The Payment Card Titan: Comparing Visa, Mastercard, and Amex◉ Abstract
The global credit card market is projected to grow from USD 559.18 billion in 2023 to USD 1,146.62 billion by 2033, driven by advancements in digital payment technologies, e-commerce growth, increased financial literacy, and urbanization, especially in Asia-Pacific.
Visa leads the market with a 38.73% share, followed by Mastercard and American Express. Visa and Mastercard operate primarily as payment networks, while American Express both issues cards and offers unique rewards. Financially, all three companies show strong revenue growth, with American Express yielding the highest ROI but also carrying significant debt.
Despite this debt, American Express appears undervalued based on financial ratios. Overall, while American Express presents an attractive investment opportunity, Visa and Mastercard also demonstrate solid fundamentals and growth potential for investors in the expanding credit card market.
Read the full analysis here . . .
◉ Introduction
The Global Credit Card Market Size was Valued at USD 559.18 Billion in 2023 and the Worldwide Credit Card Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 1146.62 Billion by 2033,
◉ Key Growth Drivers
● Digitalization and Technology: Advancements in payment technologies, including mobile wallets and contactless payments, enhance convenience and security.
● E-Commerce Growth: The rise of online shopping increases demand for credit card payments, as consumers prefer their ease and safety.
● Financial Literacy: Improved understanding of financial products encourages more consumers, especially in developing regions, to adopt credit cards.
● Urbanization: Growing urban populations, particularly in Asia-Pacific, lead to greater access to banking services and credit facilities.
● Emerging Markets: Rising disposable incomes in developing countries drive new credit card accounts as financial institutions expand their offerings.
● Consumer Convenience: The preference for quick and easy payment methods boosts credit card usage over cash transactions.
● Rewards Programs: Attractive loyalty programs incentivize consumers to use credit cards for everyday purchases.
● Regulatory Support: Government initiatives promoting cashless transactions foster a favourable environment for credit card adoption.
◉ Market Overview
As of 2022, the global credit card market was primarily led by Visa, which held a 38.73% share of the worldwide payment volume. Mastercard followed with a 24% market share, while American Express (Amex) accounted for 4.61%. Notably, China UnionPay is also a major player in this space, surpassing Amex in terms of purchase volume
◉ Key Players in the Payment Card Industry
1. Visa NYSE:V
● Market Cap: $552 B
● Market Share: 38.73%
● Business Model: Payment network facilitating transactions between consumers, businesses, banks, and governments globally.
● Card Issuance: Does not issue cards itself.
● Global Reach: Extensive acceptance network across more than 200 countries.
2. Mastercard NYSE:MA
● Market Cap: $474 B
● Market Share: 24%
● Business Model: Payment processor and network partnering with banks to offer various card products.
● Card Issuance: Does not issue cards itself.
● Global Reach: Broad acceptance worldwide with diverse products catering to different consumer needs.
3. American Express NYSE:AXP
● Market Cap: $203 B
● Market Share: 4.61%
● Business Model: Card issuer and payment network offering unique benefits and rewards directly to cardholders.
● Card Issuance: Issues its own cards.
● Global Reach: High acceptance rate in the US (99% of merchants), lower in Europe and Asia due to higher transaction fees.
◉ Technical Aspects
● From a technical perspective, there's a notable similarity among the three stocks: each is exhibiting strong bullish momentum, consistently achieving higher highs and higher lows.
● All three stocks have formed a Rounding Bottom pattern, and after breaking out, their prices have climbed to new heights.
● While Mastercard and American Express are currently trading at their all-time highs, Visa is positioned just below its peak.
◉ Relative Strength
The chart vividly demonstrates that American Express has excelled remarkably, achieving a return of nearly 85%, whereas Mastercard and Visa have delivered returns of 28% and 20%, respectively.
◉ Revenue & Profit Analysis
1. Visa
● Year-over-Year
➖ In FY23, Visa achieved a remarkable revenue increase of 11.4%, reaching $32.7 billion, up from $29.3 billion in FY22.
➖ The EBITDA for FY23 also saw a significant rise, totalling $22.9 billion compared to $20.6 billion in FY22.
● Quarter-over-Quarter
➖ In the latest June quarter, Visa's revenue rose to $8.9 billion, slightly surpassing the $8.8 billion reported in March 2024. This reflects a year-over-year growth of nearly 9.5% from $8.1 billion in the same quarter last year.
➖ The EBITDA for the most recent June quarter reached $6.2 billion, indicating an almost 9% increase from $5.7 billion in the same quarter last year.
➖ In June, the diluted EPS saw a modest rise, climbing to $9.35 (LTM) from $8.94 (LTM) in March 2024, which represents a notable year-over-year increase of 18.6% from $30.3 (LTM).
2. Mastercard
● Year-over-Year
➖ Mastercard's revenue for FY23 experienced a robust growth of 12.9%, reaching $25.1 billion, up from $22.2 billion in FY22.
➖ The EBITDA for FY23 also increased, reporting $22.9 billion, up from $20.6 billion in FY22.
● Quarter-over-Quarter
➖ In the recent June quarter, Mastercard's revenue climbed to $7.0 billion, compared to $6.3 billion in March 2024. Year-over-year, this marks an increase of nearly 11% from $6.3 billion in the same quarter last year.
➖ The EBITDA for the latest June quarter was $4.4 billion, reflecting an almost 9% rise from $3.9 billion in March 2024.
➖ In June, the diluted EPS saw a slight increase, rising to $13.08 (LTM) from $12.59 (LTM) in March 2024, which is a significant year-over-year increase of 23% from $10.67 (LTM).
3. American Express
● Year-over-Year
➖ For the fiscal year 2023, the company experienced a remarkable revenue growth of 9.7%, reaching an impressive $55.6 billion, compared to $50.7 billion in fiscal year 2022.
➖ Additionally, operating income showed a positive trajectory, with fiscal year 2023 reporting $10.8 billion, an increase from $10 billion in the previous fiscal year.
● Quarter-over-Quarter
➖ In the latest June quarter, revenue continued its upward trend, totalling $15.1 billion, up from $14.5 billion in March 2024. This represents a significant year-over-year growth of nearly 8.7% from $13.9 billion in the June quarter of the previous year.
➖ Furthermore, operating income for the June quarter reached $3.2 billion, marking a substantial increase of almost 19% from $2.7 billion in the same quarter last year.
➖ The diluted earnings per share (EPS) also saw a remarkable rise in June, climbing to $13.39 (LTM) from $12.14 (LTM) in March 2024, which is a significant jump of 36% compared to $9.83 (LTM) in the same quarter last year.
◉ Valuation
● P/E Ratio
➖ Visa stands at a P/E ratio of 29.1x.
➖ Mastercard is at a P/E ratio of 38.7x.
➖ American Express shows a P/E ratio of 20.6x.
➖ When we analyze these figures, it becomes clear that American Express appears significantly undervalued compared to its peers.
● P/B Ratio
➖ Visa has a P/B ratio of 14.3x.
➖ Mastercard's P/B ratio is a staggering 64x.
➖ American Express, however, has a P/B ratio of just 6.8x.
This further reinforces the notion that American Express is currently undervalued in the market.
● PEG Ratio
➖ Visa's PEG ratio is 1.56.
➖ Mastercard's PEG stands at 1.71.
➖ American Express shines with a PEG ratio of just 0.56.
➖ This metric also highlights American Express's superior value proposition compared to its peers.
◉ Cash Flow Analysis
➖ Visa's operating cash flow for the fiscal year 2023 has risen to $20.8 billion, marking a notable increase from $18.8 billion in fiscal year 2022.
➖ Similarly, Mastercard has experienced growth in its operating cash flow, which has reached $12 billion in fiscal year 2023, up from $11.2 billion in the previous year.
➖ In contrast, American Express has reported a significant decline in its operating cash flow, decreasing from $21.1 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $18.6 billion in fiscal year 2023.
◉ Debt Analysis
1. Visa
● Debt to Equity Ratio: Approximately 0.52 as of June 2024, indicating a stable financial structure with moderate leverage.
● Total Debt: About $20.6 billion.
● Total Shareholder Equity: $39.7 billion.
● Analysis: Visa's ratio reflects a cautious debt approach, balancing equity and debt financing, with net debt well-supported by operating cash flow, enhancing financial stability.
2. Mastercard
● Debt to Equity Ratio: Approximately 2.10, indicating a higher reliance on debt compared to Visa 5.
● Total Debt: $15.6 billion.
● Total Shareholder Equity: $7.5 billion.
● Analysis: Mastercard’s higher ratio suggests it is more aggressive in leveraging debt for growth initiatives compared to Visa. This strategy may lead to greater volatility in earnings due to interest obligations.
3. American Express
● Debt to Equity Ratio: Approximately 1.80, indicating a significant level of debt relative to equity 5.
● Total Debt: $53.2 billion.
● Total Shareholder Equity: $29.54 billion.
● Analysis: American Express’s ratio shows a strong reliance on debt financing, which can enhance growth but also introduces risks related to interest payments and market conditions.
◉ Top Shareholders
1. Visa
● The Vanguard Group has notably boosted its investment in Visa, now commanding a remarkable 7.52% share, reflecting a 0.62% increase since the close of the March quarter.
● In contrast, Blackrock maintains a stake of approximately 6.7% in the firm.
2. Mastercard
● When it comes to Mastercard, Vanguard has also made strides, raising its ownership to an impressive 8.27%, which is a 1.02% uptick since the end of March.
● Blackrock, on the other hand, has a substantial 7.56% stake, showing a 1.17% growth from the same period.
3. American Express
● As for American Express, Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway boasts a significant 21.3% stake in the company.
● Meanwhile, Vanguard holds a 6.36% interest, while Blackrock has a 5.89% share.
◉ Conclusion
After a thorough analysis of both technical and financial indicators, we find that American Express offers a compelling valuation opportunity that is likely to attract investors. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize the significant debt load the company carries, a concern that also extends to Mastercard.
● From a technical standpoint, the chart for American Express seems to be stretched thin. Investors might want to hold off for a corrective dip to secure a more advantageous entry point.
● Mastercard's financial results reflect solid performance, though it carries a high level of debt. The technical chart indicates a slight overvaluation. Savvy investors might look to build their positions during times of price stabilization.
● Visa presents a well-rounded synergy between its technical and fundamental metrics. Its chart reveals a remarkable rebound, approaching previous all-time highs after a notable decline. The company's valuation and growth potential make it a compelling investment choice.
Community ideas
Avoiding the Pump and Dump: A Beginner's GuideAvoiding the Pump and Dump: A Beginner's Guide to Protecting Your Investments
In the dynamic world of stock trading, new traders are constantly seeking ways to maximize profits and minimize risks. Unfortunately, one of the most deceptive and harmful schemes that can easily trap beginners is the infamous pump and dump scheme. This fraudulent practice has been around for decades, targeting unsuspecting traders by artificially inflating a stock's price and then swiftly cashing out, leaving the victims with significant losses. For traders on platforms like TradingView, especially those just starting, it’s crucial to understand how to spot these schemes and avoid falling prey to them.
This guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to recognize pump and dump schemes by analyzing monthly, weekly, and daily charts, identifying repetitive patterns, and understanding market sentiment. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for to safeguard your investments.
What is a Pump and Dump?
A pump and dump scheme occurs when a group of individuals, often coordinated through social media or private channels, artificially inflates the price of a stock. They "pump" up the stock by spreading misleading information or creating hype around the asset, leading to increased buying interest. Once the stock price has risen significantly, the perpetrators "dump" their shares at the elevated price, leaving uninformed buyers holding a stock that will soon plummet in value.
The key elements to watch out for are:
Unusual price spikes without any corresponding fundamental news.
High trading volume during these spikes, suggesting that a group of individuals is actively manipulating the price.
Aggressive promotion through emails, forums, or social media channels, often making exaggerated claims about a stock's potential.
Understanding Timeframes: Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Charts
One of the most effective ways to spot pump and dump schemes is by analyzing various timeframes—monthly, weekly, and daily charts. Each timeframe provides different insights into the stock's behavior, helping you detect irregular patterns and red flags.
Monthly Charts: The Big Picture
Monthly charts give you a broad overview of a stock's long-term trends. If you notice a stock that has been relatively inactive or stagnant for months, only to suddenly surge without any substantial news or developments, this could be a sign of manipulation .
What to look for in monthly charts:
Sudden spikes in price after a prolonged period of flat or declining movement.
Sharp volume increases during the price rise, especially when the stock has previously shown little to no trading activity.
Quick reversals following the price surge, indicating that the pump has occurred, and the dump is on its way.
For example, if a stock shows consistent low trading volume and then experiences a sudden burst in both volume and price, this is a classic sign of a pump. Compare these periods with any news releases or market updates. If there’s no justifiable reason for the spike, be cautious .
Weekly Charts: Spotting the Mid-Term Trend
Weekly charts help you see the mid-term trends and can reveal the progression of a pump and dump scheme. Often, the "pump" phase will be drawn out over several days or weeks as the schemers build momentum and attract more buyers.
What to look for in weekly charts:
Gradual upward trends followed by a sharp, unsustainable rise in price.
Repeated surges in volume that don’t correlate with any fundamental analysis or positive news.
Recurrent patterns where a stock has previously been pumped, experienced a sharp decline, and is now showing the same pattern again.
Stocks used in pump and dump schemes are often cycled through multiple rounds of pumping, so if you notice that a stock has undergone several similar spikes and drops over the weeks, it’s a strong indicator that the stock is being manipulated.
Daily Charts: Catching the Pump Before the Dump
Daily charts provide a more granular view of a stock's price movement, and they can help you detect the exact moments when a pump is taking place. Because pump and dump schemes can happen over just a few days, monitoring daily activity is critical.
What to look for in daily charts:
Intraday price spikes that happen suddenly and without any preceding buildup in momentum.
A huge increase in volume followed by rapid price drops within the same or subsequent days.
Exaggerated price gaps at market open or close, indicating manipulation during off-hours or lower-volume periods.
On a daily chart, if a stock opens significantly higher than the previous day's close without any news or earnings report to back it up, this could be the start of the dump phase. The manipulators are looking to sell their shares to anyone who has bought into the hype, leaving retail traders holding the bag.
Repeated Use of the Same Quote: A Telltale Sign of a Pump and Dump Scheme
Another red flag is when the same stock or "hot tip" keeps resurfacing in social media, forums, or emails. If you notice that the same quote or recommendation is being promoted repeatedly over time, often using the same language, this is a strong sign of manipulation. The scammers are likely trying to pump the stock multiple times by reusing the same tactics on new, unsuspecting traders.
Be cautious of stocks that:
Have been heavily promoted in the past.
Show a history of sudden spikes followed by rapid declines.
Are promoted with vague, overhyped language like "the next big thing" or "guaranteed gains."
If the same stock is mentioned multiple times in trading communities, check its historical chart. If the stock has undergone previous pumps, you will likely see sharp rises and falls that align with the promotional periods.
How to Avoid Pump and Dump Schemes
Now that you know how to spot the signs, here are actionable steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a pump and dump scheme:
Do Your Research: Always verify the information you receive about a stock. Check if there’s legitimate news, earnings reports, or significant company developments that justify the price movement. Avoid relying solely on social media or forums for your stock tips.
Look at Fundamentals: Focus on stocks with solid fundamentals, such as earnings growth, revenue increases, and strong management. Stocks targeted for pump and dump schemes often have weak or non-existent fundamentals.
Use Multiple Timeframes: As we've discussed, examining stocks across different timeframes—monthly, weekly, and daily—can help you spot abnormal price behavior early on.
Monitor Volume and Price Movements: If you see large, unexplained surges in volume and price, be skeptical. Legitimate price increases are usually accompanied by news or fundamental changes in the company.
Avoid Low-Volume Stocks: Pump and dump schemes often target low-volume, illiquid stocks that are easier to manipulate. Stick to stocks with healthy trading volumes and liquidity.
Set Stop Losses: Always use stop losses to protect yourself from sudden price drops. Setting a stop loss at a reasonable level can help limit your losses if you accidentally invest in a stock being manipulated.
Be Wary of Promotions: If a stock is being aggressively promoted, ask yourself why. More often than not, aggressive promotions are a sign that the stock is part of a pump and dump scheme.
Conclusion
Pump and dump schemes prey on traders’ fear of missing out ( FOMO ) and the allure of quick profits . However, by using a disciplined approach to trading, analyzing charts across multiple timeframes, and paying close attention to volume and price movements, you can avoid falling victim to these schemes.
Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect your investments by staying informed, doing thorough research, and trusting your analysis. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the markets with confidence and avoid the pitfalls of pump and dump schemes.
Happy trading, and stay safe!
Update to Dow Jones Industrials Time At Mode Back in 2015 I had published a chart with annual data for the Dow Jones Industrials. I will provide a link at the bottom.
The research for this patterning is something I did myself by hand using pencil and paper back in the 1980's. These patterns show up in all time frames.
There is plenty of room to enhance the research on this technique and a group of us gather in the chat rooms here at TradingView to discuss new trades that set up and point out when trades expire.
Notice how these two grey boxes (which are both 50% drops in price) that expand wider in time from the 1960's to the 1980's and the 2000-2010's had a multi-year trend, followed by a monster crash (1987 was 40% and 2000 was 37%) and then just two+ years later there was a secondary bear market of 20% in 1990 and 22% in 2022. Keep in mind this is just for the DJ:DJI and not the Nasdaq Composite or S&P500 which were greater corrections.
The 11-year time frame of the 1999-2011 pattern allows for an 11-year rally from 2012 (which was year 1 of the 11-year rally) shows that time expired. As you can see from the 1943-1962 trend, a smaller 5-year mode formed at the end of the 20 year trend and then the market peaked in 1972-1973 when time expired for the second, smaller mode.
I had to reconstruct this chart after the data for the previous chart changed symbol. See the link below to see the original.
I look forward to your additional research onto this pattern and its implications to the idea that we are in a similar period to 1993-1994 with rally years of 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 ahead of us.
All the best,
Tim
October 19, 2024 3:31PM EST
Swing Trading vs. Day Trading in Forex: Which Style Suits You?So, you’ve got a burning desire to trade forex and take over the world—or at least the markets—but there’s one major question still nagging you: How to get there? If you choose to do it with forex trading you’ve got two main ways — swing trading and day trading. Let’s break down what these two mean and which one is right for you. Spoiler alert: neither option involves overnight millionaire status, so let’s keep it real.
Swing Trading: The Art of Patience (But Not Too Much)
Swing trading — you’re not glued to your computer but you’re still in the game. Swing traders look to capture “swings” in the market. These are short- to medium-term price moves that typically last a few days to a few weeks. You’re riding the wave 🏄♂️ but getting off before it crashes on the shore. 🌴
➕ Pros of Swing Trading:
Less screen time : You don’t need to babysit your trades 24/7. Set it, slap a stop loss and chill.
Fewer trades, more quality : You’re focusing on larger, more meaningful moves, meaning fewer opportunities for revenge trading or panic closing.
Flexibility : You can have a life outside of trading. (Pro tip: Don’t quit that job yet!)
Catch bigger price moves : Swing traders benefit from multi-day to multi-week trends, potentially leading to larger gains (or losses, if you’re not careful).
➖ Cons of Swing Trading:
Overnight risk : The market doesn’t sleep, and neither do geopolitical events. Price gaps overnight can wreck your carefully laid plans.
Patience required : If you’re someone who wants immediate action, waiting a few days for your trade to play out might feel like watching paint dry.
FOMO : The market might move without you while you’re waiting for the “perfect” setup. Swing traders often miss smaller, quick gains.
Day Trading: The All-In, High-Adrenaline Life
Day trading — you’re jet skiing with a huge wave behind your back. And there’s a hurricane. It’s on fire. Well, not quite but kind of. You’re in and out of trades within minutes or hours, locking in gains (or losses) multiple times a day. It’s fast, furious, and not for the faint of heart.
➕ Pros of Day Trading:
No overnight risk : You close all your positions by the end of the day, so nothing can blindside you while you sleep.
Action-packed : If you love adrenaline, this is your jam. Every day offers multiple opportunities thanks to so many events happening.
Tighter risk control : You’re constantly monitoring the markets, which means you can (most likely) react quickly to minimize losses.
Quick profits (potentially) : You’re aiming for small, consistent wins. Compound them enough, and you could see some real returns.
➖ Cons of Day Trading:
It’s stressful : Constant focus is draining. If you’re not sharp, it’s easy to make emotionally driven mistakes.
More trades, more fees : Commissions and spreads can eat into your profits since you’re making multiple trades per day.
Time-consuming : You’re glued to your screen for hours. Day traders don’t have the luxury of doing much else while waiting for trades to play out.
Learning curve : It’s a steeper climb to become consistently profitable. Day trading requires mastering short-term price movements, and the odds are stacked against newbies.
❔ Which One Is for You?
So, which trading style matches your life and personality? Let’s break it down:
If you’ve got a day job or prefer some balance in your life, swing trading is your best bet. You can scan the charts in the evening, set your orders, and go about your business while Mr. Market does its thing.
If you thrive in fast-paced environments and can dedicate full days to trading, then day trading could be your playground. But be warned: it’s not just about speed; it’s about being sharp, disciplined, and, well, not losing your focus after a bad day.
If patience is your virtue , swing trading will test it, but the reward is potentially big, long-term moves with less stress.
If you live for the rush , day trading might feed your need for action, but be prepared for the pressure cooker environment and razor-thin margins.
Final Verdict
There’s no one-size-fits-all in forex trading. The key is to match the trading style to your personality, goals, and lifestyle. Are you cool with being patient and letting trades develop, or do you want to be locking in profits on the daily? Whatever you choose, stick to your plan, manage your risk, and remember: the market doesn’t care about your feelings—only your strategy.
If you’ve already tried one style and it didn’t work, don’t sweat it—there’s always another way to play the game. Share your experiences in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Tracking Inflation with this Ratio - Crude Oil vs Gold RatioThe Fed is using this Crude Oil vs Gold ratio in tracking inflation.
The one in white is the inflation and the one in yellow is the Crude Oil vs Gold ratio.
We saw that when inflation peaked at 9% in June 2022, so did this ratio.
Although we recently saw a cut in interest rates, the yields are now moving higher, and gold has maintained its high point.
This makes us wonder: will inflation move toward the 2% target, or is it still at risk of rising further?
Micro WTI Crude Oil Futures & Options
Ticker: MCL
Minimum fluctuation:
0.01 per barrel = $1.00
Disclaimer:
• What presented here is not a recommendation, please consult your licensed broker.
• Our mission is to create lateral thinking skills for every investor and trader, knowing when to take a calculated risk with market uncertainty and a bolder risk when opportunity arises.
CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups in real-time and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
Bitcoin Breakout or Pullback Zone Before Heading Higher? In this video we examine the current Bitcoin chart at resistance.
Most likely, we retrace here for a bit and then push higher into the next resistance zone of around $70k and possibly to retest the previous ATH zone @72k - 74k.
Lots of sell pressure at the previous ATH which can also be seen on the Total Market Cap, using our Order Block Detector.
Not much happening now and until we can find the money flow and volume to push up.
Many people likely waiting for the election on Nov 5th, which coincides with the market cycle low according to our Market Cycle models (based on Hurst's research).
Let me know your thoughts below, and please like the video.
- Brett
SUI needs small correction to continue again...Currently, SUI is moving near the Resistance lines and the Potential Reversal Zone; as you see in 4h channel. SUI has been increase about 360% in two months. It seems that according to the good news that has come for the Sui project, the increase of the SUI token may continue, but it will experience a correction to increase again.
I expect SUI correction can be 20% - 30%. Follow the chart.
Enter: 2.25
TP1: 2.15
TP2: 2.0
TP3: 1.95
SL: 2.40
** Please follow your strategy and updates; this is just my Idea, and I will gladly see your ideas in this post.
Traders could veer towards the yen with risk events loomingIt is no coincidence that VIX futures have been creeping higher in recent weeks despite Wall Street hitting record highs, as traders are presumably hedging downside risk as we approach the US election. And that means it may not take much to spook traders out of bullish bets with markets at frothy levels, and that could see the yen strengthen as a safety play. Matt Simpson takes a technical look at yen pairs of interest.
Nailing Crypto Risk Management: 7 Ways to Protect Your PortfolioYou’re leveraged to the hilt and riding the crypto wave—eyeing those sweet gains, living for the adrenaline rush and peeking at your vision board where you’ve got the lambo cutout for inspo.
But here’s the harsh truth: for every moonshot, there’s a black hole ready to reel in your portfolio. Welcome to the not-so-glamorous side of crypto: risk management. If you don’t have this locked down, you might as well be throwing darts in the dark.
So, how do you stack the odds in your favor and avoid getting rekt ? Let’s break down 🤸♂️ the essentials of managing risk in the vast world of crypto like a pro. Grab your notepad, take one more look at the lambo and let’s roll.
1. Position Sizing: Don’t Go All In, Even If You Want To
We get it—Bitcoin’s pumping, and FOMO is real. But listen: putting your entire stack on one trade is quite often a path to whipping up a not-so-great track record. Pro traders? They never bet the farm. They calculate position sizes based on the risk they’re willing to take—the golden rule is to bet no more than 1-3% of your capital per trade.
🔑 Pro tip : Use a risk calculator to figure out exactly how much of your portfolio should go into each trade. It’s the difference between surviving a bad move or calling it quits.
2. Stop-Losses: The Safety Net You Probably Ignore (but Shouldn’t)
Here’s the thing: everyone will get it wrong every now and then. No matter how many YouTube gurus tell you otherwise or how some trading signals group churns out 100% success rate, every trader gets slapped by the market. That’s where the stop-loss comes in—a non-emotional tool that automatically closes your position before your losses become catastrophic. Set it, forget it, and avoid waking up to a disaster.
🔑 Pro tip : Don’t just dump your stop-loss under the last support level. Base it on your risk tolerance. If you’re losing sleep over your trade, you’ve placed it too far away.
3. Diversification: Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Crypto Basket
Bitcoin BTC/USD is the OG token and dominates the crypto board —no question about it. This is why Bitcoin is the preferred crypto for institutional investors and why billions of dollars get sloshed around in spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Bitcoin, as odd as it may sound, is likely the crypto with the least amount of risk, given its size and investor base. So why not look elsewhere for tenbaggers? Small caps definitely look attractive with their relatively low valuations, compared with Bitcoin’s $1.3 trillion weight.
In this light, try to make sure you’re not going to end up rug pulled. Spread out the risk. Diversify across different coins, sectors and use cases. The goal is to reduce your exposure to any one asset's mood swings.
🔑 Pro tip : Don’t over-diversify either. Owning 20 low-cap coins won’t save you if the whole market crashes.
4. Avoid Leverage Unless You Really, Really Know What You’re Doing
Leverage is that spicy little tool that lets you borrow money to boost your gains—or sometimes, your losses. The more you leverage, the quicker you can get washed out if the market moves against you.
🔑 Pro tip : If you must use leverage, keep it low.
5. Have an Exit Strategy: Don’t Get Greedy
Crypto loves to pump, and we all love to see it. But when it does, don’t just sit there watching your profits grow—have a plan to take them. Greed kills portfolios faster than bad trades. Know when to get out before the inevitable pullback has a chance to take a shot at your gains.
🔑 Pro tip : Set clear targets for both taking profits and cutting losers. Lock in some profits on the way up and have no shame in bailing when things head south.
6. Keep Your Emotions in Check: Your Worst Enemy Is… You
Let’s face it, we all get caught up in the hype. Whether it’s panic selling at the bottom or FOMO buying at the top, emotions are portfolio killers. Detach yourself from the swings and trade based on your strategy, not your emotions.
🔑 Pro tip : If a trade has you looking at your portfolio while under the shower, it’s time to re-evaluate. Chill, stick to the plan, and let the market do its thing.
7. The Golden Rule: Only Invest What You Can Afford to Lose
This should be obvious, but it’s worth repeating. If losing your investment would make you sell your car or move back with your parents, you’re overexposed. Crypto is volatile, and while the upside is exciting, the downside is real. Play it smart, and don’t gamble with money you can’t afford to lose.
Wrapping Up: Trade Smart, Stay Sharp
Risk management is what separates the survivors from the rest of the pack in crypto. Anyone can ride a bull market but only the disciplined make it through the bruising pullbacks without getting squashed. Stick to your trading plan and never assume you’re invincible just because the charts are green today.
Oh, and if you’ve got your own tips for managing risk like a crypto boss, drop them in the comments. We’re all here for the gains—but surviving the swings? That’s what separates the real traders from the noobs.
BUY NZDJPY - trade explained in detailTrader Tom, a technical analyst with over 15 years’ experience, explains his trade idea using price action and a top down approach. This is one of many trades so if you would like to see more then please follow us and hit the boost button.
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How to Trade Crude Oil: Trading StrategiesHow to Trade Crude Oil: Trading Strategies
Learning how to trade crude oil requires a nuanced understanding of its fundamental aspects, instruments, and trading strategies. This comprehensive article offers insights into the critical elements that affect crude oil prices, the range of instruments available for trading, and specific strategies traders use in this market.
The Basics of Crude Oil
Crude oil, often referred to as "black gold," is a fossil fuel derived from the remains of ancient organic matter. It serves as a crucial raw material for various industries, including transportation, chemicals, and manufacturing.
Two primary types of crude oil traded on global markets are West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent Crude. WTI is primarily sourced from the United States and is known for its high quality and low sulphur content. On the other hand, Brent Crude originates mainly from the North Sea and serves as an international pricing benchmark.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which includes members like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Venezuela, plays a pivotal role in determining global oil supply. By adjusting production levels, OPEC influences crude oil prices significantly. Additionally, other countries like Russia and the United States contribute to the world's oil supply, further affecting market dynamics.
What Time Does the Oil Market Open?
Like forex markets, crude oil trading hours are nearly 24/5. They’re typically highly liquid and offer traders multiple opportunities across a given day. For example, the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) opens for trading from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon, with a brief daily trading break.
Activity is most intense during the US session, which runs from 9:00 AM to 17:00 PM EST, and the European session, from 2:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST. These periods coincide with peak market activity and are generally the most volatile, with the overlap between the US and European sessions (between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM EST) offering the greatest volatility and trading activity.
Factors Affecting Crude Oil Trading
In oil trading, economics is a fundamental aspect that traders need to grasp to make educated decisions. Several factors drive the price of crude oil, and here are some of the most significant:
- Supply and Demand: At its core, the price of crude oil is determined by how much of it is available (supply) versus how much is wanted (demand). An oversupply can depress prices, while high demand can cause prices to spike.
- Geopolitical Events: Conflicts, wars, and diplomatic tensions in oil-producing regions can disrupt supply chains, affecting prices. For instance, sanctions on Iran or instability in Venezuela can push prices higher.
- Currency Fluctuations: Oil prices are generally quoted in US dollars. A strong dollar can make oil more expensive for countries using other currencies, thereby affecting demand.
- Seasonal Changes: During winter, demand for heating oil can rise, pushing crude oil prices up. Conversely, a mild winter might result in lower demand and prices.
- Technological Advances: Innovations in extraction methods, such as fracking, can alter the supply landscape, making it easier to extract oil and thereby affecting prices.
- OPEC Decisions: As previously mentioned, OPEC has a significant influence on oil prices. Their production quotas can tighten or flood the market, causing price swings.
- Economic Indicators: Data like unemployment rates, manufacturing output, and interest rates can indicate the health of an economy, which in turn can affect oil consumption and prices.
- Environmental Policies: Increasing regulations and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources can impact the demand and supply of crude oil, thereby influencing prices.
- Natural Disasters: Events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters can disrupt oil production and supply chains, leading to fluctuations in crude oil prices.
- Global Economic Growth: The overall growth of the global economy plays a critical role in crude oil demand. Economic booms often lead to higher energy consumption, driving up oil prices, while economic slowdowns can reduce demand and lower prices.
How Is Crude Oil Traded?
When learning how to trade oil, traders have a variety of instruments to choose from.
CFDs
Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are popular instruments when trading crude. CFDs are used by traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. Essentially, a CFD is a contract between a trader and a broker to exchange the difference in price from the point the position is opened to when it is closed. One of the key benefits is the use of leverage, which means traders can control a larger position with a smaller initial investment, amplifying both potential returns and losses.
Margin requirements vary by broker but are typically lower for CFDs on oil compared to some other instruments. This makes it appealing for crude oil day trading strategies, where traders aim to capitalise on short-term price movements. However, managing risk effectively is crucial, as the leveraged nature of CFDs can result in significant losses if the market moves against you.
At FXOpen, we offer both CFDs on WTI Crude oil and Brent Crude. Head over there to explore a world of trading tools and other assets beyond crude oil.
Futures
Futures contracts are another well-established avenue for trading crude oil. Unlike CFDs, futures are standardised agreements to buy or sell a specific quantity of oil at a predetermined price at a set date in the future. They are traded on regulated exchanges, providing an added layer of transparency and security.
Spot Market
In spot trading, one buys or sells crude oil and takes immediate delivery and ownership. Unlike futures and CFDs, there's no leverage in spot trading, making it a less risky option. However, the absence of leverage requires a higher initial investment. While retail traders often avoid spot trading due to storage and transportation challenges, it's commonly used by entities directly involved in production or consumption. This method is more straightforward but demands the logistical capabilities that individual traders usually lack.
ETFs
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer an alternative for those interested in the crude oil market without dealing with futures contracts or physical ownership. Crude oil ETFs typically track the price of oil or related indices by holding futures contracts or a blend of oil company stocks. This allows investors to indirectly gain exposure to oil price movements with less complexity.
Investing in a crude oil ETF can provide a degree of diversification, as these funds may also include assets like bonds or other commodities in their portfolio. However, it's essential to be aware of the management fees and potential tracking errors in the ETF's performance compared to the actual commodity.
Stocks
Another route to gain exposure to the crude oil market is by investing in the stocks of companies involved in the industry. This includes major producers, refineries, and even transportation companies. By owning shares in these businesses, investors are indirectly influenced by crude oil prices. To use an example, a rise in oil prices often boosts the profitability of oil-producing companies, potentially leading to stock price appreciation.
Unlike trading futures or CFDs, investing in stocks means actually owning a piece of the company, often with the added benefits of dividends. However, conducting thorough research is crucial, as these stocks can be affected by company-specific risks in addition to oil price movements.
Crude Oil Trading Strategies
Given the volatile nature of crude oil prices, traders employ specific strategies to capitalise on price fluctuations. Here are some strategies that may be useful for crude oil trading:
Trend Following with Moving Averages
The trend is your friend, especially in commodities like crude oil. This is a well-known technique but it may be very useful for commodity trading. One effective way to follow the trend is by using moving averages, such as the 50-day (blue) and 200-day (orange). When the 50-day crosses above the 200-day, it's generally a bullish signal, and vice versa for a bearish trend. However, as with all technical analysis tools, moving averages can sometimes trigger false signals.
Range Trading
Due to supply-demand dynamics and geopolitical factors, crude oil prices often fluctuate within a specific range. Identifying these ranges can be useful for short-term trading. Traders buy at the lower end of the range and sell at the higher end, applying technical indicators like RSI or Stochastic Oscillator for entry and exit signals.
News-Based Trading
In crude oil markets, news about OPEC decisions, US oil inventory data, geopolitical tensions, and technological advancements can dramatically impact prices. Traders keeping an eye on oil news can take advantage of sudden announcements or an economic release likely to push prices in a particular direction. Given the high leverage commonly available in CFD trading, this strategy can be effective but also comes with significant risk.
Trade Crude Oil at FXOpen
Trade WTI and Brent Crude oil CFDs at FXOpen to take advantage of our competitive spreads, high liquidity, and lightning-fast execution speeds.
We offer four different trading platforms, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TickTrader, and TradingView, each with desktop, web-based and mobile versions for access anytime and anywhere. Take advantage of advanced technical analysis tools, including many trading tools and expert advisors for automated trading.
Traders can rest easy knowing that FXOpen is also regulated by the FCA in the UK, CySEC in Cyprus, and is licensed to provide financial services in Australia: AFSL 412871 – ABN 61 143 678 719. Start trading oil and gas commodity CFDs with confidence at FXOpen and explore a world of trading opportunities across more than 600 markets.
To access Crude Oil markets with competitive spreads and rapid execution speeds, consider opening an FXOpen account today and step confidently into the world of crude oil trading.
The Bottom Line
In crude oil trading, having the right strategies and tools is essential. By understanding the fundamentals, market dynamics, and utilising specific trading techniques, you are now equipped with the knowledge you need to get started!
FAQ
How to Trade Brent Crude Oil?
To trade Brent Crude oil, you can use various instruments such as futures contracts, CFDs, ETFs, or stocks of oil companies. Most retail traders use CFDs, which provide a way to speculate on price movements without owning the asset. CFDs also allow for leverage, which can amplify both potential gains and losses.
What Is the Brent Oil Trading Strategy?
A common Brent oil trading strategy involves trend following using moving averages. For instance, traders use the 50-day and 200-day moving averages to identify bullish or bearish trends. Range trading and news-based trading are also popular strategies.
What Hours Does Crude Oil Trade?
Crude oil trades nearly 24/5. The New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) operates from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon with a daily break. The most active trading occurs during the US session (9:00 AM to 2:30 PM EST) and the European session (6:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST).
What Is the Best Time to Trade Brent Crude Oil?
According to theory, the best time to trade Brent Crude oil is during the overlap of the US and European sessions, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST, when market liquidity and volatility are highest. However, you should consider fundamental factors as they can lead to unexpected price movements.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Beware of Symmetrical Triangles. And yes, they occur oftenWhy Beware?
Ambiguous Direction: Symmetrical triangles don't inherently indicate whether the breakout will be upward or downward. Without additional confirmation from volume or other technical indicators, predicting the direction can be challenging.
Market Noise: In volatile markets, price movements within the triangle can be erratic, making it difficult to identify clear breakout signals amidst the noise.
False Breakouts: Not every symmetrical triangle leads to a significant price movement. Sometimes, the breakout fails, resulting in a false signal that can trap traders in losing positions.
XAUUSD GOLD: Understanding Trend Shifts for Precision Entries👀👉 In this video, we explore the inner workings of market trends and, more importantly, how smart money manipulates price action to sweep liquidity, allowing them to place their orders and sustain the trend. We also showcase a powerful, free indicator from TradingView’s extensive toolset. Here's what we cover:
📊 Understanding Trends: How trends truly operate in the market.
💰 Smart Money Tactics: How institutional traders manipulate price action to sweep liquidity and execute large orders.
🔑 Key Levels: Identifying crucial accumulation and distribution zones to approach potential trade setups effectively.
🛠 TradingView Indicators: Learn how to access tools that help spot when price is overextended.
🔎 Market Structure: Discover how to locate resting liquidity and anticipate price reactions, understanding the role of liquidity in market movement.
📈 Trade Setups: Using a practical approach, we examine price interactions with liquidity, blending Wyckoff theory and ICT concepts for sharper trade decisions.
Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Trading involves significant risks. Be sure to conduct your own research before making any decisions. Trade responsibly.
THE TREND IS YOUR FRIEND...UNTIL THE END...EURUSD EXAMPLEHey everyone! Hope you are having an AMAZING weekend and beautiful Sunday so far! I just wanted to get on here and post a quick educational video for my Trading View community and share some nuggets I have learned over the last 14 years of being in the markets that hopefully can help you guys reach consistency and ultimately profitability.
The subject in this video is "THE TREND IS YOUR FRIEND..UNTIL THE END" hope you guys enjoy get a notepad and paper or iPhone out lol and take some notes! You won't want to miss this!
Cheers!
Rules of Motive WavesMotive Waves are the components of Elliot Wave structure. Motive Waves consists of 5 sub-waves of which 3 are impulse (In the direction of trend) and 2 corrective waves. The Motive Wave in the upward direction will start with Swing High, Ends with Swing High and consists of 3 Higher Highs and 2 Higher Lows representing strong upward trend. Motive Wave in the downward direction will start with Swing Low, Ends with Swing low and consists of 3 Lower Lows and 2 Lower Highs representing strong downward trend.
🎲 Types of Motive Waves
Motive Waves are broadly classified by two types:
Impulse Waves
Diagonal Waves
Diagonal Waves are further classified into Contracting and Expanding Diagonals. These can fall into the category of either leading diagonal and ending diagonal.
🎲 Rules of Motive Waves
🎯 Generic Rule of any motive waves are as follows
Should consist of 5 alternating waves. (Swing High followed by Swing low and vice versa)
This can start from Swing High and end in Swing High or start from Swing Low and end in Swing Low.
Wave-2 should not move beyond Wave-1. This means, the Wave-2 is always shorter than Wave-1 with respect to distance between the price of start and end.
Wave-3 always moves beyond Wave-1. This means, the Wave-3 is always longer than Wave-2 in terms of price
Among Wave-1, Wave-3, and Wave-5, Wave-3 is never the shortest one. This means, either Wave-1 or Wave-5 can be longer than Wave-3 but not both. Wave-3 can also be longest among the three.
Here is the pictorial representation of the rules of the Motive Waves
For a wave to be considered as motive wave, it also needs to follow the rules of either impulse or diagonal waves.
🎯 Rules for a 5 wave pattern to be considered as Impulse Wave are:
Wave-4 never overlaps with Wave-1 price range
Wave-1, Wave-3 and Wave-5 should not be either expanding or contracting. Meaning, we cannot have Wave-1 > Wave-3 > Wave-5 , and we cannot have Wave-1 < Wave-3 < Wave-5
Pictorial representation of the impulse wave rules are as below:
🎯 Rules for the Diagonal Waves are as follows
Contrary to the first rule of impulse wave, in case of diagonal wave, Wave-4 always overlaps with Wave-1 price range.
Wave-1, Wave-3 and Wave-5 are either in expanding formation or contracting formation. That means, we need to have either Wave-1 > Wave-3 > Wave-5 OR Wave-1 < Wave-3 < Wave-5
Pictorial representation of the Contracting Diagonal Wave is as below. Here, the Wave-1, Wave-3 and Wave-5 are in contracting formation.
Pictorial representation of the Expanding Diagonal Wave is as below. Here, the Wave-1, Wave-3 and Wave-5 are in expanding formation.
Event-Driven Strategy using Bitcoin Weekly FuturesCME: Bitcoin Weekly Futures ( MIL:BFF )
On Thursday, October 10th, The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis, the same increase as in August and July. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 2.4% before seasonal adjustment.
However, the headline CPI came in ahead of the 0.1% monthly gain and 2.3% year-over-year rate expected by analysts polled by Dow Jones. As a result, both the US equity markets and cryptocurrencies slipped on Thursday.
While the year-over-year headline CPI is the lowest since February 2021, digging into the category data reveals sticky inflation. Noticeable data includes:
• Food: +2.3% YoY. However, Eggs jumped 39.6%, while “nonconcentrated juices + soft drinks” category was up 15.3%.
• Motor vehicle insurance: +16.3% YoY
• Video discs + other media: +11.6% YoY
• Admission to sporting events: +10.3% YoY
• Health insurance: +7.5% YoY
High prices affect day-to-day life and contradict the notion of low inflation. The fact is that prices have gone up a lot in the past few years. Even though they rise more slowly now, the absolute price levels remain high. Examples from my personal experiences:
• The $9 price tag for 1-1/2 dozen eggs caused me to reduce purchase to 1-dozon for $5. I still remember the good old days of 99-cent per dozen large eggs.
• I watched a WNBC match featuring Indianapolis Fever and Catlin Clark in the summer. A seat close by the basketball court costs $200. Adding up hotel stay, fuel cost and a $50 T-shirt, this felt like a vacation budget.
• A recent doctor’s visit required copayment of $100. Six months ago, the same clinic charged $75. This is a 33.3% increase.
Event to Watch: The Next Fed Rate Decision
Retrospectively, it appears that the Federal Reserve acted a bit too aggressively with the supersized 50-bp rate cut in September. With the sticky inflation data, the Fed’s next move on November 7th is uncertain.
According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, as of October 11th, the futures market expects the Fed to cut 25 basis points at the next FOMC meeting, with an 88.4% probability. Gone are the odds of another supersized cut. Meanwhile, the probability of a no-cut increases to 11.6%.
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Driven by the lowered expectation on Fed rate cuts, on Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 0.14% to 42,454, and the S&P 500 slipped 0.21% to settle at 5,780. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq composite shaved up 10 points (-0.05%) and closed at 18,282.
The cryptocurrency market has a more pronounced reaction. Bitcoin gave up the psychologically important $60K level, lost $1,442 (or -2.36%) and settled at $59,564. Meanwhile, ETHER gave up $57.2 (or -2.38%) and closed at $2,356.
However, market sentiments are still very bullish. By Friday, strong Q3 earnings reported by JPMorgan and Well Fargo helped push the stock market up again, with the S&P 500 breaking 5,800 and making its 45th all-time high in 2024.
In my opinion, Bitcoin futures would be a good instrument for event-driven trades on the Fed rate decisions, given its higher volatility.
Introducing Bitcoin Friday Futures
Bitcoin Friday futures ( MIL:BFF ) are weekly, USD-settled contracts that offer a more precise way to gain bitcoin exposure and manage risk relating to such exposure. Each contract represents 1/50 of a bitcoin, ensuring capital efficiency and accessibility. The contract size of BFF is 1/5 of that of Micro Bitcoin Futures ( NYSE:MBC ), which is 1/10 of a Bitcoin.
These shorter-dated contracts expire and settle to the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate New York Variant (BRRNY) every Friday at 4:00 p.m. New York time and may track the spot price of bitcoin more closely.
Futures contracts traditionally expire on a monthly or quarterly basis, such as BTC and MBT, whereas BFF will settle weekly every Friday. Because of this shorter duration, BFF will have a shorter cost of carry resulting in a price that may more closely track bitcoin’s spot price.
Bitcoin futures price = bitcoin spot price + financing costs to carry the position to expiration
Two consecutive Fridays will be listed at any time. A new BFF contract will be listed every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. New York time such that market participants will be able to trade the nearest Friday plus the next two Fridays giving traders the choice to hold or not hold exposure over the weekend depending on their preference.
Trade Setup using BFF for the FOMC Event
The Federal Open Market Committee will release its next rate decision at 2:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, November 7th.
The BFF contract expiring Friday, November 8th will begin trading at 6:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, October 24th.
A trade could be set up on or after October 24th, and closed by November 7th or 8th, after the market reacts to the Fed decision and before contract expiration.
While the market overwhelmingly expects the Fed to cut 25 bps, new data could change the expectations dramatically in the next four weeks. The most important data points are:
• BLS Nonfarmed Payroll and Unemployment, November 1st
• US Presidential Election, November 5th
Separately, the next BLS CPI release will be on November 13th, after the BFF November 8th contract. We could use the BFF November 15th contract to trade on that event.
As an educational writeup, I do not offer a personal view on the future direction of BFF prices. With basic information provided here, traders could apply their own view to set up a trade on BFF.
Generally, if the Fed cuts rates in December, stocks and cryptocurrencies could get a lifting as lower rates reduce the cost of capital. Meanwhile, if the Fed pauses and decides on no-cuts, the uncertainty on interest rate trajectory could cause risk capital to fall.
Happy Trading.
Disclaimers
*Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services.
CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
Uber (UBER): Missed the Rally? Here comes new opportunitiesIt's been a while since we last looked at Uber, and the stock has moved perfectly since then. Uber reacted exactly as expected to our desired area, but unfortunately, we didn’t buy any shares at the time. If you did, congratulations – this position is now up 60.8%!
Shares of rideshare companies Uber Technologies and Lyft surged on Friday, following Tesla's underwhelming Robotaxi reveal. Uber has shifted its focus away from developing autonomous vehicles and is instead concentrating on expanding its marketplace for riders and drivers. This shift has created a robust network effect, making it increasingly difficult for competitors to match Uber's scale, according to a recent report by Business Insider.
Uber’s asset-light business model, which doesn't involve owning or maintaining vehicles, has been financially successful, generating $1.7 billion in free cash flow in the second quarter. Now, Uber has reached a new all-time high, and if we look back at the chart, it's easy to see a clear and powerful pattern. After entering our desired area, Uber made a sharp V-shaped correction, followed by a key level retest. In a short period, NYSE:UBER turned bullish, marking a complete turnaround.
We will be closely watching Uber Technologies' upcoming earnings report, scheduled for October 31, 2024. After this event, we’ll update our chart and look for possible new opportunities.
Bullish rates reversal signals US dollar downside riskIf you want clues on directional risks for the US dollar, there are worse places to look than US 2-year Treasury note futures, shown in the left-hand pane of the chart. As one of the most liquid futures contracts globally, the price signals it provides can be very informative for broader markets, especially in the FX universe.
Having tumbled most of October, implying higher US yields given the inverse relationship between the two, the price action this week looks potentially important. We saw the price take out long-running uptrend support on Wednesday before staging a dramatic bullish reversal on Thursday despite another hot US inflation report.
The bounce off the 200-day moving average on the back of big volumes delivered not only a hammer candle but also took the price back above former uptrend support, delivering a bullish signal that suggests directional risks for yields may be skewing lower. You can see that in the right-hand pane with US 2-year bond yields hitting multi month highs on Thursday before reversing lower.
But it’s the correlation analysis beneath the chart that I want you to focus on, looking at the strength of the relationship US 2-year yields have had with a variety of FX pairs over the past fortnight.
USD/JPY has a score of 0.9 with USD/CNH not far behind at 0.89, signalling that where US 2-year yields have moved over the past two weeks, these pairs have almost always followed.
EUR/USD, GBP/USD and AUD/USD have experienced similarly strong relationships over the same period with scores ranging from -0.88 to -0.96, the only difference being where yields have moved, they’ve usually done the opposite.
The broader readthrough is that shorter-dated US yields have been driving US dollar direction recently, with rising rates fuelling dollar strength. But given the bullish signal from US 2-year Treasury note futures on Thursday, if we just saw the lows, it implies we may have seen the highs for US yields and the US dollar.
Good luck!
DS
Elon Musk’s EV Empire Unveils Cybercabs and Robovans. Now What?Highly-anticipated Robotaxi event offered a glimpse into what Elon Musk touted as “the future” — a driverless almond-shaped Cybercab robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedals and a Robovan that can ferry up to 20 people (but looks like a giant sliding toaster ). Both are futuristic and flashy. But can they generate revenue and keep Tesla churning out profits? That’s the question investors were asking while they pressed hard on the “Sell TSLA shares” button.
Tesla (ticker: TSLA ) is introducing a new era. Years after it had released a new product (the Cybertruck in 2019), the electric-vehicle maker, towering over the EV space , is expanding its product suite with not one but two new sick wheels. Rolling up to the stage in one of them — a robotaxi called “Cybercab” — Elon Musk, Tesla’s chief executive, unveiled the driverless two-seater cab and an autonomous van conveniently called Robovan.
“You could fall asleep and wake up at your destination,” Musk said on stage after he arrived one hour late. “There’s no steering wheel or pedals so I hope this goes well.”
The other big reveal was a Robovan/Robobus that can pick up a total of 20 people at a time. The Robovan is especially odd-looking, which, according to Musk, is intentional. “We want to change the look of the roads,” said Musk. “The future should look like the future.”
The icing on the cake was a new version of Optimus — Tesla’s humanoid robot. In its latest form, Optimus was spotted pouring drinks at the venue and dancing in fish tanks while flexing jacked forearms.
Happening at the Warner Brothers movie set in Los Angeles, the hotly-awaited invite-only event had managed to sneak in 50 Cybercab prototypes and multiple humanoid robots.
Of the few details laid out around the business model — the Cybercab is going to cost less than $30,000 with an operating cost of 20 cents a mile. “We expect to be in production with the Cybercab … in probably — well, I tend to be a little optimistic with time frames — but in 2026. Before 2027,” Musk said.
How would that work? Musk is hoping that there will be millions of Cybercabs available to rent out from the owners through the Tesla app. “Your average passenger car is only used 10 hours a week,” he noted. “If they are autonomous they could be used five times more, maybe 10 times more.” Thus, it seems like Musk is betting on new owners looking to convert their vehicles into autonomous taxis, earning them a passive income.
But there’s a long way to go — this new way of transportation requires regulatory approval and regulators don’t exactly have a reputation for being open-minded to new ideas.
According to Elon Musk, Tesla’s future hinges on autonomous driving. Driverless vehicles are central to the continued growth and success of the EV maker. So much so that Musk has previously said that Tesla’s market cap could hit $30 trillion, or about 40 times the current valuation (or 10 times the market cap of Apple (ticker: AAPL ), the world's most expensive company .) For reference, the entire S&P 500 index is worth $50 trillion today.
Tesla’s market worth may skyrocket 40 times but it won’t be today. The neon-filled scene giving futuristic vibes and Musk touting the new products as game-changers didn’t inspire investors to rush in and shove their cash into Tesla shares.
Some key details were missing and that prompted investors to take a cautious stand. First off, from over 2 hours of livestreamed content , the presentation was just about 20 to 30 minutes and didn’t discuss anything about self-driving safety. No deep dives into the business model on the side of revenue or market share for driverless taxis. And with Musk’s broken promises — he had said that millions of robotaxis will be ferrying passengers in 2020 — investors went mild instead of wild.
First trades at the opening bell in New York on Friday saw Tesla shares drop more than 10%. Was the event mostly razzle-dazzle and lots of glam and glitz? Or was there any real substance behind?
Share your thoughts below!