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Market Phases | Buy & Sell zone!Today, we delve into the crucial market phases, focusing on the dynamics of accumulation and distribution, along with the concepts of BOS (Breakout of Structure), Sweep, Range, and Liquidity. Understanding these phases is essential for developing an informed trading strategy and improving trading decisions. The market goes through various phases, such as accumulation and distribution, which play a key role in price formation. Accumulation represents a period when institutional traders accumulate a significant position, while distribution is associated with the sale of these positions. BOS (Breakout of Structure) is a pivotal event where the price surpasses a significant support or resistance level. Analyzing BOS can provide signals for reversal or trend continuation, indicating the end of one phase and the beginning of another. The concept of Sweep involves the rapid and aggressive buying or selling of a large quantity of assets at current market prices. This may indicate institutional interest and influence the future direction of the price. Range refers to a consolidated price interval where the market is temporarily "locked." During these phases, traders can seek breakout or breakdown signals to identify trading opportunities. Liquidity is crucial as it represents the availability of a large volume of trades at a specific price level. Understanding market phases and concepts like BOS, Sweep, Range, and Liquidity provides a solid foundation for chart analysis. Using this knowledge, informed decisions can be made to identify trading opportunities and manage risks more effectively.
Education
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
Managing Positions with Parallel ChannelVideo tutorial: • How to identify downtrend and uptrend line • How to draw parallel channel correctly • Confirming a change in trend (using trendline itself) • Managing positions with parallel lines - Profits - Risks - Knowing its volatility Micro Natural Gas Futures & Its Minimum Fluctuation 0.001 per MMBtu = $1.00 Code: MNG 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
NYMEX:NG1!Education
by konhow
Looming Threats to Food and Energy SecurityThe global food and energy markets face growing uncertainty and volatility in the coming years due to converging factors that could lead to supply shortages, price spikes, and potential shocks. One concern is the impact of declining sunspot cycles on the climate. Scientists predict that a grand solar minimum could occur in the coming decades, causing global cooling and disruptive weather patterns, negatively affecting grain production in key agricultural. With grain supplies tightened, any further demand increases would send prices a lot higher. Global grain consumption has grown steadily, increasing by over 2% in the last 25 years. Rising disposable incomes in developing countries have enabled consumers to add more protein foods like meat and dairy to their diets. However, this dietary shift puts pressure on grains, since over 8 pounds of grain is needed to produce just 1 pound of beef. Hence, increased meat consumption indirectly leads to higher demand for grains. The ongoing war in Ukraine has severely impacted global grain markets, compounding the risks. Combined, Russia and Ukraine account for nearly 25-30% of worldwide wheat exports. With both countries blocking or threatening to destroy grain shipments, the conflict poses a huge threat to food security especially in import-dependent regions like North Africa and the Middle East. Export restrictions like India's recent rice export ban to protect domestic food security are also tightening global grains trade. As supplies dwindle, agricultural commodities become more vulnerable to price shocks. These supply uncertainties make soft commodities like cocoa, coffee, and sugar especially at risk of price spikes in coming years. Prolonged droughts related to climate cycles like La Niña and El Niño could severely reduce yields of these crops grown in tropical regions of Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. For instance, a drought in West Africa's prime cocoa-growing areas could significantly impact production. Cocoa prices are already trading near 6-year highs in anticipation of shortages. If drought hits key coffee-growing regions of Vietnam and Brazil, substantial price increases could follow. Similar severe drought potential exists in the U.S. Midwest this summer. Lack of rainfall and moisture could cause severe yield reductions in America's corn and soybean belts. Since the U.S. is the world's largest corn and soybean exporter, this would cause severe upward price pressures globally. The rise in agricultural commodities ETF Invesco DBA likely reflects investor concerns about impending supply shortages across farming sectors, and its price might be leading the spot price of agricultural commodities. Fertilizer prices also contribute to food market uncertainty. In 2021-2022 fertilizer prices skyrocketed due to energy costs rising, directly raising the cost of food production. When fertilizer prices surge, it puts immense pressure on farmers' costs to grow crops and indirectly influences food prices. However, falling fertilizer prices do not necessarily translate into lower food costs for consumers. Fertilizer prices have dropped substantially over the last year, without that meaning everything is fine with fertilizer production. Dropping fertilizer prices could actually indicate a slowdown in agriculture, as, lower demand for fertilizers could mean fewer farmers are investing in maximizing crop yields. In that case, food production may decline leading to higher prices due to supply and demand fundamentals. At the same time, if other farm expenses like machinery, seeds, or labor rise due to factors like high energy costs, overall production costs could still increase even as fertilizer prices decline. The energy markets face a similar mix of uncertainty and volatility ahead. Despite substantial declines in prices, the energy sector ETF XLE has held up well, suggesting investors anticipate a rebound in oil and natural gas. Fundamentally, both commodities could trade a lot higher in the long term, however in the medium term I believe that oil is poised to drop further to the $55-60 area before tightening supplies lead to much higher prices. Essentially what’s missing is a capitulation to flush bullish sentiment, and then lead to much higher prices. At the moment the market has found a balance between a weakening global economy and OPEC+ supply cuts. A key uncertainty is China's massive oil stockpiling in recent years, now totaling nearly 1 billion barrels. If oil exceeds $80-85 per barrel, China could temper price rallies by releasing some of these reserves, as it did in 2021. With China's economy in turmoil, further reserve releases may be needed to stimulate growth, but it’s unclear whether its economy will be able to come back easily. Weak demand from China is already an issue for the oil market, and releases from the Chinese SPR could restrain oil prices over the next year. However, on the bullish side, the world remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels lacking viable large-scale alternatives, even as ESG trends continue. OPEC's dwindling spare production capacity raises risks of undersupply. Even an economic recession may only briefly dampen oil prices before supply cuts by major producers again tighten markets. Ultimately, sustained high energy prices will restrain broader economic growth by reducing demand across sectors. The outlook for food and energy markets remains uncertain, with significant risks of continued volatility over the next few years. Multiple converging factors point to potential supply shortages and price spikes across agricultural commodities and fossil fuels. While prices may fluctuate in the short-term (6-12 months), the medium-term trajectory appears to be toward tighter supplies and higher costs for food and energy (2-5 years). To close on a more positive note, I believe that food and energy prices will see significant deflation as extreme technological progress pushes prices down in the long term (5+ years).
TVC:USOILEducation
by BitcoinMacro
1
Top 10 books in tradingAs a trader now of over 23 years, I have read a few hundred trading books in that time. It is always really interesting to have other people's perspective, strategies, hint, tips and tools. However, the main issue is not knowing if you are likely to get value from the book you purchase as it is also very subjective. You either have issues such as the book is too basic, or the other end of the scale, it's too advanced. During the 20 plus years, I found a number of great books that helped me - but also ones I have shared with others over the years. Regardless of your level of knowledge how do you know what works or would work for you or your style of trading? I put this list together in no real order, but I'll try to summarise each with a little about what I liked or what you can take away. ============================================================== "The Wall Street Jungle" Written by Richard Ney, first published in 1970. In this book, Ney provides readers with an insider's perspective on the world of finance and investment. He delves into the complexities and pitfalls of Wall Street, offering a critical examination of the stock market and the investment industry. Ney, a former Wall Street insider himself, reveals the often deceptive practices and psychological games played by brokers and financial institutions. He discusses the dangers of following investment advice blindly and emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to managing one's finances. Throughout the book, Ney uses real-life examples and anecdotes to illustrate the challenges and temptations that investors face. He also explores the psychological aspects of investing, discussing how emotions can influence financial decisions and lead to costly mistakes. What I like about this is the emphasis put on the market makers, as a trader who uses Wyckoff Techniques, it made more sense when identifying with Composite Man theory. "Trading in the Zone" By Mark Douglas that focuses on the psychology of trading and investing. Published in 2000, the book offers valuable insights into the mental aspects of successful trading. Douglas emphasizes the idea that trading is not just about mastering technical analysis or market fundamentals but also about mastering one's own emotions and mindset. This book was one of the best in terms of psychology, every trader has a different appetite for risk and even profits, this is a huge factor in trading especially early on. If you struggle with psychology of trading or the emotions, I would 100% recommend this one. "The Wealth of Nations" Written by the Scottish economist and philosopher Adam Smith, first published in 1776. This influential work is considered one of the foundational texts in the field of economics and is often regarded as the birth of modern economics. In the book Smith explores the principles of a free-market capitalist system and the mechanisms that drive economic prosperity. He famously introduces the concept of the "invisible hand," which suggests that individuals pursuing their self-interest in a competitive market inadvertently contribute to the greater good of society. For me, the rules of economics have not changed much since the creation of this book. appreciating moves such as DXY up = Gold down, is simple economics. The main take away is again around Wyckoff theory for me and the fact the "invisible hand" is exactly why and how some fail and some profit. "The Go-Giver" Although not technically a trading book, it's one of the best little business/life stories. self-help book co-authored by Bob Burg and John David Mann. Published in 2007, it presents a unique and compelling philosophy on success and achieving one's goals. The book revolves around the story of a young, ambitious professional named Joe who is seeking success in his career. Through a series of encounters with a mentor named Pindar, Joe learns the "Five Laws of Stratospheric Success." These laws, which are principles of giving, value, influence, authenticity, and receptivity, guide him on a transformative journey toward becoming a true "go-giver." The way I saw this from a trading perspective is pretty much, the value given by stocks or companies is something Warren Buffet and Benjamin Graham investment theory was all about. Although a different type of value - you can understand why instruments such as gold or oil have a place, a value and this can be deemed as expensive or fair at any given point. These waves are what really moves the market. "The Zurich Axioms" A book written by Max Gunther, originally published in 1985. This book offers a set of investment and risk management principles derived from the wisdom and practices of Swiss bankers in Zurich. The Zurich Axioms provide a unique and unconventional approach to investing and wealth management. The book presents a series of investment "axioms," or guidelines, that challenge conventional wisdom in the world of finance. These axioms emphasize risk management, flexibility, and the willingness to take calculated risks. They encourage investors to think independently and avoid the herd mentality often associated with financial markets. For me it's more about investing and less about trading. But the deep down message is all to do with ultimately wealth preservation, I have been in the wealth management and investment space and found it interesting that the more an investor has, the less about making money it becomes and more about safe guarding that capital it gets. "Mastering the Market Cycle: Getting the Odds on Your Side" Written by Howard Marks, a renowned investor and co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management. Published in 2018, the book delves into the critical concept of market cycles and provides insights on how investors can navigate them to enhance their investment strategies. In the book, Marks emphasizes the cyclical nature of financial markets and discusses the inevitability of market fluctuations. He explores the factors and indicators that drive market cycles, such as economic data, investor sentiment, and market psychology. Marks' central thesis is that investors can improve their chances of success by understanding where they are in the market cycle and adjusting their investment decisions accordingly. I had a spooky delve into market cycles, I have a good friend who told me he did not trade price, instead time. This was something I could not really figure out, but was so fascinating that the markets can work in cycles. It was interesting that Larry Williams also discussed a similar thing with the Orange Juice market's in one of his books. "How I Made One Million Dollars Last Year Trading Commodities" And here is Larry Williams' book. provides an insider's perspective on his successful journey as a commodities trader. In this book, Williams shares his personal experiences, strategies, and insights into the world of commodity trading. He outlines the specific techniques and tactics he used to achieve remarkable profits in a single year. While the book may not offer a guaranteed formula for success, it offers valuable lessons on risk management, market analysis, and the psychology of trading. It serves as both an inspiration for aspiring traders and a guide for those looking to improve their trading skills in the volatile world of commodities. For me, the COT intel is invaluable. When you learn what drives markets really, COT is such a useful tool to have at your disposal. "Nature's Law: The Secret of the Universe" A groundbreaking book by Ralph Nelson Elliott, the creator of the Elliott Wave Theory. Published in the early 20th century, this influential work introduced a novel perspective on market analysis and price prediction. Elliott's theory posits that financial markets and other natural phenomena follow a repetitive, fractal pattern that can be analyzed through wave patterns. He outlines the concept of impulsive and corrective waves and demonstrates how these waves form trends in various financial markets. The book delves into the idea that the market's movements are not entirely random but instead exhibit an underlying order, governed by these wave patterns. Elliott's ideas have had a profound impact on technical analysis and have been adopted by traders and analysts worldwide. "Nature's Law" serves as the foundation of the Elliott Wave Theory, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding and predicting financial markets based on natural patterns and mathematical principles. If you want to learn about Elliott Waves - here it is from the horse's mouth as they say. "Master the art of Trading" By Lewis Daniels - Master the Art of Trading trader, offers a quick, easy, and comprehensive roadmap to trading. It explores the grand theories and behavioural economics underpinning the markets, from Elliot Wave Theory to Composite Man. It unpicks visual data, such as candlestick graphs and trend lines. It equips readers with the correct tools to make sense of the data and to make better trades. And it helps readers uncover their innate strengths, realise their propensity for risk, and discover what sort of trader they are - on order to optimise their behaviour to make them as effective as possible. This book puts together all of the core trading requirements from the basic trendline through to psychology and technical techniques. "The Intelligent Investor" a classic and highly influential book on the subject of value investing, written by Benjamin Graham and first published in 1949. Graham, a renowned economist and investor, is often considered the "father of value investing." The book offers a comprehensive guide to the principles and strategies of sound, long-term investing. Graham's central concept is the distinction between two types of investors: the defensive, "intelligent" investor and the speculative investor. He emphasizes the importance of conducting in-depth analysis and due diligence to make informed investment decisions, rather than engaging in market speculation. I don't think any list of trading books is complete without this one! It's the Warren Buffer Holy Grail. For me, it's about risk management, finding value - especially with investments like value stocks. Using compounding interest and the factor of time to your advantage. ===================================================================== I would be keen to get comments and other book recommendations from the trading community here on Tradingview.
FX:XAUUSDEducation
by Mayfair_Ventures
5
People want to earn but not learnThe issue is everyone wants to make money (well, maybe not everyone) but nobody wants to take the time to learn how to do it properly. This is NOT a sales pitch by the way! it's FACT!! People often ask why I bash influencers so much, it's mainly for this reason. Majority of noobs, come into trading expecting to make a fortune. If only it was that easy, every man and his dog would be a professional trader. Over the years, I have talked about things like Bots and AI that are programmed to make you money - think logically, if again it is this easy wouldn't the founders go to the bank, loan $10million based on their results and just not bother selling and shilling to customers and retail. NOBODY wants to provide customer service, especially to the world's population. Unfortunately, regardless of the market. Trust me if you stick around long enough you get to see this behaviour in Forex, Commodities, Stocks and more recently crypto with a splash of A.I. The story goes pretty much the same way. "man (or woman) hears about an opportunity to make money through a thing called trading, they do their research which leads to the old You of Tube and that leads to "Lamborghini promises from kids with fake watches, drawing random trendlines on 3 minute charts" There's often a "sign-up" bonus if you click their shill link. So let's get this straight, they make money on watch time and those links you click. The reason I chose fish in the image above, is that most people have memories that last about 2 seconds. Mark Cuban said "everyone is a genius in a bull market" Algorithms work and influencers claim to be experts with 3 months of experience. Easy to show in a market only going one way. Trading is hard enough, let alone having the ability to lose money from scams. If a trading algorithms promises a 90% win rate - run and don't buy it. ============================================================== There are fundamental things to do and you can deploy to get you off on the right track. Firstly think of the obvious. 90% of new traders lose 90% of their money in only 90 days. Hence a 50% sign-up bonus whereby you think you gained "free cash" often has small print that you can't access it until you lost your original investment. Affiliates tend to get 25% or more of the deposit - the exchanges know full well, your about to lose your money. Second thing I try to emphasis for newer traders, is that you need to treat trading as a profession. You wouldn't watch a video and expect to be a doctor, you also wouldn't buy an algorithm or Artificial Intelligence software and expect to become New York's latest Hot Shot Lawyer You see where this is going? There is no secret sauce, no silver bullet and no short cuts. If you want to trade and make money trading, you need the basics. You need to keep doing the basics well and evolve your mindset more than a strategy. Areas that will really help you include proper risk management. If your willing to be sat in negative 20, 30 or even 50% equity positions. This won't take you long to lose your entire trading pot. Instead risking 1-2% with a risk strategy of 2 -1 or greater. it's a slower game, but it keeps you playing the game. If you take a 3 or even a 4 reward trade with only 1 risk. For every time you are right, it's giving you 4 times as much as when you are wrong. Imagine winning 20% of your trading days and still being at breakeven... simple 1:4 ratio. This is only one small aspect to keep in mind. As I mentioned above, if strategies or software is pitched with high percentage win rates - run. You need to understand the market acts differently and past results do not indicate future performance. Everyone is a genius in a bull market, remember. You do not need to go looking for the silver bullet. These strategies do not exist, instead spend the time working on strategies that can be consistent in various market conditions. This is no small task, your strategy might identify entries in a counter trend differently than it would in say a ranging market. The answer to resolve this, is BACKTESTING Don't just run your strategy on replay mode, although @TradingView has a great little tool for this. Spend the time to look at things such as "repainting" this means that when your strategy triggers an entry, does it disappear and reappear. If so, do some manual back testing. Then Dig deeper and analyse the type of market condition it was more profitable or less profitable. This could be things like "I lose more on a Monday, compared to other days" or when the market goes sideways, It triggers too many trades. I've written several articles here on pure education. Here's a few examples. In this post (worth clicking on) it has a whole bunch of lessons inside. Think of trading like you would a university course, there's plenty to learn but you can have some fun along the way! Stay safe! Disclaimer This idea does not constitute as financial advice. It is for educational purposes only, our principle trader has over 20 years’ experience in stocks, ETF’s, and Forex. Hence each trade setup might have different hold times, entry or exit conditions, and will vary from the post/idea shared here. You can use the information from this post to make your own trading plan for the instrument discussed. Trading carries a risk; a high percentage of retail traders lose money. Please keep this in mind when entering any trade. Stay safe.
Editors' picks
COINBASE:BTCUSDEducation
by Mayfair_Ventures
37
A very long-term (Macro) Approach To US/Global MarketsAfter completing my weekend research/videos, I wanted to create something that provided an anchor for traders/investors. This video is not focused on the short-term market trends - although it does discuss what I expect to see play out over the next 12 to 24 months. This video is more about preparing traders/investors for the global events related to Central Banks, market trends/opportunities, and how I believe the markets will react over the next 5+ years. After watching this video, your job will be to watch for key events to unfold. These events, described in the video, will be key to understanding where opportunities and risks are in market trends. This is NOT the same market we've been used to from 2010 through 2021. This is an entirely different beast of a global market. Credit/debt issues will persist, and conflicts/war may drive major repricing events. Pay attention and follow my research. I'm delivering this long-term research to help you better prepare for market trends and protect your capital from downside risks.
AMEX:SPYEducation
by BradMatheny
Short Dated Options to Deftly Manage Oil Market Shocks"Volatility gets you in the gut. When prices are jumping around, you feel different from when they are stable" quipped Peter L Bernstein, an American financial historian, investor, economist, and an educator. Crude oil prices are influenced by a variety of macro drivers. Oil market shocks are not rare events. They appear to recur at a tight frequency. From negative prices to sharp spikes in volatility, crude oil market participants "enjoy" daily free roller-coaster rides. Precisely for this reason, crude oil derivatives are among the most liquid and sophisticated markets globally. This paper delves specifically into weekly CME Crude Oil Weekly Options and is set out in three parts. First, what’s unique about short-dated options? Second, tools enabling investors to better navigate crude oil market dynamics. Third, a case study illustrating the usage of weekly crude oil options. PART 1: WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT CME CRUDE OIL WEEKLY OPTIONS? Macro announcements such as US CPI, China CPI, Fed rate decisions, Oil inventory changes and OPEC meetings drive oil price volatility. Sharp price movements can lead to premature stop-loss triggers. When prices gap up or gap down at open, stop orders perform poorly leading to substantial margin calls. Weekly options enable hedging against these risks with limited downside and substantial upside. Closer to expiration, options prices are sensitive to changes in the prices of the underlying. Small underlying price moves can have outsized value creation through short-dated options. Hedging with weekly options allows investors to enjoy large upside potential. Short duration vastly reduces the options premium burden. This high risk-reward ratio has made short-dated options popular among both buyers and sellers. The daily traded notional value of Zero-DTE options (Zero Days-To-Expiry, 0DTE) have grown to USD 1 Trillion. Among S&P 500 options, 0DTE options comprise 53% of the average daily volume (ADV), up from 19% a year ago. In 2020, CME launched Weekly WTI options with Friday expiry (LO1-5), offering robust, round-the-clock liquidity and enabling precise event exposure management at minimal cost. These weekly options are now the fastest growing energy products at CME with ADV growing 69% YoY with June 2023 ADV up 136% YoY. Building on rising demand, CME added weekly options expiring Monday and Wednesday. At any time, the four nearest weeks of each option are available for trading. Weekly options settle to the latest benchmark CL contract and like other CME WTI products, they are physically deliverable ensuring price integrity. Each weekly WTI options contract provides exposure to 1,000 barrels. Every USD 0.01 change per barrel change in WTI represents a P&L change of USD 10 in premium per contract. PART 2: EIGHT TOOLS TO BETTER NAVIGATE CRUDE OIL MARKET DYNAMICS Highlighted below are eight critical tools across TradingView and CME enabling investors to better navigate oil market dynamics. 1. OPEC+ Watch OPEC+ Watch charts the probability of different outcomes from OPEC+ meetings. Probabilities are derived from actual market data & represent a condensed consensus market view of forthcoming meetings. 2. News Flow TradingView’s News section collates the key market developments impacting crude oil. 3. Forward Curve TradingView maps crude oil prices across the forward curve exhibiting oil’s term structure. Augmenting the forward curve chart is a table CL contracts across various expiries with technical signals embedded in them enabling investors to spot calendar spread trading opportunities. 4. TradingView Scripts Supported by a vibrant community of script creators, TradingView has curated scripts catering to the specific needs of crude oil traders. OIL WTI/Brent Spread by MarcoValente: Shows the spread between WTI and Brent crude. This spread is growing in importance with growth in US oil exports. Seasonality Indicator by tradeforopp: Presents seasonal price trends along with key pivot points to guide traders. 5. Economic Calendars TradingView’s economic calendar highlights upcoming economic events segmented by dates and with countdown timers to help traders better manage their portfolios. Augmenting, TradingView’s calendar is CME’s Economic Events Analyzer which lists key events specifically impacting energy markets and highlights the relevant weekly options contract. 6. Options Expiration Calendar CME’s Options Expiration Calendar is a comprehensive yet condensed view of upcoming expiration dates of WTI options, even those that are not listed yet. 7. Daily/Weekly Options Report CME’s Daily/Weekly Options Report profiles volumes and OI by strike price for weekly options supplying key stats such as Put/Call ratio and key strike levels at a glance. 8. Strategy Simulator CME’s strategy simulator allows investors to simulate diverse options strategies. Selecting the relevant instruments and adding each component of the overall position automatically calculates the payoff while still allowing modification of key statistics such as volatility based on user inputs. The below shows the payoff of an ATM straddle position for the upcoming Monday weekly option. It also allows simulating various market conditions. Selecting price trends such as up fast, up slow, flat, down slow, down fast can simulate the changes in P&L. PART 3: ILLUSTRATING USAGE OF WEEKLY CRUDE OIL OPTIONS Why does CME list weekly options expiring on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday? Each of these address specific macro events. OPEC meeting outcomes are typically announced over the weekend leading to gaps in prices on Monday. EIA weekly crude oil inventory data are released on Wednesdays. Key US economic data such as CPI and Non-farm payrolls are released on Fridays. Use Case for Options expiring on Monday These can be used to hedge against downside risk associated with weekend events. For instance, in April, OPEC+ announced major supply cuts at their meeting on Sunday. This led to WTI price spiking 4% at market open. This can lead to “gap risk.” Gap risk refers to the risk that markets may open sharply above or below their previous close. Since, price never passes the levels in between, stop loss orders fail to trigger at set levels resulting in more-than-anticipated realised losses. Such gap risks from weekend news can be managed through Monday weekly options which provides a predictable and resilient payoff with limited downside risk. Use Case for Options expiring on Wednesday Oil inventory reports by EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration) and API (American Petroleum Institute) are released every week on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. Major misses/beats against expectations for these releases can result in large price moves. Wednesday options come in handy to better manage volatility stemming from these shocks or surprises. Weekly options provide superior ROI on small moves when compared to futures. Favourable price moves deliver larger payoffs from position in weekly options than futures and shorter expiries allow for much lower premium than monthly options. Illustrating with Back tested Results On June 14th, Crude price fell by 1.7% (USD 1.2) to USD 68.7/barrel upon release of inventory data that showed a larger than expected inventory build-up. In the lead up to this data release, a crude oil participant could either (a) Short Crude Oil Futures, or (b) Long Weekly Crude Oil Put Option. Summary outcomes from these two strategies are tabulated and charted below. The results speak for themselves. Short dated long put option is capital efficient, prudent, and credible as a risk management tool. That said, participants must evaluate the risk return profile taking into consideration market liquidity and volatility levels, among others, when choosing between instruments. KEY TAKEAWAYS In summary, 1) Weekly Options can be cleverly deployed to hedge against shocks in oil markets. 2) TradingView & CME provide a rich suite of tools to deftly navigate the oil market dynamics. 3) Weekly options expiring on (a) Monday helps manoeuvre developments over the weekend, (b) Wednesday helps to manage inventory data linked shocks, and (c) Friday enables investors to trade and hedge around key US economic data. MARKET DATA CME Real-time Market Data helps identify trading set-ups and express market views better. 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 DISCLAIMER This case study is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services. Trading or investment ideas cited here are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management or trading under the market scenarios being discussed. Please read the FULL DISCLAIMER the link to which is provided in our profile description.
Editors' picks
NYMEX:CL1!Education
by mintdotfinance
6
Exploring Seasonality in Crude Oil PricesWhat rises, must fall. What comes down, goes up again. This rings most true for crude oil prices. Both secular and seasonal trends are at play in crude oil prices. Demand for oil moves in tandem with global economic activities. Key secular trends impacting oil markets over this decade was covered in our previous paper . These range from falling demand from developed markets, and rising demand in emerging economies, among others. While secular trends unravel over a longer time, seasonal cyclical effects can be observed over a short term. This paper will explore consumption patterns driving annual seasonality in crude oil prices. In Part two of this paper, we will illustrate trading crude oil derivatives to harness opportunities arising from seasonality. CRUDE OIL SUPPLY CHAIN: AN OVERVIEW Gluts and shortages, economic growth and contractions, and geopolitics impact crude oil prices. Different events impact various segments of the supply chain. The global crude oil supply chain is complex and intricate. It can broadly be classified into Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream. Upstream and midstream sectors drive crude oil supply. Upstream outage or shortage affects available supply which are sometimes evened out by the midstream through adequate inventories. Downstream and midstream drives demand. End consumer demand is observed in distribution. Refineries adjust output based on their margins which in turn is derived from crude oil prices and refined product prices. WHAT DRIVES SEASONALITY? Seasonality in demand for refined products impact crude oil prices. Higher demand for refined products (gasoline, diesel, and kerosene) is observed in summer because of travel. While lower supply is caused by maintenance linked pauses in downstream during winter. Crude oil inventory shifts can be segmented into four phases, namely: (1) Inventory Build Up (Feb - May), (2) Summer Travel Spikes Demand (Jun - Aug), (3) Demand Shrinks & Supply Contracts (Sep - Nov), and (4) Winter led demand spike (Dec - Jan). This seasonality is evident in US crude oil inventory shifts as exhibited below. Impact of seasonality is not always directly apparent or predictable. Why? Crude oil is so deeply intertwined with global economics. Shocks, if any, can have an outsized impact on prices and volatility. Also, supply cuts from majors oil producers and GDP shifts in major consumers have jumbo effect on prices. Consequently, other factors moderate or nullify impact of seasonality. The below chart shows the average price behaviour of Crude oil from the start of each year over the past twenty (20) years by using CME front month crude oil futures price data from TradingView. Orange bars in the above chart represents average monthly price change measured over last twenty years. Meanwhile, the white bar shows monthly price change for the same period but after excluding the outliers. Outlier years include 2008 (global financial-crisis), 2020 (pandemic), and 2022 (Russia-Ukraine conflict). Crude prices go bullish on higher demand by refineries starting in March and continue to rise through the summer months as demand for refined products remains high driven chiefly by increased travel. However, by August, sufficient refined product inventories dampen demand. With refineries slowing for maintenance, crude demand declines leading to a moderation in price. Finally, a small uptick is observed in December as demand starts to rise again during peak winter. The average monthly returns for each month are displayed below. However, note that the standard deviation for these averages is non-trivial indicating that month-of-the-year effect on crude oil prices is uncertain and, in many cases, statistically insignificant. This conclusion is also arrived at based on various academic research papers. METHODS TO HARNESS CRUDE OIL SEASONALITY Three most common methods to harness gains from seasonality include: a. Futures (highest upside and highest downside), b. Call options (upside limited relative to futures and limited downside risk), and c. Call and/or Put Spreads (limited upside and limited downside). Traders can deploy options to express a directional view with unlimited upside and limited downside. In a long options position, the downside is limited to the premium paid. Conversely, a short position in options involves selling an option. This offers upside limited to the premium collected but exposed to unlimited downside. TRADE SET UP ILLUSTRATIONS From July until November, based on historical observations over the last twenty years, crude oil prices tend to fall. We could set up a trade using the December contract month of CME Micro Crude Oil Futures which expires on Nov 17th: 1. Short Futures: Short Futures position in MCL Dec 2023 contract (MCLZ3) at USD 70 per barrel with the anticipation that prices will fall by November. 2. Long Puts: Long Put options on MCLZ3 at a strike of USD 69 per barrel with a hypothetical options premium of USD 3 per barrel. 3. Bear Call Spread: Bear Call Spread with a net premium of USD 1 per barrel on MCLZ3 comprising of a short call option at a strike of USD 71 a barrel (collecting options premium of USD 5 per barrel) and a long call option at a strike of USD 73 a barrel (paying options premium of USD 4 per barrel). The Bear Call Spread profits a fixed amount equal to the net premium when both options expire out of the money. When only the short call options expires in the money, the position loses by having to pay the options buyer. However, when both options expire in the money the profit from the long option partially offsets this loss resulting in a capped downside. Each CME Micro Crude Oil Futures contract represents one hundred barrels of crude oil. Accordingly, the above three trade set ups are illustrated across various price scenarios as shown below. Please note that these illustrations do not include (a) transaction costs comprising of exchange trading and clearing costs and brokerage fees, and (b) capital costs associated with margins required for establishing these positions. MARKET DATA CME Real-time Market Data helps identify trading set-ups and express market views better. 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 DISCLAIMER This case study is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services. Trading or investment ideas cited here are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management or trading under the market scenarios being discussed. Please read the FULL DISCLAIMER the link to which is provided in our profile description.
NYMEX:CL1!Education
by mintdotfinance
3
Target reached! Crude Oil ReviewPrice bounced strongly above the 67.31 support level towards our take profit target - but how did we do it? Join Desmond in this analysis review where he covers the reason why this setup worked nicely. Please be advised that the information presented on TradingView is provided to FXCM (‘Company’, ‘we’) by a third-party provider (‘Name of third party provider). Please be reminded that you are solely responsible for the trading decisions on your account. There is a very high degree of risk involved in trading. Any information and/or content is intended entirely for research, educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or consultation advice or investment strategy. The information is not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person and therefore does not involve a consideration of any of the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any viewer that may receive it. Kindly also note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking or past performance statements. We assume no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information and/or content provided herein and the Company cannot be held responsible for any omission, mistake nor for any loss or damage including without limitation to any loss of profit which may arise from reliance on any information supplied by Name of third party provider. The speaker(s) is neither an employee, agent nor representative of FXCM and is therefore acting independently. The opinions given are their own, constitute general market commentary, and do not constitute the opinion or advice of FXCM or any form of personal or investment advice. FXCM neither endorses nor guarantees offerings of third party speakers, nor is FXCM responsible for the content, veracity or opinions of third-party speakers, presenters or participants. High Risk Investment Warning Trading Forex/CFDs on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Leverage can work against you. Forex Capital Markets Limited (www.fxcm.com): CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. FXCM EU LTD (www.fxcm.com): CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. FXCM Australia Pty. Limited (www.fxcm.com): ** Trading FX/CFDs carries significant risks. FXCM AU (AFSL 309763), please read the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and Terms of Business at www.fxcm.com FXCM Markets LLC (www.fxcm.com): Losses can exceed deposits.
FX:USOILEducation
by FXCM
Unveiling the Impact of #FOMC Decisions on #WTI, #Gold, #USD Today was #FOMC! I'm Sure most of us had same experience on BLACKBULL:WTI and $OANDA:XAUUSD. I Just wanted to write about What is #FOMC and It's impact on #WTI, #Gold and #USD, Maybe somebody has lots of questions about that, so I try to do my best regarding captioned subject. The Federal Open Market Committee (#FOMC) plays a crucial role in shaping monetary policy in the United States. The decisions made by this committee have significant implications for various financial markets, including commodities like West Texas Intermediate (#WTI) crude oil, #gold, and the U.S. dollar (#USD). Understanding the impact of FOMC decisions on these assets is essential for traders, investors, and market participants. The FOMC's Role and Decision-Making Process: The FOMC is composed of members from the Federal Reserve System who are responsible for setting monetary policy. These members regularly convene to assess economic conditions, review data, and deliberate on the best course of action. One of the most critical outcomes of these meetings is the announcement of the federal funds rate, which influences borrowing costs and has a broad impact on the financial landscape. BLACKBULL:WTI : FOMC decisions have a notable impact on WTI crude oil prices. Changes in interest rates directly affect borrowing costs for businesses, which, in turn, influence their operations and investment decisions. When interest rates decrease, economic growth is often stimulated, leading to increased demand for oil and potentially driving up prices. Conversely, an increase in interest rates may have the opposite effect, dampening economic activity and reducing oil demand. Additionally, FOMC decisions indirectly impact WTI crude oil prices through their effects on the U.S. dollar. Since oil is globally priced in dollars, fluctuations in the dollar's value can influence the purchasing power of oil-importing countries. A weaker dollar can make oil relatively cheaper, increasing demand and potentially bolstering #WTI prices. OANDA:XAUUSD : The relationship between FOMC decisions and gold prices is complex and multi-faceted. Gold is often considered a safe-haven asset and a store of value during times of economic uncertainty. When the FOMC adopts a dovish or accommodative monetary policy stance, such as lowering interest rates or implementing quantitative easing measures, it diminishes the attractiveness of holding U.S. dollars. Consequently, investors may seek refuge in #gold, leading to an increase in gold prices. Conversely, a hawkish stance by the FOMC, signaled by raising interest rates or indicating tighter monetary policy, can strengthen the U.S. dollar and exert downward pressure on #gold prices. As interest rates rise, the opportunity cost of holding gold, which does not yield interest or dividends, increases. This can make alternative investments more appealing, potentially reducing demand for gold. PEPPERSTONE:USDX : FOMC decisions have a direct and significant impact on the value of the #USD. Changes in interest rates influence the relative attractiveness of U.S. dollar-denominated assets, which in turn affects currency exchange rates. A rise in interest rates can make the #USD more appealing to investors seeking higher yields, potentially strengthening the currency. Conversely, a reduction in interest rates may lead to a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar. Moreover, FOMC decisions and accompanying statements provide insights into the central bank's economic outlook. Favorable economic projections and indications of a tightening monetary policy can bolster confidence in the #USD. Conversely, cautious or pessimistic remarks may weaken the currency. Final Words: FOMC decisions have a substantial impact on #WTI crude oil, #gold, and the value of the #USD. Changes in interest rates directly influence borrowing costs, economic growth, and investment decisions, thereby impacting #WTI crude oil prices. Additionally, the effects of FOMC decisions on the U.S. dollar indirectly influence #WTI crude oil This article serves as a comprehensive guide, offering valuable insights that will enhance your understanding of the FOMC and its impact on financial markets AND May your journey through the intricacies of the FOMC empower you with a solid strategy and guide you towards successful trades, or encourage you to exercise caution and refrain from trading during these significant events. Wishing you the best of luck in your endeavors!
BLACKBULL:WTIEducation
by POUSHEINI
What influences the price of OIL?In today’s volatile global market, the price of oil can be affected by a variety of factors. From wars and international trade agreements to financial market dynamics and global economic outlook, understanding what influences the price of oil is essential for both governments and individuals alike. In this post, we will look at how geopolitical factors, financial market dynamics, the global economy, oil producers’ strategies, and weather events all play a role in determining the cost of one of our most valuable resources. By examining each factor in turn, we can gain insight into why prices fluctuate so drastically over time and how to respond appropriately when they do. Read on to learn more about what influences the price of oil. Geopolitical Factors: Geopolitical factors have a major impact on oil prices, as the global demand for oil is heavily influenced by political events and decisions. The instability of certain regions and countries can reduce their production levels, leading to a rise in prices. International trade agreements can also affect oil prices: the recent US-China trade war has had a significant impact on oil markets, with supply chain disruptions causing uncertainty and increased volatility. The presence or absence of certain governments in oil-producing nations can also influence prices dramatically. For example, the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi's regime in Libya caused a sharp spike in global crude prices due to its immediate effect on oil production levels. Similarly, political unrest in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries have resulted in supply disruptions that have pushed up prices. Lastly, global political events such as wars, coups, and other acts of aggression can disrupt the production of oil and drive up its price. For instance, when the US imposed sanctions on Iran following its nuclear program activities, it caused an immediate jump in crude prices due to fears about potential supply disruptions from Iran’s fields. In addition to these direct effects on production and supply levels, geopolitical events often lead to market speculation which further drives up prices even if there is no actual disruption to supplies. Supply and Demand The balance between global supply and demand for crude oil plays a key role in determining the price of oil. Changes in global supply can cause shifts in prices, such as when OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) countries agree to reduce production, or natural disasters affect output from offshore rigs or refineries. On the other hand, changes in global demand can also have an impact on oil prices. For example, economic booms can cause an increase in demand for fuel, while recessions tend to weaken it. When demand is high and supply is low, then oil prices tend to be higher as customers are willing to pay more for limited resources. Conversely when supplies are plentiful and demand is low, then prices decrease as suppliers compete with each other by offering lower rates. The interplay between these two factors is what drives the price of oil. It's important to note that both short-term and long-term forces influence the price of oil; geopolitical events may create temporary disruption but underlying trends are always at play too. For instance, if there's a sudden increase in production due to new technologies used by producers or a drop in consumption due to changing energy needs, then this could result in long-term changes to the price of crude oil. In addition to this kind of market fundamentals affecting the cost of oil on a macro level, some countries may choose to manipulate their own domestic supplies which can have significant implications on regional markets as well as global ones. Some governments even use subsidies or taxes on petroleum products as part of their fiscal policy strategies – practices which can help cushion consumers against fluctuations in international markets but could also lead to imbalances over time if left unchecked. Overall, understanding how supply and demand dynamics interact with one another helps explain why prices may go up or down depending on current events and market conditions – knowledge which provides valuable insight into how companies should approach pricing strategies for their goods and services around energy costs. Economic Sanctions Economic sanctions are a strategic tool wielded by governments to implement international law or force compliance. This approach can take the form of trade restrictions, investment prohibitions, financial transaction limitations, travel bans and technological access constraints. The application of economic sanctions can have a major effect on global oil prices - as evidenced in 2018 when US-imposed sanctions caused Iranian exports to plunge, with an ensuing surge in oil prices across the world. Similarly, US-driven sanctions against Venezuela had a similar effect on pricing the following year. It is not only reductions in production that influence price movement; sentiment can also play a role. Sanctions against Iran saw market sentiment affected, resulting in increased volatility and more expensive oil for consumers. If an embargo were imposed on a major producer such as Saudi Arabia or Russia there could be widespread disruption to supplies and increased pricing for everyone involved. Even if production isn't hit directly by particular sanctions then long term trends may still be affected: An embargo on Saudi Arabia would likely lead to reduced crude inventories over time as production levels adjust accordingly causing higher prices across the board down the line. This could stimulate demand for renewable energy sources like solar or wind power which would decrease global demand for fossil fuels while bringing down crude costs overall. Overall it is clear that economic sanctions can have both short term and long lasting effects on global oil prices - depending upon their scope, duration and severity. Therefore businesses tied up with energy trading or others parts of the industry should stay vigilant regarding these types of events so they are prepared for any disruptions that may arise from them ahead of time. Political Unrest Political turmoil can have a significant influence on the cost of oil, producing instability in the market and creating price volatility. Elections, uprisings, strikes or civil wars can cause disruptions to supply chains, resulting in higher costs for purchasers. Additionally, alterations to United States foreign policy and government regulations can also affect the oil industry. For instance, when the US exited the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and placed sanctions on Iranian oil exports, international petroleum prices rose significantly. Oil is traded globally so unrest in one country may cause an impact on oil costs around the world. In 2019, demonstrations against fuel tax hikes precipitated a global crude oil increase due to worries about supply interruptions from Total SA's leading refinery in France. Similarly, Yemen’s civil war has caused upheaval across the globe - with Saudi Arabia stopping most of its crude shipments via the Red Sea due to safety issues connected to Houthi rebels. Political turbulence could also lead to a decrease in investment into energy infrastructure projects such as pipelines or refineries - meaning that even if there is demand for petroleum products they might not reach customers because of logistics issues. This could result in shortages of certain goods and consequently greater fees for buyers. Overall it is evident that political unrest has wide-reaching consequences for the price of oil both locally and internationally. It is crucial for businesses working within this sector to keep up with current events so that they are better prepared for any potential disturbance or cost variations that may occur as a result of political instability around the world. Financial Market Dynamics: Financial markets play an important role in influencing the price of oil. Large institutional investors, such as pension funds and hedge funds, often make decisions based on short-term trends in the energy sector. When these investors buy or sell futures contracts for oil, it can affect the supply and demand balance of crude oil and thus its price. The futures market is another factor that affects the price of oil. Futures traders purchase contracts to buy or sell oil at a later date, which impacts crude supply and demand levels. Speculation on OPEC production cuts can also have an effect on oil prices, as can political unrest or economic sanctions against certain countries. Weather and natural disasters are another important factor to consider when discussing financial market dynamics. In some cases, extreme weather conditions can lead to disruptions in production, supply chain issues, or increased demand due to cold snaps or heatwaves. Natural disasters such as hurricanes or floods can also cause major disruption to infrastructure and temporarily reduce supplies of certain commodities including crude oil. Finally, global economic outlooks may influence both investor sentiment and consumer spending patterns which could lead to changes in demand levels for commodities like oil over time. As such it is important for businesses in the energy trading industry to stay up-to-date with global developments so they can make informed decisions when it comes to pricing strategies related to energy costs. Hedge Funds and Speculators Hedge funds and speculators are influential participants in the energy market. They are responsible for buying and selling oil contracts as well as futures to take advantage of price fluctuations. By doing so, they can make profits from their trades but also assume risk if markets turn against them. Moreover, their activities may be affected by external developments such as geopolitical events or economic sanctions imposed by governments. Therefore, it is important for investors to keep a close eye on these factors in order to make informed decisions about pricing strategies for oil-related goods and services. Futures Markets Futures markets are an important factor in influencing the price of oil, as they can provide a platform for buyers and sellers to make profits or protect against price fluctuations. A futures market is a type of financial market that enables participants to buy and sell commodities, such as oil, at predetermined prices for delivery on a future date. In the energy sector, large institutional investors and hedge funds use futures markets to speculate on the direction of oil prices. By buying contracts today with an expectation that prices will rise in the future, these investors can increase their profits from rising oil prices. On the other hand, hedgers use futures markets to protect themselves from unexpected drops in price by locking in current prices for delivery at a later date. Speculative activity in futures markets can lead to large swings in the price of oil because participants have greater influence on pricing than actual demand and supply. This means that speculation can cause oil prices to move independently of actual supply shortages or excesses. Regulatory bodies also use futures markets to set limits on trading and production levels, which impacts prices and volatility levels. For businesses involved in energy trading it is important to keep track of developments in futures markets as these movements can have significant impacts on pricing strategies. Businesses should also be aware of speculation by large institutional investors who are looking to profit from changes in oil prices over time. Understanding how these activities are impacting market sentiment will help businesses make informed decisions about pricing strategies related to energy costs. Global Economy: The global economy is a major factor in the fluctuating price of oil. Investor confidence, currency values, GDP growth and trade disruptions all have an impact on pricing. Additionally, as alternative energy sources become more accessible and affordable they can contribute to a decrease in demand for traditional fossil fuels such as oil. Companies involved in energy trading must stay informed of these developments to ensure their goods and services related to energy costs remain competitively priced. Currency Values The value of a country’s currency can have a direct impact on the price of oil, with fluctuations in exchange rates influencing import costs and buying power. A stronger currency will enable an importing nation to buy more oil for less money, whereas a weaker currency will require more of the local currency to purchase the same amount of oil from other countries. Currency devaluation can also affect the cost of imported goods, as it reduces the buying power of a nation’s citizens and businesses. This means that each dollar or euro is worth less on the global market and makes it more expensive to purchase foreign-made goods, including oil. If countries devalue their currencies, they may have to pay higher prices for imports, which could cause oil prices to rise as well. On the other hand, when a country’s currency appreciates in value, it can help reduce import costs and increase buying power. This makes imported goods cheaper for consumers and businesses alike, which could lead to lower prices for oil in those countries. In addition, appreciation of a nation’s currency can make its exports more attractive to foreign buyers who can now obtain them at relatively lower prices than before. This could help drive up demand for domestically produced crude oil and result in increased revenues for exporting nations. When considering how currency values can influence the price of oil, it is important to remember that these effects are often short-term in nature and only apply when purchasing from abroad. Furthermore, changes in exchange rates are not necessarily an indication that domestic production costs have changed significantly - rather they reflect shifts in market sentiment towards one particular currency compared with all others around the world. Therefore companies should remain aware of current exchange rate trends while also monitoring their own costs over time so they are able to adjust pricing strategies accordingly depending on changing market conditions Oil is now the biggest staple on the world stage. Its importance is difficult to overestimate. The entire economy is based on indicators related to oil. But time passes and the economy changes its face and new favorites enter the arena. Traders, if you liked this idea or if you have your own opinion about it, write in the comments. I will be glad 👩‍💻
TVC:UKOILEducation
by Lingrid
10
Special Report: Celebrating 40 Years of Crude Oil FuturesNYMEX: WTI Crude Oil ( NYMEX:CL1! ) On March 30, 1983, New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) launched futures contract on WTI crude oil. This marked the beginning of an era of energy futures. WTI is now the most liquid commodity futures contract in the world. It’s 1.7 million daily volume is equivalent to 1.7 billion barrels of crude oil and $125 billion in notional value. For comparison, global oil production was 89.9 million barrels per day in 2021. Looking back at 1983, exactly 40 years ago: • NYMEX was primarily a marketplace for agricultural commodities, with Maine Potato Futures being its biggest contract; • NYMEX was a small Exchange with 816 members, mainly local traders and brokers; • Known as Black Gold, crude oil was a strategic commodity regulated by governments and monopolized by the Big Oil, the so-called “Seven Sisters”; • Pricing of crude oil was not a function of free market but controlled by the Organization of Petroleum Export Countries (OPEC), an oil cartel. The birth of crude oil futures contract was a remarkable story of financial innovation and great vision. Facing a “Mission Impossible”, NYMEX successfully pulled it off. At the helm of the century-old Exchange was Michel Marks, its 33-year-old Chairman, and John E. Treat, the 37-year-old NYMEX President. The “Accidental Chairman” Michel Marks came from a long-time NYMEX member family. His father, Francis Q. Marks, was a trading pit icon and influential member. Since high school, the younger Marks worked as a runner on the trading pit for his family business. After receiving an Economics degree from Princeton University, Michel Marks returned to NYMEX as a full-time member, trading platinum and potatoes. In 1977, the entire NYMEX board of directors resigned, taking responsibility for the Potato Futures default from the prior year. Michel Marks was elected Vice Chairman of the new Board. He was 27 years old. One year later, the Chairman at the time suffered a stroke. Michel Marks replaced him as the new NYMEX Chairman. At 28, he’s the youngest leader of any Exchange in the 175-year history of modern futures industry. White House Energy Advisor John E. Treat served in the US Navy in the Middle East and later worked as an international affairs consultant in the region. He received an Economics degree in Princeton and a master’s degree in international relations from John Hopkins. During the Carter Administration (1977-1981), Treat worked at the US Department of Energy. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and sat on the National Security Council and the Federal Energy Administration. In his capacity, Treat was at the center of the formation of US energy policy. After President Carter lost his reelection bid, Treat left Washington in 1981. At the time, NYMEX was exploring new contracts outside of agricultural commodities. One possible direction was the energy sector, where NYMEX previously listed a Heating Oil contract with little traction in the market. With his strong background, Treat was recruited by NYMEX as a senior vice president. A year later, after then President Richard Leone resigned, Treat was nominated by Chairman Marks to become NYMEX President. He was 36 years old. The Birth of WTI Crude Oil Futures In 1979, the Islamic Revolution in Iran overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty and established the Islamic Republic of Iran, led by Shiite spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini. Shortly after, the Iran-Iraq War broke out. Daily production of crude oil fell sharply, and the price of crude oil rose from $14 to $35 per barrel. This event was known as the second oil crisis. It triggered a global economic recession, with U.S. GDP falling by 3 percent. After President Reagan took office in 1981, he introduced a series of new policies, known as Reaganomics, to boost the U.S. economy. The four pillars that represent Reaganomics were reducing the growth of government spending, reducing federal income taxes and capital gains taxes, reducing government regulation, and tightening the money supply to reduce inflation. In terms of energy policy, the Reagan administration relaxed government regulations on domestic oil and gas exploration and relaxed the price of natural gas. NYMEX President John Treat sensed that the time was ripe for energy futures. He formed an Advisory Committee to conduct a feasibility study on the listing of crude oil futures. His strategic initiative received the backing of Chairman Michel Marks, who in turn gathered the support of the full NYMEX membership. Arnold Safir, an economist on the advisory board, led the contract design of WTI crude oil futures. The underlying commodity is West Texas Intermediate produced in Cushing, Oklahoma. The delivery location was chosen for the convenience of domestic oil refineries. WTI oil contains fewer impurities, which results in lower processing costs. US refineries prefer to use WTI over the heavier Gulf oil. WTI trading code is CL, the abbreviation of Crude Light. Contract size is 1,000 barrels of crude oil. At $73/barrel, each contract is worth $73,000. Due to the profound impact of crude oil on world economy, NYMEX lists contracts covering a nine-year period. On March 29, 1983, the CFTC approved NYMEX's application. The next day, WTI crude oil futures traded on the NYMEX floor for the first time. Competing for the Pricing Power Now that crude oil futures were listed. Initially, only NYMEX members and speculators were trading the contracts. All the oil industry giants sat on the sidelines. John Treat knew that without their participation, the futures market could not have meaningful impact on the oil market, not to mention a pricing power over crude oil. In early 1980s, the global oil market was monopolized by seven Western oil companies, known as the "Seven Sisters". Together, they control nearly one-third of global oil and gas production and more than one-third of oil and gas reserves. 1) Standard Oil of New Jersey, later became Exxon; 2) Standard Oil of New York, later became Mobil Oil Company; It merged with Exxon in 1998 to form ExxonMobil; 3) Standard Oil of California, later became Chevron; It took over Texaco in 2001, and the combined company is still named Chevron; 4) Texaco, collapsed in 2001 and was taken over by Chevron; 5) Gulf Oil, which was acquired by Chevron in 1984; 6) British Persian Oil Company, operating in Iran, withdrew after the Iranian Revolution and then fully operated the North Sea oil fields, later British Petroleum ("BP"); 7) Shell, an Anglo-Dutch joint venture. Treat's background as President Carter's energy adviser played a key role. After nearly a year of hard work, the first Big Oil entered the NYMEX crude oil trading floor. However, it was not until five years later that all Seven Sisters became NYMEX members. OPEC producers tried to boycott the crude oil futures market. However, as trading volume grew, they eventually gave in, first by Venezuela and then the oil producers in the Middle East. Interestingly, the Middle Eastern oil producers started out by trading COMEX gold futures, probably as a hedge against oil prices. Gold has been a significant part in the Middle Eastern culture for long. As the main buyers of gold, the Arabs buy more gold when their pockets are filled with rising oil prices, and conversely, they sell gold when oil revenues fall and their ability to buy gold decreases. With the participation of Big Oil and OPEC, coupled with an active crude oil options market, crude oil pricing power has shifted from the Middle East to NYMEX's trading floor by the end of the 1980s. WTI has also become a globally recognized benchmark for crude oil prices. 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
Editors' picks
NYMEX:CL1!Education
by JimHuangChicago
33
GOLD: 3 Reason's why To Invest in Trading education is importantOANDA:XAUUSD 1. Get a Mentor The best asset to your trading is having a knowledgeable mentor in your corner. Even the most well-written book or well-structured online trading course can only cover so many contingencies! When you run into a unique scenario and money -your money – is on the line, why gamble when you could ask someone more experience for help? A mentor can ensure that your trading practices get off on the right foot, as well. If you develop bad habits or emotional triggers early on in your trading career, it’s going to be that much harder to “shake” them later on. Remember: your mentor has likely had the same fears, the same apprehensions and the same mistakes under their belt – learn from their mistakes and the student might even surpass the teacher, in time. 2 Understand What You’re Doing We’re all guilty of coasting somewhere in life – getting the “gist” of something and just letting inertia carry you to a result. Trading, however, is not a High School literature test – it’s an important structure of rules, probabilities and information that could make you a lot of money. It’s not enough to know that cause A affects company B, you’ll need to know why that affect changes things in order to be a knowledgeable trader. Are industry trading magazines, blogs and corporate research efforts a little dry at times? They certainly can be. That doesn’t mean they aren’t important as part of a holistic trading approach. Taking online trading courses may come with an upfront cost, but what they offer in structure and support is priceless. In addition to the course materials, you’ll get access to a community of fellow traders, which will allow you to clarify ideas and discuss strategies with other traders at your level. When it comes to pre-made trading blueprints, following – not blindly following or copying, but keeping an eye on – certain systems will help keep concepts fresh in your mind and promote understanding. That brings us to our final point… 3 Forge Your Own Trading Path The beginning trader could throw a stone and hit a dozen sources that claim they’ve “cracked the code” for 100% successful trading. Not only is that statistically improbable, it’s made to appeal to lazy traders that aren’t willing to put in the work to succeed. No matter how “foolproof” a trading system seems, always filter it through your mentor and your own trading research to ensure it’s worth pursuing. An old saying also holds true, here: don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched. While it’s important to get comfortable with risk in trading, don’t bet the farm when you’re still learning the ropes. As you practice your trades and build confidence in your methods, success will follow naturally.
FX:XAUUSDEducation
by INVESTRONE
Recap of my trade for todayGood evening and good afternoon for American traders, I shared an idea where I said to buy NATURALGAS and I want to give a quick recap in order to encourage new traders to hold their trades for long time. I have drawn on the chart all the points I added contracts after the pullback on the vwap which plays a strong support and resistance role in my trading system. After seeing the configuration I follow to close, I kept waiting for several candles and added on more contract just for fun since I sat the SL right below the last contract I opened and kept watching for a while what will happen, then I noticed low volumes and I closed at the end of the small candle. See you tomorrow in a new trade !
NEducation
by YassineAnalysis
Leading Indicators To Improve Decision Making in Oil TradingHello Traders! As you know, trading is a game of probabilities and navigating the financial markets is not always easy. Different strategies that we use, such as Elliott wave analysis and pattern trading, can provide different scenarios for market movements. However, market conditions are often uncertain and can extend beyond what is predicted by these strategies. In such cases, it is useful to have access to scientifically proven tools that can help us better assess the probabilities of different scenarios. One such tool is the use of leading indicators. In this educational idea, we will explore the use of a leading indicator for Wti prices that embodies information from futures term spread and Relative Inventories. Correlation with Relative Inventories is due to the basic supply and demand dynamics of the market. When inventories are high, there is an oversupply of oil which puts downward pressure on prices. Conversely, when inventories are low, there is a shortage of oil which puts upward pressure on prices. Another useful metric for predicting oil prices is the term spread. The term spread refers to the difference between the prices of two oil contracts with different delivery dates. Researchers have found that changes in the term spread can be a leading indicator of future prices. The relationship between the term spread and oil prices comes from the fact that the term spread reflects changes in market expectations about future supply and demand for oil. Studies have confirmed the predictive power of both relative inventories and the term spread. Starting in a seminar paper by Hamilton (1983), it was demonstrated that changes in inventories had a significant impact on future oil prices. Similarly, other research has shown that changes in the term spread have a strong correlation with future oil price movements (e.g., Kilian and Murphy, 2009), and now there are a vastity of academic paper that explores that correlations and the predictive possibilities. Here another couple of references: www.sciencedirect.com gupea.ub.gu.se Now, I want to bring you an example of how these empirical result can be exploited and used in trading. In the main chart indeed I show an indicator constructed to reproduce the forecasting model proposed in the last article that I linked (Larsson, 2018). This Forecasting Model is a time series ARIMA model that uses both relative inventories and term spread between 3-months ahead contract and the 40-months ahead contract, together with squared relative inventories to capture non linearities in the relation between inventories and wti price. You can see the forecasted model in the red line, while the blue line is the weekly oil closing price. I will report again here the chart for clarity: After the uptrend ended, in which the forecasting model overshooted before crossing back, we can see that every time the red line (forecasting model) retested the blue line (actual price) the retest was followed by a strong decrease in price. This was use for us as confirmation for our bearish scenario on oil, that we are still trading. I hope you can find this post useful! If you have any comment, please share, we will be happy! Cheers, GMR
TVC:USOILEducation
by GMR-Capital
5
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS is the new KING ok here me out. i'll go straight to point this message is for the newbies (oldies gonna hate) what is pure Minimalist Technical Analysis Trader ( MTAT : i just made this up) -it is when u leave out all so-called indicators and focus on the chart -some of these indis are: MACD, RSI, ATR, STOCHT.... -it's when u leave out the FUNDAMENTAL analysis and focus on the chart pattern - i'm talking here about financial news and garbage flash news - didn't u sometimes realize that a news come out, but the dollar act contrary to the news it-self? HOW TO APPLY this MTAT ? let's be practical, but first u need to watch so many charts until ur eyes pops out (it's a prerequisite). 1- always pick a 4h-time frame chart 2- always brush ur teeth before bed time 3- always look for a bullish pair to trade (this is essential for the plan to succeed) 4- after identifying the bullish pair, start looking for SUpport & Resistance...but never make the chart too complicated, u really need like 2-4 lines drawn only 5- after u draw the S&R lines, look for retracements (the pair is going down slightly) 6- use the FIBONACCI drawing tool and draw from the lowest to highest point (before the retracement) 7- it's best to focus on the 61.8% line 8- look for a confirmation candle: a- a red Bar, which the low point of it touched (crossed) the 61.8% Fib line b- followed by a green bar which closed ABOVE THE fib 61.8% line c- place ur buy trade when the green candle closes 9- how to set your target: a- use the (-61.8% or -100%) FIb levels or b- use the Resistance line u drawn previously now the question is, do u really need MACD or RSI or STOCH? of course NO, if you google it, u'll know that these reflects previous price actions? so why use it for FUTURE price actions? what to do when big news are coming out? IT WILL ACT ACCORDINGLY THE PREVIOUSLY SET CHART PATTERN...this will never fail you DO YOU PLACE STOP ORDERS? NEVER, never put pre-set stop orders, you should be active on ur screen and wait for the price to fall to the price u set as a stoploss, AND CLOSE TRADE MANUALLY WHY?, because when we have big news, we have volatility the pair will go up and down so hard to close all stoploss orders then it will continue to obey the technical chart pattern as a fukn slave! let's practice: use the FIB Ret tool: identify the red and green candle: place your buy order: et voila.... #STOP_BEING_POOR
XEducation
by meez_PremiumNOT
2
Our Trading ManifestoHello everyone! In this post we will present and explain our trading system. Our trading system condensates everything we have learned from hard work, study and even harder lessons received in these years of trading. It is constantly evolving and updating, we are always ready to question some aspects of our system and research tools and strategies that can improve it. We will distinguish and explain three different aspects of which the system is composed: Analysis, Execution and Research. Analysis The analytical part concerns all the tools and the strategies that we use to formulate an hypothesis on the direction of the market, and consequently develop a trading strategy. A trading strategy is composed by: -an Invalidation Level: a price level that, if crossed, proves our hypothesis wrong. This is the limit level at which stop losses can be set. -a set of Entry Points/Levels: composed by price levels of chart points that according to our analysis can trigger the move that we are hypothesizing. -a set of Target Points/Levels: composed by price levels of chart points where the move that we are hypothesizing can end. Once a trading strategy is determined, it will be implemented in the executive part. But on what is our analysis based? Elliott Wave Theory, Pattern Trading and Sentiment Analysis. We believe that the chart encodes all the information available. News and events are priced in the market instantaneously. The fundamentals are revealed simultaneously with the price action. Any news or fundamental consideration is just one piece of the puzzle. Price is the synthesis of the result. Price moves because of mass psychological dynamics inducing people to buy and sell. These dynamics are observable in the sentiment and in the fundamentals, and manifest themselves in chart patterns. The composition of chart patterns forms Elliott Waves structures. We don't use this approach as a mix of independent tools, but in a holistic and comprehensive approach. We analyze the wave structure of the market starting from higher timeframes, assessing probabilities of different scenarios by analyzing chart patterns and using different tools related to the sentiment, such as Smart Money Indicator, Volume Profiles, Order Blocks, etc. We use the same approach in smaller timeframes to set the trading strategy (Entries, Targets and Invalidation Level). Execution The executive part of our trading system involves risk management, placing orders in the market, and managing active trades. Once we have developed a trading strategy, we have a set of entries, a set of targets and an invalidation level. We have to use them to define a Trading Plan. Here is the first rule of risk management: we can not lose more than 1.5% of the trading capital for each trading plan. You don't have to depend on one trade. One trade should not be decisive. Trading must not be funny. This is the only way to decrease your biases and your emotional involvement. So in a Trading Plan we decide how many trades to open, how much risk to allocate on each trade (NOT MORE THAN 1.5% TOTAL), at what price execute the trade, and where to set stop losses. No stop loss can be set above the invalidation level. If prices reaches the invalidation level we are OUT. No matter if prices then follows the hypothesized direction, market will always provide other opportunities. We also plan where to take profits at the pre-determined Target Levels. Research The research part of our system is our constantly updating and challenging our knowledge studying new tools, approaches, strategies. Knowledge is dynamic and always updating. You never stop learning. We will post all our analysis and trades. Stay tuned and happy trading! :)
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BLACKBULL:SPX500Education
by GMR-Capital
6
CPI & Inflation Rate USHello everyone! Let's take a look on what happened yesterday on the US financial market and understand the impact of CPI and inflation rate. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation news from the United States can have a significant impact on financial markets and the value of the U.S. dollar. The CPI measures the change in the price of a basket of goods and services consumed by households, and inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising. When the CPI and inflation numbers are higher than expected , it can indicate that the economy is growing, which can boost stock prices, lead to higher interest rates, and appreciate the dollar. This is because as the economy grows, companies will see increased demand for their products and services, which can lead to higher profits and stock prices. Higher interest rates can also attract more investors to bonds, which can lead to higher bond prices. Additionally, a strong economy can lead to increased demand for U.S. goods and services, and increased foreign investment in the U.S. economy. As a result, the demand for dollars increases, which can lead to an increase in the value of the dollar. On the other hand, if the CPI and inflation numbers are lower than expected , it can indicate that the economy is slowing down , which can lead to lower stock prices, lower interest rates and depreciation of the dollar. This is because as the economy slows down, companies will see decreased demand for their products and services, which can lead to lower profits and stock prices. Lower interest rates can also lead to less investors in bonds, which can lead to lower bond prices. Additionally, a weak economy can lead to decreased demand for U.S. goods and services, and decreased foreign investment in the U.S. economy. As a result, the demand for dollars decreases, which can lead to a decrease in the value of the dollar. It's important to note that the Federal Reserve uses inflation as an indicator to change the monetary policy, as they use interest rates as a tool to control inflation. Typically if inflation is too high, the Fed will increase interest rates to slow down the economy and curb inflation, and if inflation is too low, the Fed will decrease interest rates to stimulate the economy. These monetary policy decisions can also have an impact on the value of the dollar, as when the Fed raises interest rates, it can make the U.S. a more attractive place to invest, which can lead to an appreciation of the dollar. Conversely, when the Fed lowers interest rates, it can make the U.S. a less attractive place to invest, which can lead to a depreciation of the dollar.
ECONOMICS:USCPIEducation
by m_maia14
USOIL 3rd OCTOBER 2022 - COMBINATION STRATEGYUSOIL Combination strategy with a Trendline, Unfilled Order (UFO) and Psychological level. Trend is a movement that shows where the market is moving. The term "trend" in everyday life is often used to express a situation, where something is in vogue or is gaining public attention. As you know, a trendline is a tool that can be used to recognize the direction of a trend. Therefore, a trendline can serve as both Support (in an uptrend) and Resistance (in a downtrend). Trend line, Its function as a technical tool does not need to be doubted. Besides being able to help identify trends, this tool can also be used to find entry points. In looking for entry points, you can use bounce and breakout opportunities. remember "the trend is your friend". Believe it or not, in forex trading, the trendline is one of the friends that can help you to follow the direction where the market is moving. This trend movement forms a series of sequential waves with the following levels: Peak (High/H), Higher peak (Higher High / HH) Lower peak (Lower High / LH ) Valley (Low/L) higher valley (Higher Low / HL ) Lower valley (Lower Low / LL) By knowing the support and resistance levels, a trader can minimize risks and maximize profits. During a downtrend, a trendline can serve as resistance. But conversely, during an uptrend, the trendline can function as support. In finance market, a psychological level, is a price level in technical analysis that significantly influences the price of the underlying security, commodity or derivative. Usually, the number is something "easy to remember," like a number that is rounded up. Meanwhile, Unfilled order is a shipment of orders that have not been fulfilled and inventory reported by domestic manufacturing companies. historically it can be seen that the balance between buyers and sellers is broken due to high volatility. for example in the case of US30 23rd AUGUST 2022
TVC:USOILEducation
by DNP-FX
2
Why Crude Oil is Trending Higher Again, Breaking Above US$100In this tutorial, I will explain both its fundamental and technical reasons for crude oil likely to break above and stay above US$100. I am having two portfolios at all times, one for long-term investing and the other for short-term trading. For the long-term I am mindful the current global inflationary pressure is real and it may last many months or even years ahead. Therefore, my current investment mandate: • U.S. stock markets – To trade them • Commodities – To buy them 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. For your reference: NYMEX Crude Oil $0.01 = US$10 Example: From $94.00 to $100.00 (10000-9400) x US$10 = US$6,000
NYMEX:CL1!Education
by konhow
1