday. According to a Bloomberg survey, nonfarm payrolls for November are expected to show an increase of approximately 200,000 jobs.
However, remarks made by Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell on Wednesday in New York also had a significant impact. Powell emphasized that the U.S. economy is in "very good shape," with risks to the labor market diminishing. This has raised concerns among investors that the upcoming jobs report could outperform expectations, potentially weakening gold’s outlook further.
From a technical perspective, the focus is on the descending wedge channel. If sellers manage to defend the resistance levels within this channel, the downtrend may persist. The next projected targets for the sell-off are $2,605, $2,547, and $2,471, respectively.
Share your thoughts, opinions, and questions—let's discuss what’s unfolding in the market!
GOLD--> The bears are gaining strength! Next target: 2605OANDA:XAUUSD is declining after a false breakout of the resistance range. The fundamental backdrop is mixed and still does not allow for a clear medium- and long-term strategy to be formed. But!...
Trump's tariff policy and rising geopolitical tensions are influencing metal prices. Against the backdrop of a strengthening dollar and expectations of a Fed rate cut, gold prices are declining and confirming the market's structure.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on U.S. employment data as the country will release multiple job-related figures ahead of the Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report on Friday.
From a technical standpoint, we have a trend to watch after leaving the rising channel support and the 2636 area, reflecting the prevailing bearish sentiment.
A breakout below 2636 could trigger aggressive selling against the backdrop of a newly strengthened dollar. However, the possibility of a retest of the area of interest before continuing the downward trend cannot be ruled out. Gold prices are expected to decline and reach levels of 2610 and 2596, respectively.
Home Depot sells CUPS with Handles Now?! 30%+ Move Inbound!When Did NYSE:HD Start Selling Cup w/ Handles? ☕️
Looks like NYSE:HD is introducing a new item for 2025 - the Cup with Handles! 🎉
I have a feeling this is going to be a BIG HIT! Just need to see XMAS RED➡️GREEN on the H5 Indicator before we go ahead and buy these new cups with handles.
I've added it to my watchlist and set an alert!
🎯$468
📏$532
Opening (IRA): GDX Dec 20th 36 Covered Call... for a 35.29 debit.
Comments: Selling the -75 delta call against stock to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with the built-in defense of the short call.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 35.29/share
Max Profit: .71
ROC at Max: 2.01%
50% Max: .36
ROC at 50% Max: 1.00%
That 1.00% ROC at 50% max is kind of "marginal," but just trying to keep theta on and burning with little stuff that I can add to should I have the opportunity to get in in higher IV/weakness.
Gold → Consolidation. One more step to distribution...OANDA:XAUUSD fluctuating slightly due to high risk ahead of the news. Meanwhile, at this moment, strong momentum is forming. The price is consolidating within a local range. Previously, the price broke through the local ascending support...
Ahead of economic data, traders are consolidating. Volatility is decreasing, and the market is not yet ready to take risks. Investors' attention will shift to the private sector employment report, Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech, and the non-farm payroll report. Currently, the market is pricing in a 69% probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut at the December 17-18 meeting.
Since there is no clear trend in the market and the price is within a channel, we will consider trading from its borders. Therefore, a false breakout of the key resistance level could trigger a drop to the support of the range.
Opening (IRA): SMH December 20th 225 Covered Call... for a 221.96 debit.
Comments: Selling the -85 call against stock to emulate the delta metrics of a 15 delta short put with the built-in defense of the short call.
Here, primarily just looking to capture the next little increment of up move I missed out on with my 220 covered call.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 221.96
Max Profit: 3.04
ROC at Max: 1.37%
50% Max: 1.52
ROC at 50% Max: .69%
Opening (IRA): TQQQ December 20th 74 Covered Call... for a 71.29 debit.
Comments: Selling the -75 delta call against stock to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with built-in short call defense.
I'm looking at this as a starter position because I kind of have a feeling that I'm going to regret not putting this on in weakness/higher IV and will be adding at better strikes/break evens (only time will tell).
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 71.29/share
Max Profit: 2.71
ROC at Max: 3.80%
50% Max: 1.36
ROC at 50% Max: 1.90%
XAUUSDGold prices have recovered slightly, trading at $2,639.97 an ounce, marking a modest gain of 0.20% over the past 24 hours. The recovery comes after a recent decline, driven by a stronger US dollar and rising US Treasury yields.
The current rise reflects cautious optimism among investors as the market awaits key economic data from the United States. The upcoming labor market report is expected to provide insights into the Federal Reserve’s future monetary policy, especially its stance on interest rates.
Despite the temporary relief, gold remains sensitive to moves in the dollar and bond yields. Market focus on key economic indicators could shape the trajectory of gold in the coming sessions, keeping traders on their toes.