Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

Recommended Posts

podcast_small.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1328753097787

 

Spread Betting is is a leveraged tool that gives investors the opportunity to trade the financial markets without ever taking physical ownership of the underlying instrument. It's quite huge in the UK as they pay no tax on their gains. It's also illegal for a U.S. citizen to open a Spread Betting account.

 

How did I, a humble Emini Futures Trader gain such intimate knowledge on the subject?

"This is London calling..."

 

Edward R Murrow?

The Clash?

 

No, this education came to us live on the Radio Program today via Laila one of our listeners in the UK. If you missed the Live Broadcast be sure to click the headphones above and have a listen.

 

Once you hear the story you may well want to move. Do take an umbrella as the weather can be dreadful even on a good day. On the flip side, Fish and Chips washed down with a Black and Tan at your local pub is guaranteed to be a tasty treat on even the bleakest of days.

 

And did I mention the gains are tax-free every day?

 

The concept was launched by Stuart Wheeler who in 1974 founded IG Index so that investors could bet on the gold price without all the expense of buying bullion at a time of penal exchange controls. Popular spread bets were originally based upon performances of the Financial Times, Dow Jones Index and other financial barometers. The purpose was to hedge investment positions and was largely confined to those in the financial community.

 

Today, over 400,000 people in the UK have a spread betting account, and the majority of the traders, currently, are male (except Laila of course). Spread betters tend to be self employed individuals or those working in the IT and finance and insurance sectors.

 

Thank you Laila for sharing your story.

 

Emini Podcast for Tuesday 02/07/12

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

michael.jpg

 

podcast_small.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1330566220851

 

Michael X Returns

Many of you will remember Michael. He has been a guest on our radio program 3 times over the past few years. He's a man who trades in sizes that most of us haven't dreamed of yet. We all know traders can dream. We've all got big plans right? I've often thought of trading 100 contracts. Even if just to see what it felt like. I may have even fantasized about swinging 1,000 after an especially good run. But never in my wildest imagination did I consider trading 10,000 contracts in a day. Michael is that guy, an institution unto himself.

 

Don't worry, you won't have to sit through any phony tales from the pit, or listen to any chest thumping braggadocio. Michael is a rather quiet and private individual despite being one of the single largest Emini traders in the world today. What you'll hear from him is real. He will be visiting our co-host David Williams for the next week and trading from Page Trader headquarters in Las Vegas.

 

Our plan is to have Michael on for a bit as often as we can during his visit. What you will find most interesting I believe, is that this trader has built a stunning career on the back of a few points a day. That's not to say he doesn't catch a "runner" from time to time, but he's genuinely content any day that he's net a couple of points on the S&P 500 Emini Futures.

 

This Podcast is not to brag about size, it's about creating hope in the heart of every Emini Daytader who ever struggled to put 2 points on the board. Sound familiar? No matter how many contracts you currently trade, this single podcast has the potential to change your trading forever.

 

He speaks softly so listen carefully.

 

Emini Podcast for Wednesday 02/29/12

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

podcast_small.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1333509327470

 

 

S&P500 Emini Futures, Stocks, Gold, even Crude all traded lower after the Fed Notes were released today. Traders may have simply been looking for an excuse to book some gains and they got it. The Fed seemed to play both sides of the street with their remarks but gave no obvious clue that further monetary easing is on the table. They did however leave the door open should the need arise.

 

 

When you have a sitting President who is very pro-stimulus, and you are mere months away from a Presidential election, that is a powerful card to be holding. How he plays it is yet to be seen.

 

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

podcast_small.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1334114364624

 

The S&P Emini Futures took the biggest tumble of the year today. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Cash Market dropped 214 points, or 1.7%, to 12,715.93. The S&P 500 Cash Index fell 1.7% to 1,358.59 and the Nasdaq Composite Cash Index fell 1.8% to 2,991.22. And then came Alcoa...

 

Alcoa shares bounced up 5.9% to $9.87 in heavy volume as the company’s first-quarter net earnings were $94 million, or 9 cents a share. Earnings were 10 cents a share, and revenue rose slightly to $6 billion from the year-ago quarter. Analysts expected the company to post a loss of 3 cents a share on $5.77 billion in revenue.

Did the markets respond in a positive manner on Globex? Let's take a look

 

es-emini-futures-041012.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1334115197061

 

S&P 500 Emini Futures (ES) 04/10/12

 

Roger that! Is the work of the Aluminati enough to turn the entire herd? That's the big question. Earnings season is now underway so be very careful holding futures positions between 3:15 - 3:30 Chicago time. An upside surprise is always nice (if you're long), but if you had been short today based on analyst projections you would be crying in your beer, or your soup, or whatever.

 

 

Emini Podcast for Tuesday 04/10/12

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

podcast_small.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1334640732576

Well you can't say we didn't warn you. OK, technically you could but that would simply expose you as a follower who wasn't paying attention. Right? It was an easy call really. When all the world is suddenly predicting a $1,000.00 Apple, there has to be a snake in the garden. Or at least a worm...

 

 

Apple stock has lost 8.7% over the last five trading days. What does that have to do with Emini Futures? Apple’s 43% increase this year has added 15% to the S&P 500′s total return. Is the sky really falling? No. This is all so long overdue it's almost anti-climactic. But it is what it is... a reality check. And in a world where an iPhone App (Instagram) has a larger market cap than the New York Times, we desperately need a dose of real.

 

Candlestick Patterns

We all have our favorites right? The Doji, the Hammer, the Shooting Star.

 

 

Riddle me this Candlestick Wizard -

How do you spend 16 hours inside a 1 hour candle?

 

es-emini-futures-041612.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1334642222562S&P500 Emini Futures 04/16/12

Just like that. Unusual? Define usual...

 

Does this look like a scared market? Not at all, more like a stunned market. The Sacred Cow of Tech can do funny things to even the steadiest trading hand. The recent losing streak has wiped out about $60 billion of Apple's market value.

How much is $60 billion?

More than the most optimistic projections of the value of Facebook.

60 times more than the Old Gray Lady's current value.

 

Is life in the Garden over? Far from it. From the sweat of our brow and through the pangs of start-ups, there is much, much, more to come.

 

 

Emini Podcast for Monday 04/16/12

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

podcast_small.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1335329277627

 

 

 

The S&P 500 Emini Futures traded higher on Globex due in large part to Apple's (AAPL) better than expected earnings. Apple shares (NASDAQ:AAPL) were up 7% in after-hours trading following the report. The stock had dropped 13% since hitting an all-time high of $644 on April 10. Shares were down 2% at $560.28 at the close today prior to the release. Perhaps the old adage "An Apple a day keeps the Bears at bay" is true after all.

 

 

Emini Podcast for Tuesday 04/24/12

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

podcast_small.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1335846610235

 

The S&P 500 Emini Futures gapped higher on the Globex open Sunday Night but failed to take out Friday's high on two attempts. The second failure led to lower markets into the Wall Street open and also triggered the Tweet we issued last night shortly after the session began. Today's high was 1397 on the day session and the low was 1389.75. Price rallied off the low to 1396.25 but has begun to show some weakness during the Asian session.

 

 

 

As we move from Asia to the European session tonight keep in mind that the London Stock Exchange as well as many other markets across Europe will be closed or have an abbreviated session in observance of May Day. Watch 1395 for any sign of weakness and consider being short below that level.

 

 

Emini Podcast for Monday 04/30/12

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

podcast_small.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1336714148979The S&P Emini Futures dropped 14 points after hours when JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon announced a $2 billion trade loss in their prop trading department. During the surprise conference call Dimon said the loss was a "big mistake" but that it did not violate the Volcker Rule. He also said, "These were egregious mistakes, they were self-inflicted,” and that "the losses could easily get worse this quarter and beyond."

 

Transcript of the Conference Call

Trader Bruno Iksil had earned the nickname “the London Whale” in recent months by selling huge amounts of credit-default swaps to hedge funds, a strategy that soured in recent weeks. The WSJ released the following video over a month ago.

Emini Podcast for Thursday 05/1012

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

podcast_small.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1342230271174

 

This is our first interview with James Koutoulas, Hedge Fund Manager turned White Knight / Wonder Boy Attorney for over 10,000 victims of MF Global and PFGBest. Are you a victim?

 

James Koutoulas co-founder of the Commodity Customer Coalition, which represents the interests of over 10,000 investors and traders, pulled no punches today as he spoke with great passion regarding the plight of those who have been victimized not only by Jon Corzine of MF Global (currently partying in the Hamptons) Russell Wasendorf Sr. of PFGBest (currently incarcerated) but by the very regulators who were put in place to protect them. The breach of fiduciary duty is heinous at best.

 

"My goal is real simple: getting everybody's money back," he says. "And I think we have a very high likelihood of doing just that." In early November, Koutoulas, along with fellow Chicago futures trader, John Roe – son of Tennessee Republican congressman Dr. Phil Roe – founded the Commodity Customer Coalition, a grassroots group that seeks to represent the complex legal interests of MF Global's former clients and now those of PFGBest.

 

 

To listen to today's interview simply click the headphones above.

 

This interview originally aired July 13, 2012

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • lmfx just officially launched their own LMGX token, Im planning to grab a couple of hundred and maybe have the option to stake them. 
    • Date: 2nd April 2025.   Market on Edge: Tariff Announcement and Volatility Ahead!   The US economic and employment data continues to deteriorate with the job vacancies figures dropping to a 5-month low. In addition to this, the IMS Manufacturing PMI also fell below expectations. However, both the US Dollar and Gold declined simultaneously following the release of the two figures, an uncommon occurrence in the market. Traders expect a key factor to be today’s ‘liberation day’ where the US will impose tariffs on imports. USDJPY - Traders Await Tariff Confirmation! Traders looking to determine how the USDJPY will look today will find it difficult to determine until the US confirms its tariff plan. Today is the day when Trump previously stated he would finalize and announce his tariff plan. The administration has not yet released the policy, but investors expect it to be the most expansionary in a century. President Trump is due to speak at 20:00 GMT. On HFM's Calendar the speech is stated as "US Liberation Day Tariff Announcement". Currently, analysts are expecting Trump’s Tariff Plan to impose tariffs on the EU, chips and pharmaceuticals later today as well as reciprocal tariffs. Economists have a good idea of how these tariffs may take effect, but reciprocal tariffs are still unspecified. In addition to this, 25% tariffs on the car industry will start tomorrow. The tariffs on the foreign cars industry are a factor which will particularly impact Japan. Although, traders should note that this is what is expected and is not yet finalised. Last week, President Trump stated that he would implement retaliatory tariffs but allow exemptions for certain US trade partners. Treasury Secretary Mr Bessent and National Economic Council Director Mr Hassett suggested that the restrictions would primarily target 15 countries responsible for the bulk of the US trade deficit. However, yesterday, Trump contradicted these statements, asserting that additional duties would be imposed on any country that has implemented similar measures against US products. The day’s volatility will depend on which route the US administration takes. The harshness of the policy will influence both the Japanese Yen as well as the US Dollar.   USDJPY 5-Minute Chart   US Economic and Employment Data The JOLT Job Vacancies figure fell below expectations and is lower than the previous month’s figure. The JOLT Job Vacancies read 7.57 million whereas the average of the past 6 months is 7.78 million. The ISM Manufacturing Index also fell below the key level of 50.00 and was 5 points lower than what analysts were expecting. The data is negative for the US Dollar, particularly as the latest release applies more pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. However, this is unlikely to happen if the trade policy ignites higher and stickier inflation. In the Bank of Japan’s Governor's latest speech, Mr Ueda said that the tariffs are likely to trigger higher inflation. USDJPY Technical Analysis Currently, the Japanese Yen Index is the worst performing of the day while the US Dollar Index is more or less unchanged. However, this is something traders will continue to monitor as the EU session starts. In the 2-hour timeframe, the USDJPY is trading at the neutral level below the 75-bar EMA and 100-bar SMA. The RSI and MACD is also at the neutral level meaning traders should be open to price movements in either direction. On the smaller timeframes, such as the 5-minute timeframe, there is a slight bias towards a bullish outcome. However, this is only likely if the latest bearish swing does not drop below the 200-Bar SMA.     The key resistant level can be seen at 150.262 and the support level at 149.115. Breakout levels are at 149.988 and 149.674. Key Takeaway Points: Job vacancies hit a five-month low, and the ISM Manufacturing PMI missed expectations, adding pressure on the Federal Reserve regarding interest rate decisions. Traders await confirmation on Trump’s tariff policy, which is expected to impact the EU, chips, pharmaceuticals, and foreign car industries. The severity of the tariffs will influence both the JPY and the USD, with traders waiting for final policy details. The Japanese Yen Index is the worst index of the day while the US Dollar Index is unchanged. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • HLF Herbalife stock, watch for a bull flag breakout above 9.02 at https://stockconsultant.com/?HLF
    • Date: 1st April 2025.   Will Gold’s Rally Hold Strong as New Trade Tariffs Take Effect Tomorrow?   Gold continues to increase in value for a sixth consecutive day and is trading more than 17% higher in 2025. Amid fear of higher inflation, a recession and the tariffs war escalating investors continue to invest into Gold pushing demand higher. The trade policy from April 2nd onwards continues to be a key factor for the whole market. Can Gold maintain its upward trend? Trade Policy From Tomorrow Onwards Starting as soon as tomorrow, a 25% tariff will be imposed on all passenger cars imported into the United States. While this White House policy is anticipated to negatively affect European industrial performance, it will also lead to higher transportation and maintenance costs for everyday American taxpayers. The negative impact expected on both the EU and US is one of the reasons investors continue to buy Gold. Additionally, last month, President Donald Trump announced reciprocal sanctions against any trade partners that impose import restrictions on US goods. Furthermore, tariffs on products from Canada and the EU could increase even more if they attempt to coordinate a response. Overall, investors continue to worry that new trade barriers will prompt retaliatory measures, particularly from China, the Eurozone, and Japan. Any retaliation is likely to escalate the trade conflict and prompt another reaction from the US. Experts at Goldman Sachs and other investment banks warn that this will lead to rising inflation and unemployment. They also caution that it could effectively halt economic growth in the US.   XAUUSD 1-Hour Chart   The Weakness In The US Dollar Another factor which is allowing the price of XAUUSD to increase in value is the US Dollar which has been unable to maintain any bullish momentum. Despite last week’s Core PCE Price Index rising to its highest level since February 2024, the US Dollar has been unable to see any significant rise in value. Due to the US Dollar and Gold's inverse correlation, the price of Gold is benefiting from the Dollar weakness. Investors worry that new trade barriers will prompt retaliatory measures from China, the Eurozone, and Japan, potentially escalating the conflict. Experts at The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. believe that such actions by the US administration will drive rising inflation and unemployment while effectively halting economic growth in the country. Can Gold Maintain Momentum? When it comes to technical analysis, the price of Gold is not trading at a price where oscillators are indicating the instrument is overbought. The Relative Strength Index currently trades at 68.88, outside of the overbought area, since Gold’s price fell 0.65% during this morning’s session. However, even with this decline, the price still remains 0.40% higher than the day’s open price. In terms of fundamental analysis, there continues to be plenty of factors indicating the price could continue to rise. However, the price movement of the week will also partially depend on the employment data from the US. The US is due to release the JOLTS Job Vacancies for February this afternoon, the ADP Non-Farm Employment Change tomorrow, and the NFP Change and Unemployment Rate on Friday. If all data reads higher than expectations, investors may look to sell to lock in profits at the high price. Key Takeaway Points: Gold’s Rally Continues – Up 17% in 2025 as investors seek safety from inflation, recession fears, and trade tensions. Trade War Impact – New US tariffs and potential retaliation from China, the EU, and Japan drive uncertainty, boosting Gold demand. Weak US Dollar – The Dollar’s struggle supports Gold’s rise due to their inverse correlation. Gold’s Outlook – Uptrend may continue, but US jobs data could trigger profit-taking. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • Date: 31st March 2025.   Trump Confirms Tariffs on All Countries, Sending Stocks Lower.   The NASDAQ continues to trade lower due to the US confirming the latest tariffs will be on all countries. In addition to this, bearish volatility also is largely due to the higher inflation data from Friday. The NASDAQ declines to its lowest price since September 11th 2024. Core PCE Price Index - Inflation Increases Again! The PCE Price Index read 2.5% aligning with expert forecasts not triggering any alarm bells. However, the Core PCE Price Index rose from 0.3% to 0.4% MoM and from 2.7% to 2.8% YoY, signalling growing inflationary pressure. This increases the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will maintain elevated interest rates for an extended period. The NASDAQ fell 2.60% due to the higher inflation reading which is known to pressure the stock market due to pressure on consumer demand and a more hawkish Federal Reserve. Boston Fed President Susan Collins recently commented that tariffs could drive up inflation, though the long-term impact remains uncertain. She told journalists that a short-term spike is the most probable outcome but believes the current pause in monetary policy adjustments is appropriate given the prevailing uncertainties. Although, certain investment banks such as JP Morgan actually believe the Federal Reserve will be forced into cutting rates. This is due to expectations that the economy will struggle under the new trade policy. For example, JP Morgan expects the Federal Reserve to delay rate cuts but will quickly cut towards the end of 2025. Market Risk Appetite Takes a Hit! A big factor for the day is the drop in the risk appetite of investors. This can be seen from the VIX which is up almost 6%, Gold which is trading 1.30% higher and the Japanese Yen which is the day’s best performing currency. Most safe haven assets, bar the US Dollar, increase in value. It is also worth noting that all indices are decreasing in value during this morning's Asian session with the Nikkei225 and NASDAQ witnessing the strongest decline. Previously the stock market rose in value as investors heard rumours that tariffs would only be on certain countries. This bullish swing occurred between March 14th and 25th. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump indicated that the upcoming tariffs would apply to all countries, not just those with the largest trade imbalances with the US. NASDAQ - Technical Analysis In terms of technical analysis, the NASDAQ continues to obtain indications that sellers control the price action. The price opens on a bearish price gap measuring 0.30% and trades below all Moving Averages on all timeframes. The NASDAQ also trades below the VWAP and almost 100% of the most influential components (stocks) are declining in value.     The next significant support level is at $18,313, and the resistance level stands at $20,367.95. Key Takeaway Points: NASDAQ falls to its lowest since September 2024 as the US confirms tariffs on all countries, adding to inflation concerns. Core PCE inflation rises to 0.4% MoM and 2.8% YoY, increasing the likelihood of prolonged high interest rates. Investor risk appetite drops as VIX jumps 6%, gold gains 1.3%, and safe-haven assets outperform. NASDAQ shows strong bearish momentum, trading below key technical levels with support at $18,313 and resistance at $20,367.95. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.