Gold → A Buying Opportunity or a Market Trap?OANDA:XAUUSD continuing to bring hope for buyers, trading inside the local upward channel resembles a flag on the backdrop of a local downtrend.
In the medium term, the dollar needs to be reassessed in the context of the Fed remaining supportive. This raises the question: What will happen to interest rates? Hold steady or increase? It must be understood that as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January, the market will closely monitor U.S. economic data to forecast how the Federal Reserve will respond to anticipated inflationary pressures from administration policies, including tariffs, deregulation, and tax reform.
The focus remains on U.S. jobless claims data. Economists polled by Reuters forecast around 224,000 claims for the week ending December 21, up from 220,000 claims in the week ending December 14. If jobless claims figures rise significantly, this will put pressure on the USD, and the gold market may start trading with a slightly positive trend. And vice versa. However, Ben does not talk about growth based on these numbers. Theoretically, as prices approach strong resistance levels, selling pressure seems stronger. Be careful!
From a technical perspective, the price has the potential to rebound from any nearby strong level, which could lead to a subsequent decline. A key level to watch is 2620. If the bears manage to break this level and maintain their position below it, the overall selling pressure may intensify, likely resulting in a further price drop. The anticipated decline is expected to reach the range of 2,605–2,600 before setting up for any additional downward moves.
Best regards,Bentradegold!
Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season and a productive New Year 2025!
Optionsstrategies
SOLUSDT --> Consolidation. One step away from a rally!BINANCE:SOLUSDT is in the correction phase, within which the price tested the previously broken consolidation boundary.
The focus is on the flat channel 205 - 180.
False break of support will provoke further growth. As well as a break of resistance and price consolidation above 205.
SOL has good fundamental and technical prospects and the coin may show something interesting in 2025
$NVDA inverted h&s 4H daily. Short term play. I grabbed 200 cons of 150c for 1/3/2025 avg. @.17. I may be crazy but I’m fun. Should see a burp to $140. $135 very very strong. Low volume today and the whole market reacted the same way so not really too worried. Looking to see where we are New Year’s Eve with a shortened week once again but the tendency seems to be super boost before a holiday. Day before Thanksgiving and day before Christmas the market went big green but we have a full day NYE not half. Also within that tendency there seems to be some type of dip prior. Interesting to watch. Strong close 12/27. We’ll see, we’ll see. I’m manifesting $140 Monday and $144 Tuesday and I’d sell 150 contracts. I’ll be in touch.
WSL
Update: EWZ December 2026 32 Covered CallHere, starting to break my EWZ position (See Post Below) into its constituent pieces.
The first piece involves shares I acquired way back at 31.65/share. (Ugh). Rather than go back and calculate trade to date break even, I'm going out far in duration to sell the short call at or above my break even. Sometimes, you have to go way longer dated than you'd like, but I'm fine with devoting some buying power to this, particularly since EWZ pays a fairly decently dividend, albeit only twice a year.
The remaining legs are the January 17th 26 short put -- on which I'm pretty sure I'll be assigned shares, and the January 17th 23 short put, which is in-the-money by .50 or so. On assignment, I'll look to sell the call at the strike at which I was assigned and go from there ... .
USD/JPY – Just One Step Away from a Drop!Dear Traders,
After a notable rally late last week, USD/JPY appears to have lost its momentum. Observations suggest that Wave 5 has completed, paving the way for a potential corrective decline, which aligns perfectly with the classic wave structure.
We can now anticipate a downward correction, likely targeting the 155.95 zone initially. Following this, we might see further bearish consolidation below this level, aiming for the liquidity area around 152.85, a region that buyers have yet to revisit, and is currently taking shape.
Remember, this is just the starting point of our analysis journey. We will provide regular updates so you can stay informed and adjust your strategies accordingly. Stick to the plan and trade carefully!
How does gold price change on weekends? What should you note?Hello everyone, Ben here!
Last week, we witnessed a significant drop in gold prices. At one point, gold prices fell to a low of $2,583. Currently, gold is trading around $2,627, stabilizing over the week.
It is clear that the hawkish signal from the Federal Reserve (Fed) last week, indicating that they will slow the pace of rate cuts in 2025, supported the US Dollar (USD) to remain near its two-year high and acted as a drag on the non-yielding gold metal. Additionally, a positive risk trend contributed to limiting the gains of this precious metal.
However, geopolitical risks stemming from the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, along with fears of a trade war, continue to provide some support for gold as a safe-haven asset. Furthermore, a modest pullback in US Treasury yields has supported a mild buying tone amid thin trading volumes during Christmas Eve.
Therefore, it would be wise to wait for some follow-through buying before positioning for any further recovery from last week’s one-month low.
The projected price increase is expected to reach $2,650. What do you think about this?
Sincerely,
Bentradegold!
RUM Rumble Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought RUM before the previous earnings:
Now analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of RUM Rumble prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 6usd strike price in the money Calls with
an expiration date of 2025-1-17,
for a premium of approximately $1.35.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
INTC Intel Corporation Among My Top 10 Picks for 2025 | Price TaIf you haven`t bought the Double Bottom on INTC:
My price target for INTC in 2025 is $30, driven by the following fundamental factors:
Strategic Product Launches and Technological Advancements:
Intel is set to launch its new Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake processors, designed specifically for artificial intelligence (AI) and personal computing. These chips, expected to be manufactured using Intel's advanced 18A process technology, promise significant performance improvements and energy efficiency. The successful rollout of these products could revitalize Intel's position in the competitive CPU market, especially as demand for AI capabilities continues to grow across various sectors. Analysts anticipate that these innovations will contribute to a recovery in Intel's data center and AI segments, which are critical for future revenue growth.
Financial Recovery and Growth Projections:
After experiencing a challenging period marked by declining revenues and operational setbacks, Intel is projected to report a strong recovery by 2025. Analysts expect the company to achieve earnings per share (EPS) of approximately $0.98, a significant rebound from anticipated losses in 2024. Revenue is also expected to grow by about 6%, reaching approximately $55.84 billion, indicating a positive shift in Intel's financial health. This recovery is supported by robust cash flow generation and a healthy balance sheet, which provides the necessary capital for ongoing investments in R&D and production capabilities.
Market Position and Competitive Advantages:
Despite recent challenges, Intel maintains a dominant market share in the global CPU market, estimated at 60-70%. This strong position provides a competitive advantage as the company looks to regain momentum against rivals like AMD and NVIDIA. Intel's shift towards an outsourced foundry model will not only enhance production efficiency but also open new revenue streams by manufacturing chips for other companies. This strategic pivot is indicative of Intel's adaptability in a rapidly evolving semiconductor landscape.
Investor Sentiment and Valuation Potential;
Currently trading at a significant discount relative to its historical valuation metrics, Intel presents an attractive investment opportunity. The stock's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio remains low compared to industry peers, suggesting potential upside as market sentiment improves with the anticipated product launches and financial recovery. Investors are increasingly optimistic about Intel's long-term prospects, particularly as the company navigates its operational challenges and focuses on innovation.
Risk-Managed Option Selling Strategy: Nifty50 23900 CallMarket Outlook:
I hold a highly bearish view on the Nifty50 23900 Call Option with an expiry date of 26th December 2024. This outlook is based on a detailed analysis of market trends and proprietary indicators.
Entry and Stop-Loss Levels:
Entry Level: Ready to sell the 23900 Call option at or above ₹142.40.
Stop-Loss: Maintain a strict stop-loss at ₹202.10 to manage risk effectively.
Additional Criteria:
This strategy involves a specific criterion that is integral to trade execution but will not be disclosed openly.
Risk Management:
This strategy is designed with a focus on controlling potential losses through predefined stop-loss levels.
Option selling involves substantial risk, including the possibility of unlimited losses. Therefore, ensure appropriate margin and capital allocation based on individual risk tolerance.
Disclaimer:
This strategy is shared for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Options trading involves high risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Always conduct your own research or consult a certified financial advisor before executing trades. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
GOLD → One final step remains before a drop. The target is 2587.Hello, dear friends! Let’s discuss and strategize today's gold trading opportunities with Ben!
As predicted yesterday, gold prices dropped to $2,608, delivering a profit of approximately 200 pips. This decline was driven by pressure from Wall Street’s underperformance, which bolstered the strength of the US Dollar and Treasury yields. Investors are now eagerly awaiting clearer signals about the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy for 2025.
In reaction to these developments, the US Dollar Index rose by 0.4%, hovering near its highest level in over two years. This diminished gold's appeal for holders of other currencies. Additionally, the yield on 10-year US Treasury bonds increased, adding further weight to gold prices.
Looking ahead, the market remains focused on the outcomes of last week's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. A more gradual rate hike trajectory for 2025 is currently under discussion, with speculation that the Federal Reserve may pause interest rate changes in January or March.
From a theoretical perspective, in the face of a strong US Dollar, gold has limited upside potential. If sellers maintain resistance below $2,620 and push to break the support level, the pair could target $2,587 in the medium term.
Best regards,
Bentradegold!
GOLD → Short to Medium-Term OutlookDear Traders, Ben here!
Recently, gold has been struggling to sustain its peak at $2,633. The bullish momentum for gold has been hindered by several factors, including the Fed's anticipated slowdown in the pace of interest rate cuts moving forward.
On the 1H chart, although the uptrend remains supported and the parallel channel has been broken, there are signs of a potential top forming around $2,633. The current support level stands at approximately $2,618. Should this level be breached, it could drive gold into a deeper decline, potentially reaching $2,603.
GOLD--> Just one step away from $2700Hello everyone, Ben here!
Last week, we witnessed a significant drop in gold prices, with the precious metal hitting a low of $2,583 at one point. Currently, gold is trading around $2,623, maintaining a stable position this week.
The rebound in gold prices at the end of last week was supported by the weakening USD and a decline in U.S. Treasury yields. This was driven by the latest economic data, which revealed that U.S. inflation is slowing down, easing the pressure on gold prices.
Personally, I, Ben, strongly believe that the upward trend for gold will gain more certainty in the coming period. However, gold must break through the current resistance levels to further expand its growth potential. On the other hand, if the price falls below the $2,620 support level, it could drop further to the dynamic support at $2,600. From there, we might expect the upward trend to resume, with potential targets at $2,650 and $2,700 in the foreseeable future.
Stay sharp and trade wisely!
Yours truly, Bentradegold.
USDJPY → Price Struggles at Resistance, Eyes a PullbackHello, my wonderful friends of Ben!
Recently, USDJPY has been struggling to maintain its peak around the 154.00 USD level. The bullish momentum of USDJPY has been hindered by several factors, including the ongoing Fed interest rate meeting.
Fundamentally, today is a critical day for the market. At 19:00 GMT, the Fed’s interest rate meeting, with a 93% probability of a 0.25% rate cut decision, will take place. This will make the dollar less attractive. If the dollar starts to adjust downward, it will affect the corresponding currency pairs. However, I do not rule out the possibility that, amidst high volatility, the price could form a retest of the resistance level and a false breakout.
Personally, Ben expects the price to consolidate below the resistance area around 155.00, with corrective pressure against the trend dominating in the near future. The current support level is around 152.01. If this level is breached, it could lead USDJPY to a deeper decline, potentially reaching 149.37.
Best regards,
Bentradegold!
PNUTUSDT → Consolidating for a Potential Explosive RallyBINANCE:PNUTUSDT following a sharp decline, PNUT is showing signs of a powerful comeback. The chart reveals a classic reversal pattern, indicating the potential for a bullish surge.
While Bitcoin remains flat, PNUT is taking center stage with a double bottom formation, signaling strength and an entry into the rally phase. The next big challenge? The resistance zone at 0.75. Breaking above this level and solidifying support could be the launchpad for an impressive ascent. Primary target is 1.0, next targets are 1.15, 1.35.
GOLD → Interest rates are dropping, so why is gold falling?Hello, dear friends! Ben here!
Gold prices remain consolidated below the $2,600 level following a strong two-way price movement in the previous session and stay near their lowest point in over a month.
The primary reason for the decline in gold prices is the recent decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) to cut interest rates by an additional 0.25%. While this move was widely anticipated, the Fed also indicated that it plans to reduce rates at a slower pace in 2025. The impact of recent Fed rate cuts had already been priced into gold. At this point, investors are eager to know how many rate cuts the Fed will execute in 2025.
According to the Fed's latest interest rate projections, only two rate cuts are expected in 2025, compared to four cuts projected in the September forecast. In theory, the Fed’s hawkish stance has worked effectively: the dollar has strengthened, and the markets have weakened.
Today, all eyes are on GDP and the PCE data—an index the Fed considers a key measure of inflation.
From a technical perspective, after retesting the previously broken channel boundary and an imbalance zone, gold prices have dropped further. As a result, a clear trend is emerging that warrants close observation. If the price fails to hold above the critical support level around $2,586/ounce, it is highly likely to decline toward the $2,521/ounce area.
Sincerely,
Bentradegold!
Swing Trading Strategy: HDFC Bank (HDFCBANK)Stock Outlook:
I maintain a bullish outlook on HDFC Bank (HDFCBANK) with a swing trade target of ₹1913.15 by February 27, 2025. This target aligns with the current technical and market trends indicating upward momentum.
Stop Loss Strategy:
To manage downside risk, ₹1600 has been identified as a crucial support level. Any daily settlement below this level will signal a potential breakdown, and positions should be exited accordingly.
Key Notes:
Risk Management: Ensure position sizing aligns with your overall risk tolerance.
Timeframe: This strategy is based on a swing trading approach and is meant to capitalize on short- to medium-term market movements.
Disclaimer:
This trading strategy is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market conditions are subject to change, and all trades carry risks. Please consult a financial advisor or conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
GBP/USD--> Just One Step Away from a Further DeclineHello everyone, Ben here!
Today, GBP/USD continues to face significant challenges. The pair remains under pressure due to a negative fundamental backdrop, the strengthening of the US dollar, and the emergence of a critical resistance zone. These factors all point to the likelihood of a sustained bearish trend.
Yesterday, the UK GDP figures were released, showing no change. This lack of improvement leaves the British pound without any meaningful upward catalysts. Meanwhile, the US dollar finds support from recent market dynamics. Despite rate cuts, the dollar is gaining momentum, bolstered by hawkish rhetoric and expectations of economic growth. Against the backdrop of Trump-era policy shifts, the medium-term outlook for the greenback appears favorable.
From a technical perspective, GBP/USD is currently testing a high-risk resistance zone. If a false breakout occurs, it could trigger a short-term rebound. However, this reaction is likely to be temporary. Following such a move, the pair may target a retest of local resistance levels. Yet, the real focal point lies in the support test within the next 1–3 days, which could set the stage for a deeper decline.
A crucial level to watch is 1.2488. Should a base form at this point before any significant breakout, it would reinforce the bearish outlook and pave the way for further downward movement.
Stay sharp and trade wisely!
Yours truly, BenTradeGold.
Interest Rates Are Falling, So Why Is the EUR/USD Declining?Hello everyone,
Currently, the EUR/USD pair is trading with a slightly negative bias around 1.0360 in early Friday’s Asian session. The major currency pair remains defensive as the US Federal Reserve adopts a less dovish stance despite cutting interest rates by 25 basis points at its December meeting on Wednesday.
In summary: The Fed’s hawkish tone has delivered its intended impact: the dollar has strengthened, and markets have weakened.
Today, all eyes are on the November Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index, the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation. Meanwhile, the EU will release its preliminary estimate of December Consumer Confidence.
Technical Perspective:
After the initial decline, the price attempted to recover but faced resistance at key levels, highlighted by the blue liquidity zones on the chart. If the price fails to break through the liquidity zone at 1.03894, we could see further bearish pressure. The first target lies at 1.03502, and a break below this level could drive the price toward 1.03000, marking a significant move for the pair.
Wishing you all successful trades and great profits!
BTCUSDT: Consolidation After Uptrend Break. What's Next?Hello, dear traders. Brian here!
When analyzing the 4-hour chart, we can see an intriguing setup that indicates the possibility of continued bearish momentum if critical support levels fail to hold. Let’s dive deeper into the analysis.
Currently, Bitcoin is trading at $97,547, reflecting a slight pullback from recent highs. The price has recently broken the ascending trendline, which had provided support for a prolonged period. This break, combined with the rejection at the Fibonacci retracement zone, signals a potential trend reversal. Traders should closely monitor the $95,713 level and the EMAs to confirm the next move.
If Bitcoin continues to decline, the next major support levels are at:
$95,713 (1.0 Fibonacci Extension)
$93,085 (1.272 Fibonacci Extension)
$89,742 (1.618 Fibonacci Extension)
Wishing you all great profits in the coming days!
GOLD --> The Downtrend Persists. What’s the Next Target?Dear Friends,
Gold has seen a modest rise amidst a broader bearish trend, currently trading around $2,617, up 1.27% on the day.
This slight uptick can be attributed to sellers pausing their pressure, coupled with the fundamental appeal of gold increasing. As the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding precious metal decreases due to lower interest rates, gold becomes more attractive.
However, the Federal Reserve's cautious outlook on rate cuts—suggesting smaller reductions than expected next year—could weigh on gold's upward momentum.
Additionally, US Treasury yields edged higher on December 18, with the 10-year yield reaching its highest level since May. Treasuries, often considered a direct competitor to gold due to their interest-bearing nature, could diminish gold's appeal if yields continue to rise.
Ben personally advises waiting for a decisive candle close below the 2636 liquidity zone before taking further advantage of the market trend.
GOLD--> The downtrend is not over yet!Hi guys.
Today, gold prices are trending lower with the current price hovering around $2,600.
Accordingly, this decline is due to the Fed signaling a cautious policy easing path next year, still supporting higher US bond yields and supporting the USD to stand near a two-year high.
Therefore, in the short term, it would not be surprising if Brian prioritizes a short strategy and targets at least $2,538.
GOLD - Should I sell?Brian, hello everyone!
Gold prices “plunged” and fell more than 2% to a one-month low in mid-week trading after the Fed decided to cut interest rates as expected, but noted that it would slow the pace of borrowing cost reductions in the near term. The Fed’s stance boosted the USD and bond yields.
Based on the performance of gold on the 4-hour time frame, along with indicators from EMA and RSI, a bearish trend is expected in the coming period. With the current unfavorable situation for gold, the price of gold is likely to reach $2,537 in the near future.
GBPUSD - continue its downward trendDear Investors,
The GBP/USD pair has rebounded after losing over 1% following the Federal Reserve's aggressive rate cut on Wednesday, currently trading around 1.2590 during Thursday's Asian session.
From a technical perspective, this recovery is likely to be short-lived, stemming from the strong support zone at 1.2567, rather than signaling a sustained rebound. Sellers could easily regain control, especially after breaking below the key level of 1.2645. Moreover, the 34-period EMA shows no signs of a significant reversal, suggesting the price might accelerate towards the next support level at 1.2486.
Attention remains on the immediate resistance at 1.2615, as any failure to hold this level could lead to an earlier-than-expected decline. Stay alert and plan accordingly!