Alt season is not coming (yet)..Analyzing Fibonacci levels and trading volumes, it doesn’t look like an alt season is imminent. For now, a monthly close above resistance seems necessary, and as BINANCE:BTCUSDT rises, Bitcoin dominance will likely increase. While this might lead to some minor gains in altcoins, they’re unlikely to be substantial.
Two scenarios could unfold:
1. Short Alt Spring: Bitcoin sees a sharp rise followed by a short decline. This could bring a brief uptick for altcoins, but they would then experience a period of stagnation ("bleeding") before a full-scale alt season arrives.
2. Delayed Super Alt Season: A more robust alt season could happen directly, though with a slight delay.
Check the “golden pocket” (between the yellow Fibonacci levels) for crucial resistance and support zones.
Aside from technicals, consider the macroeconomic context: the Fed’s potential rate cuts and quantitative easing are expected to take time, meaning that a significant increase in money supply could be delayed.
Remember to do your own research (DYOR)! NFA.
Fundamental Analysis
Solana and Crypto Market Analysis - 8 hr
A strong 8 hr candle and weekly candle. Part of this is the new official supposedly alleged official trump coin which is on Solana. But isnt this the whole point of solana? Quick and fast solutions.
- 3 day
As mentioned before, Solana was within a descending channel, any green zone areas were good DCA buys ( dollar cost averaging ). We then broke the channel, retested the channel and bounced and pushed upwards portraying a resistance to support flip. Congratualtions if you got in at $180 area.
- weekly
Sol is currently in price discovery mode and also in its 5th extension wave, expecting $300-$320 short term then a retest back to $260-$270 then a further extension up to $490 area. Across this bull run in general, depending on the total mcap across crpyto, it could easily go much higher.
- SOL/BTC 3DAY
Solana dropped down out of the triangle pattern for a good month but tested the previous resistance triangle pattern and actually moved above the triangle signaling another potential move to the upside in the near term.
BTC.D
Looks like BTC is not yet ready to give into alt season easily, it has pushed to test back into the upward channel. all eyes on the 60-62% area to see what happens once BTC retests that area of resistance. It is inevitable a proper alt season will occur and hence, keeping eyes on ETH portrays this.
3 day chart
Etherium is yet to break into new ATH's, once this occurs it will signal the start of alt season. Solana is massively out performing Etherium, please check the SOL/ETH chart for validation.
Total2 Mcap - Weekly
Seems like the total crypto market cap excluding BTC is setting itself up for a move up. Eyeing a 3.04 T target, lets say a 3T psychological target.
What is everyones TOTAL MARKET CAP PREDICTIONS ( including BTC )?
The current BITCOIN rainbow chart still suggests we are in the early to mid phase of this cycle run. Please do search for this, I find that the most simplest of charts are always useful.
The current Pi CYcle Top Indicator chart also suggests BTC has not yet topped yet this bull run.
Other Callouts:
TRUMP Inauguration:
20th Of January marks the day of a new era in the US, with the trump inauguration. a president who is very pro crypto.
Solana is the dominant chain. Solana's 24hr dex volume with 49% dominance. Its volume is way above all other chains combined!
AI ( Artificial Intelligence ) up Solana which is the new topic as of late globally.
Fastest growing dev eecosystem in CRYPTO
America first Crypto Reserve ( although i only believe this for BTC, dont know how numerous reserves like XRP and SOL will work but still a bullish point )
Firedancer already live
2025 4-5 ETFs is ont he cards which is majorly bullish.
Solana has a small mcap vs XRP. What does XRP do compared to Solana?
Overall, Solana still seems to be very undervalued, it's Risk to Rewards ratio is very high. I'll be DCAing for the next 5-10 years. Approach might be now to buy daily instead of monthly. Small incrementals a day.
THIS IS NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE, JUST A TRADE IDEA.
Appreciate feedback plus further analysis and comments.
XRP macro analysis ⏰ ripple ✴️As predicted case win to bottom everything got completed 🚀
BITSTAMP:XRPUSD from 2021 announced everything on track 😏
Here macro analysis on RIPPLE ✴️ BINANCE:XRPUSDT ....... Long term 📌 #DYOR
Buy :: $0.35 - $0.55 ( use only 70-80% liquid 💰 )
Sell :: $3 - $6 - $9 ( I am not expecting more than these )
#imo ( in my opinion ) -->> my personal target is $6
Let's talk about TECHNICAL ANALYSIS there n number of charts 📉 avilable with me to provide but simple way i provided here 😃 different ways of working charts will be provided below 👇
26 BARs from top 🔝 bull 🐂 run trend line formation was broken 😂 same still going 3rd time
But there was negative sign bcs still price doesn't breach $1
This is the main reason I said used only 70-80% liquid 💰
Here my backup plan on BITSTAMP:XRPUSD using remaining liquid 💰 30-20%
BUY :: $0.045 - $0.0856
Sell :: $0.4 - $0.6 ( i will close when it shows my liquid )
Very less chances are there to get active negative scenario 📌
Note 📌 i will update under post any news 🗞️ or qucik move on price & every time crucial update
Chart updates every 3-6 months
So make shure following article also update you whenever I am updating it 🤍
Giving boosting 🚀 is ur responsibility updating is my responsibility 😏
I keep wave , liquid supply and demand etc ... Charts 📉 🧵 👉
ARB/USDT – Resistance Flip to Support, Bullish SetupARB/USDT is demonstrating a bullish reversal pattern with strong technical confirmation. Previous resistance has flipped into support, and positive volume indicates growing buyer interest, signaling a potential upward breakout.
Entry Point:
Ideal entry at $0.70, where price has found solid support after breaking previous resistance.
Targets:
First target: $1.23
Second target: $1.68
Stop Loss:
To manage risk, a stop loss should be placed at $0.58, below key support to protect against unexpected reversals.
Strategy & Analysis:
Resistance flipped into support at the $0.70 level, confirming a bullish structure.
Positive volume surge supports the likelihood of continued upward momentum.
Watch for higher lows and breakouts from current consolidation.
Trade Idea Summary:
Long from $0.70
First Target: $1.23
Second Target: $1.68
Stop Loss: $0.58
This setup presents a compelling risk-to-reward ratio with bullish confirmation. Keep an eye on market sentiment and volume trends for additional validation.
Happy trading!
BTCUSDT Potetial LONGBTCUSDT Analysis | Bullish Sentiment 🚀
The inauguration of Trump could have significant impacts on global financial markets, but it seems like it hasn’t been fully priced into Bitcoin yet.
💡 Reasons for my bullish view:
1️⃣ Potential increase in demand for safe-haven assets like Bitcoin.
2️⃣ Growth potential in response to political and economic shifts.
What do you think?
SOL & Memes | Is Solana season here ?From Weekend Hero to Market King
Sol szn is here ? YESS, We are 70% up since our last analysis and recent data strongly suggests we might be entering the early days of SOL mania, Here’s why
1.SOL Outperformed BTC and ETH This Weekend: Solana delivered significantly better returns compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum over the weekend. don't let me compare it with Eth cuz it will break Eth holders Soul
2.Market Cap Milestone: Solana's total market capitalization hit an all time high earlier today, now making up 3.53% of the entire cryptocurrency market with a valuation of $114.3 billion.
3.Dominating Daily Net Inflows: As of now, SOL tops the leaderboard for daily net inflows.
4.Revenue Growth: Last week, Solana’s Real Economic Value (the revenue it generates) doubled its previous all-time high.
5.Meme coins often choose the Solana blockchain for a variety of reasons, primarily due to its unique technical advantages and its growing ecosystem. Here’s why: Low Transaction Costs, High Throughput and Scalability, Fast Transaction Speed, Strong Community and Ecosystem,Developer-Friendly Environment, Early Mover Advantage...
6.Weekend Trading Volumes: Between Saturday and Sunday night, SOL trading volumes surpassed those of all major altcoins.
All of this recent movement is huge for two specific groups of people:
-My wife, who has been worried sick since I told her I invested 100% of my life savings in Solana!
-Our followers, who got worded up on SOL around this time last year and load the dip at 20$
But will these trends hold, especially after ETH and BTC ETFs wrap up their first trading day of the week? Probably not but it’s worth noting how impressive this is, given Ethereum’s market cap is 3.3x larger than Solana’s, and Bitcoin’s is a staggering 16x bigger!
As you can see Sol ready for correction and pullback then it gets ready for Sol Mania
Buy (DJTUSDT) 🚨 Trade Signal Alert: Trump Coin 🚨
📈 Entry: $0.000382
🎯 Target: $0.000650
🛑 Stop-Loss: $0.000325
⚖️ Risk-Reward Ratio (RRR): 4.7
Analysis:
This trade is based on key technical levels combined with geopolitics/fundamentals. I anticipate strong momentum and a potential pump by tomorrow.
👉 Support this analysis: Follow, comment, and like to show your engagement and stay updated with future signals!
This is a deception or maybe a technique !!!I think this head and shoulders pattern is trying to deceive us and is fake. I expect the price to drop to the support line and then rise to $99K. WAIT FOR IT....
Give me some energy !!
✨We spend hours finding potential opportunities and writing useful ideas, we would be happy if you support us.
Best regards CobraVanguard.💚
_ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
✅Thank you, and for more ideas, hit ❤️Like❤️ and 🌟Follow🌟!
⚠️Things can change...
The markets are always changing and even with all these signals, the market changes tend to be strong and fast!!
The Crypto Market Game: How to Win Against Fear and Manipulation
Did you really think profiting from the current bull run (a comprehensive upward market) would be easy? Don't be naive. Do you think they’ll let you buy low, hold, and sell high without any struggle? If it were that simple, everyone would be rich. But the truth is: 90% of you will lose. Why? Because the crypto market is not designed for everyone to win.
They will shake you. They will make you doubt everything. They will create panic, causing you to sell at the worst possible moment. Do you know what happens next? The best players in this game buy when there’s fear, not sell—because your panic gives them cheap assets.
This is how the game works: strong hands feed off weak hands. They exaggerate every dip, every correction, every sell-off. They make it look like the end of the world so you abandon everything. And when the market rises again, you’re left sitting there asking, “What just happened?”
This is not an accident. It’s a system. The market rewards patience and punishes weak emotions. The big players already know your thoughts. They know exactly when and how to stir fear, forcing you to give up. When you panic, they profit. They don’t just play the market—they play you. That’s why most people never succeed: they fall into the same traps over and over again.
People don’t realize that dips, FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt), and panic are all part of the plan. But the winners? They block out the noise. They know that fear is temporary, but smart decisions last forever.
We’ve seen this play out hundreds of times. They pump the market after you sell. They take your assets, hold them, and sell them back to you at the top—leaving you with nothing, wondering how it happened.
Don’t play their game. Play your own.
BONK/USDT - 4-Hour Volume Footprint Chart Analysis1. Price Action:
Trend Shift: Clear breakout from a descending trendline; higher lows are forming.
Consolidation Zone: Price is currently consolidating between 0.032–0.036 USDT, which is critical for the next move.
Support & Resistance:
Strong support at 0.026 USDT.
Resistance at 0.036 USDT, with the next significant resistance at 0.045–0.050 USDT on a breakout.
2. Volume Footprint Insights:
Delta Analysis:
Dominant positive deltas (+269M, +70M) signal aggressive buying during recent moves.
Volume spikes in consolidation (4.37B total) suggest the market is preparing for a significant move.
Liquidity Zones:
Demand Cluster: 0.032–0.033 USDT.
Minor Resistance: 0.036 USDT, but selling pressure is weaker than buying pressure.
3. Indicators Overview:
RSI: At ~59, showing moderate bullish momentum with room to grow before overbought levels.
MACD: Bullish crossover with expanding histogram supports an upward trend.
Directional Index: Positive DI > Negative DI, confirming growing bullish strength.
Moving Averages: The price is above short-term MAs, and medium-term MAs are flattening or curving upward, signaling a potential bullish reversal.
Scenarios
Bullish Scenario:
Triggers:
Breakout above 0.036 USDT with strong volume and positive delta.
Price Target:
Immediate: 0.045 USDT.
Extended: 0.050 USDT or higher if momentum sustains.
Indicators Supporting Bullish Move:
Strong buying pressure in the volume footprint.
Consolidation indicates a potential breakout structure.
Bearish Scenario:
Triggers:
Breakdown below 0.032 USDT with increasing sell-side delta and volume.
Price Target:
Immediate: 0.028 USDT.
Extended: 0.026 USDT if selling accelerates.
Indicators Supporting Bearish Move:
Failing to hold 0.032 USDT would invalidate the bullish setup.
NZDCHF Nearing Completion of Bullish Harmonic PatternNZDCHF Nearing Completion of Bullish Harmonic Pattern
NZDCHF is about to complete a bullish harmonic pattern. The price found strong support near 0.5080, indicating the presence of a solid support zone. NZDCHF is also part of a larger pattern, increasing the chances for this bullish wave even more.
Resistance areas are located at 0.5110, 0.5120, and 0.5232.
You may find more details in the chart!
Thank you and Good Luck!
❤️PS: Please support with a like or comment if you find this analysis useful for your trading day❤️
ADA/USD "Cardano vs US Dollar" Crypto Market Heist Plan🌟Hi! Hola! Ola! Bonjour! Hallo!🌟
Dear Money Makers & Robbers, 🤑 💰
Based on 🔥Thief Trading style technical and fundamental analysis🔥, here is our master plan to heist the ADA/USD "Cardano vs US Dollar" Crypto market. Please adhere to the strategy I've outlined in the chart, which emphasizes long entry. Our aim is the high-risk Red Zone. Risky level, overbought market, consolidation, trend reversal, trap at the level where traders and bearish robbers are stronger. 👀 Be wealthy and safe trade.💪🏆🎉
Entry 📈 : You can enter a Bull trade at any point after the breakout or reversal.
Buy entry should break and retest (1.1500)
Stop Loss 🛑: Using the 4h period, the recent / nearest low or high level.
Goal 🎯: 1.5000 (or) Escape before the target
Scalpers, take note : only scalp on the Long side. If you have a lot of money, you can go straight away; if not, you can join swing traders and carry out the robbery plan. Use trailing SL to safeguard your money 💰.
Warning⚠️ : Our heist strategy is incompatible with Fundamental Analysis news 📰 🗞️. We'll wreck our plan by smashing the Stop Loss 🚫🚏. Avoid entering the market right after the news release.
Fundamental Outlook 📰🗞️
The ADA/USD is expected to move in a bullish direction
Cardano Network: The Cardano network is expected to undergo a significant upgrade, which could improve its scalability and usability.
Partnerships: Cardano has partnered with several major companies, including IBM and Google, which could increase its adoption and usage.
Regulatory Environment: The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is expected to become more favorable, which could increase investor confidence and demand for ADA.
Competition: The competition in the cryptocurrency market is expected to increase, which could lead to a decrease in the market share of other cryptocurrencies and an increase in the market share of ADA.
Technical Developments: The Cardano team is expected to release several technical developments, including a new wallet and a decentralized exchange, which could improve the user experience and increase adoption.
UPCOMING NEWS:
Cardano Summit: The Cardano Summit is scheduled to take place on February 20-21, which could lead to an increase in investor interest and demand for ADA.
Network Upgrade: The Cardano network upgrade is expected to take place on March 1, which could improve the scalability and usability of the network and increase adoption.
Partnership Announcements: Cardano is expected to announce new partnerships with major companies, which could increase its adoption and usage.
Please note that this is a general analysis and not personalized investment advice. It's essential to consider your own risk tolerance and market analysis before making any investment decisions.
Take advantage of the target and get away 🎯 Swing Traders Please reserve the half amount of money and watch for the next dynamic level or order block breakout. Once it is resolved, we can go on to the next new target in our heist plan.
Keep in mind that these factors can change rapidly, and it's essential to stay up-to-date with market developments and adjust your analysis accordingly.
💖Supporting our robbery plan will enable us to effortlessly make and steal money 💰💵 Tell your friends, Colleagues and family to follow, like, and share. Boost the strength of our robbery team. Every day in this market make money with ease by using the Thief Trading Style.🏆💪🤝❤️🎉🚀
I'll see you soon with another heist plan, so stay tuned 🫂
Comprehensive BONK/USDT AnalysisKey Observations
Price Action:
Breakout from a downtrend; consolidating at 0.032–0.036 USDT.
Support: 0.026 USDT. Resistance: 0.036 USDT, then 0.045–0.050 USDT.
Volume Footprint:
Positive deltas (+269M, +70M) indicate strong buying pressure.
Volume spike near 4.37B signals market readiness for a breakout.
Key demand zone: 0.032–0.033 USDT.
Indicators:
RSI (~59): Moderate bullish momentum.
MACD: Bullish crossover.
Directional Index: Positive DI > Negative DI, showing rising bullish strength.
Scenarios
Bullish:
Action: Watch consolidation; breakout signals continuation to higher targets.
$LTH represents a strong investment opportunity.Fundamental Analysis
1. Financial Performance
Revenue Growth: Life Time has demonstrated steady revenue growth, benefiting from increased memberships and demand for premium wellness experiences post-pandemic.
2022 Revenue: $2.17 billion (up ~30% YoY).
2023 Revenue (Expected): Analysts predict further revenue growth of 15-20% due to increased memberships and pricing power.
Profit Margins:
Operating margins have improved as Life Time transitions towards higher-margin services like digital memberships and specialized training.
Gross margin: ~35%, with expectations for continued improvement.
2. Balance Sheet
Debt Levels: Life Time has a relatively high debt load (~$2.2 billion) due to its expansion strategy, but it has shown discipline in managing refinancing and operational costs.
Liquidity: Strong cash flow generation supports operational and expansion needs, with a current ratio of 1.4, indicating adequate short-term liquidity.
3. Industry Position
Life Time occupies a premium niche in the fitness and wellness industry, differentiating itself from budget gyms. Competitors like Planet Fitness ( NYSE:PLNT ) cater to budget-conscious consumers, while Life Time targets affluent customers willing to pay for an elevated experience.
4. Growth Drivers
Expansion: Aggressive rollout of new wellness centers in suburban and urban areas.
Recurring Revenue: Membership fees, which constitute over 80% of revenue, offer predictable cash flows.
Health and Wellness Trends: Increasing consumer focus on health aligns with Life Time’s premium offerings.
Valuation
P/E Ratio: Currently trades at 35x forward earnings, slightly above the industry average (~30x). While expensive, the premium reflects strong growth expectations.
EV/EBITDA: 12.5x, suggesting moderate value compared to its growth potential.
Technical Analysis
1. Price Action
Current Price: $17.50 (as of January 2025).
52-Week Range: $12.85 - $20.30.
The stock recently bounced off its 200-day moving average (~$16.80), indicating strong support.
2. Moving Averages
50-day MA: $17.10 (bullish crossover above 200-day MA).
200-day MA: $16.80.
Golden cross formation suggests continued upward momentum.
3. RSI (Relative Strength Index)
RSI: 62 (neutral-bullish zone). The stock isn’t overbought, leaving room for upside.
4. Volume Trends
Strong buying pressure over the past three months, with average daily volume increasing by ~15%.
5. Key Support and Resistance
Support Levels: $16.80 (200-day MA), $15.50.
Resistance Levels: $18.80, $20.30 (recent high).
Buy Score: 8.5/10
Reasons to Buy:
Strong Fundamentals: Consistent revenue growth, improving margins, and a resilient business model.
Premium Positioning: Unique market segment with less price sensitivity.
Technical Momentum: Bullish price action supported by moving averages and positive volume trends.
Secular Tailwinds: Rising demand for wellness and health-related services.
Risks:
High debt levels could weigh on financial flexibility.
Macroeconomic conditions (e.g., recession risk) could affect premium memberships.
Valuation is above peers, which could limit short-term upside.
Conclusion
NYSE:LTH represents a strong investment opportunity for medium- to long-term growth. The company benefits from favorable market trends, strong financial performance, and a differentiated business model. With its current technical setup and improving fundamentals, NYSE:LTH is a "BUY" for investors seeking exposure to the premium health and wellness sector.
$FLOKI is again in my buy zone. Refill your bag opportunity..SEED_DONKEYDAN_MARKET_CAP:FLOKI has a history of impulsive pumps, and this green box has proven to be a reliable indicator for identifying entry points.
Another strong move appears to be on the horizon.
Altseason is approaching, with bullish divergence on the RSI and a MACD reset on the daily timeframe. My green line is currently acting as support.
Strategy: Enter as low as possible within the green box and sell at the peak of the next impulsive move.
As always, DYOR (Do Your Own Research).
LTC Long Term Chart indicates AMAZING GROWTH AHEADLTC was once well know as the SILVER to BTC Gold.
LTC is a REAL heavily used currency, fast with low costs, small number outstanding coins 85 million NOT 100 trillion as some of the meme coins , with a real and respected development team. LTC is not a meme coin. I have been using it for transactions for over a decade.
LTC is poised for insane growth ahead as it has multiple strong fundamental analysis signals on a 3M interval chart.
1. a double bottom. 2 base on base where the 2nd bottom is slightly greater than the first.
and 3. the most important, the entire chart is a flag pattern
These signal together almost guarantee a price 50x to 100x multiples of its current valuation.
I wouldn't START selling LTC until you see a 50 bagger and sell into the 100 bagger.
The charts and TA are never wrong.
This indicates there will be a MASS adoption of LTC somewher in the very near future.
Be grateful you are in a REAL heavily used currency, low outstanding coins, with a real and respected dev team. LTC is not a meme coin.
US Banks on Fire | Revenues Soar, and So Do the ProfitsWho Needs a Recession? Banks Are Swimming in Cash!
The largest U.S. banks have reported some of their best quarterly performances in recent years, with surging trading revenues, a resurgence in dealmaking, and an overall renewal of corporate confidence playing pivotal roles. Let’s break down the key details of the results.
Market Recovery
Across the major banks, investment banking and trading activities recorded impressive performances. Goldman Sachs saw investment banking revenue increase by 24%, while Bank of America (BofA) experienced a massive 44% jump, marking its strongest quarter in three years.
The market volatility stemming from factors like the U.S. election and changing expectations around interest rates continued to fuel robust trading revenues. Morgan Stanley’s equities division, for example, reached an all-time high, while JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs enjoyed notable gains in fixed-income trading.
A surge in CEO optimism has led to an uptick in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), initial public offerings (IPOs), and private credit demand. Morgan Stanley, in particular, is seeing the largest M&A pipeline in seven years, signaling a sustained wave of dealmaking.
Mixed Results for NII
Net interest income showed varying results across the banks, but forward guidance indicates that NII will likely see moderate growth in 2025, spurred by continued loan demand and higher asset yields.
Credit Risks on the Rise
Consumer lending pressures have persisted, with JPMorgan’s charge-offs rising by 9%. Many banks are preparing for a further increase in delinquencies, particularly in credit cards.
Commercial Real Estate Challenges
While the office sector remains under stress, banks are managing their exposures cautiously and have yet to face significant shocks in this area.
Regulatory Scrutiny Continues
Citigroup lowered its 2026 profitability target as it undergoes a transformation, while Bank of America faced increased scrutiny over its anti-money laundering compliance.
Resilient U.S. Economy
Banks are reporting strong consumer spending, loan growth, and corporate profitability, which supports an optimistic outlook for earnings growth heading into 2025.
Performance Breakdown for Each Bank
JPMorgan Chase
- JPMorgan posted a record annual net income of $58.5 billion, marking an 18% increase from the previous year.
- Investment banking saw a 46% surge in revenue, driven by strong advisory and equity underwriting.
- Trading revenue climbed by 21%, led by a 20% increase in fixed-income trading.
- Despite the impressive results, JPMorgan is still facing challenges such as rising charge-offs and pressures on loan margins. CEO Jamie Dimon emphasized concerns about persistent inflation and growing geopolitical risks.
Bank of America
- BofA experienced an 11% year over year growth in revenue, reaching $25.3 billion, with net income up 112% from the previous year.
- The investment banking division saw a dramatic 44% rise in revenue, the highest in three years, thanks to strong debt and equity underwriting.
- Trading revenue grew by 10%, driven by solid performance in fixed income (up 13%) and equities (up 6%) as market volatility spurred client activity.
- BofA also reported growth in its consumer and wealth management divisions, with credit card fees and asset management showing strength. Client balances grew to $4.3 trillion, a 12% increase from the previous year.
- After several quarters of decline, BofA’s NII grew by 3%, exceeding expectations and signaling stability. The bank expects NII to continue rising through 2025, with projections of $15.7 billion per quarter by the end of the year.
Wells Fargo
- Wells Fargo’s revenue remained flat at $20.4 billion, but net income surged by 50%.
- NII declined by 8% year-over-year but is expected to rise slightly in 2025 due to higher reinvestment rates on maturing assets.
- The bank made significant progress in cost-cutting efforts, reducing non-interest expenses by 12%, thanks to workforce reductions and efficiency initiatives.
- Investment banking fees rose by 59%, benefiting from the broader market recovery and the bank’s renewed focus on its Wall Street presence.
- Wells Fargo returned $25 billion to shareholders in 2024, including a 15% dividend increase and $20 billion in stock buybacks. However, the bank continues to face regulatory constraints, notably the asset cap imposed by the Federal Reserve.
- Looking ahead to 2025, Wells Fargo anticipates modest growth in fee-based revenue, with cost discipline and efficiency gains driving improvements.
Morgan Stanley
- Morgan Stanley saw a 26% increase in revenue, reaching $16.2 billion, while net income soared by 142%.
- Equity trading revenue jumped by 51%, setting a new all-time high as market volatility sparked increased client activity, particularly in prime brokerage and risk-repositioning trades.
- Investment banking revenue grew by 25%, fueled by strong demand for debt underwriting, stock sales, and M&A activity. CEO Ted Pick noted that the M&A pipeline is the strongest in seven years, signaling a potential multi-year recovery in dealmaking.
- Morgan Stanley’s wealth management division saw $56.5 billion in net new assets, increasing total client assets to $7.9 trillion. The firm is pushing toward its goal of $10 trillion in assets under management.
- In response to growing business complexities, the firm launched a new Integrated Firm Management division to streamline services across investment banking, trading, and wealth management.
Goldman Sachs
- Goldman Sachs experienced a 23% increase in revenue, reaching $13.9 billion, while net income more than doubled, up 105%.
- Record performance in equity trading contributed to a 32% increase in revenue from this segment, as market volatility drove greater client activity.
- Investment banking revenue grew by 24%, boosted by significant gains in equity and debt underwriting.
- The firm’s asset management division saw an 8% rise in assets under management, reaching $3.1 trillion, while management fees exceeded $10 billion for the year.
- Goldman is winding down legacy balance-sheet investments but also saw a gain of $472 million from these investments in Q4. The firm’s recent launch of its Capital Solutions Group is aimed at capturing growth opportunities in private credit and alternative financing.
Citigroup
- Citigroup posted a 12% increase in revenue, reaching $19.6 billion, with non-interest revenue surging 62%.
- Fixed-income and equity markets were key drivers, growing 37% and 34%, respectively, as market volatility tied to the U.S. election boosted performance.
- Investment banking revenue climbed by 35%, supported by strong corporate debt issuance and a pickup in dealmaking activity.
- The bank unveiled a $20 billion stock repurchase program, signaling confidence in future earnings.
- Citigroup also made strides in controlling operating expenses, which declined by 2% quarter-over-quarter. However, the bank lowered its 2026 return on tangible common equity (RoTCE) guidance to 10%-11% due to the costs of its ongoing transformation.
- CEO Jane Fraser emphasized Citigroup’s long-term growth trajectory, noting improvements in credit quality and continued progress with the strategic overhaul, including the postponed IPO of Banamex, the bank’s Mexican retail unit, now expected in 2026.
Long story short
Heading into 2025, the major U.S. banks are in strong positions, buoyed by a favorable economic backdrop, continued growth in trading, and a rebound in corporate dealmaking. Despite challenges such as rising credit risks, regulatory hurdles, and potential macroeconomic uncertainties, the outlook remains positive. With a recovering IPO market, continued wealth management growth, and strong trading revenue, the banks are poised to capitalize on the renewed corporate optimism. The key question will be whether the dealmaking frenzy continues or whether uncertainties in the global economy and market dynamics could temper the rally.
Inaugaration plan- AUDJPY01/20/2009 - Prior downtrend since Aug 2008 GFC - then up till mid-June.
01/20/2005 - long till March
01/21/2013- long till Mid February then Short. Up till 3rd week of March found bottom then long.
01/20/2017 - Bounce up then down until mid-April.
Technicals currently favour bullishness on the Yen crosses.
Should You Follow Michael Saylor’s BTC Moves? Let’s Think TwiceIn the crypto world, Michael Saylor is a household name. The co-founder of MicroStrategy has become one of Bitcoin’s most vocal advocates, with his company accumulating a massive Bitcoin treasury. Many view his purchases as a signal of confidence, believing that if someone with his track record is buying, it must be the right move.
But is it wise to follow his lead without question?
Let’s take a closer look at the full story and consider why doing your homework is essential before jumping in headfirst.
The Rise of Michael Saylor: Bitcoin’s Biggest Cheerleader
Saylor didn’t become a prominent figure in the crypto space until 2020, when MicroStrategy announced its first Bitcoin purchase.
Since then, he has positioned himself as a thought leader in the industry, frequently championing Bitcoin as the ultimate store of value.
However, Saylor’s newfound reputation as a financial visionary often overshadows his earlier history—a history that’s worth examining.
A Look Back: The Dot-Com Bubble and MicroStrategy’s Decline
In the late 1990s, MicroStrategy rode the wave of the dot-com boom, with its stock soaring to impressive heights. But like many other tech companies of the era, it faced a harsh reality check when the bubble burst.
MicroStrategy’s stock plummeted, and for the better part of two decades, it languished near its lows.
During this period, Michael Saylor’s reputation as a business genius took a backseat. It wasn’t until Bitcoin’s meteoric rise—and MicroStrategy’s pivot to buying and holding Bitcoin—that Saylor regained the spotlight.
Is It Genius or Just Timing?
Here’s the question we need to ask: Is Michael Saylor’s success in Bitcoin a result of brilliant foresight, or was he simply in the right place at the right time?
Bitcoin’s Performance: The timing of MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin purchases coincided with a strong bull run in the market. This rise in Bitcoin’s value undoubtedly contributed to Saylor’s renewed status as a financial savant.
Reputation Rebound: It’s easy to appear “smart” when your investments are soaring. But how much of that success is due to skill, and how much is due to external factors like market trends?
The Danger of Blindly Following Big Names
While it’s tempting to follow someone like Michael Saylor, assuming he has insider knowledge or an unbeatable strategy, history teaches us a valuable lesson:
Even Experts Can Be Wrong: Many celebrated investors have made costly mistakes, especially when riding trends. The dot-com bubble is a prime example of how quickly fortunes can change.
Market Conditions Are Key: What worked for Saylor may not work for everyone, especially as market conditions evolve. Bitcoin’s past performance is no guarantee of future results.
The Importance of Doing Your Own Homework
Instead of blindly following big names, take the time to develop your own understanding of the market. Consider:
Risk Tolerance: Are you prepared for the volatility that comes with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies?
Market Fundamentals: Do you understand the underlying factors driving the asset’s value?
Your Strategy: Does buying Bitcoin (or any other asset) align with your financial goals and investment timeline?
Final Thoughts
Michael Saylor’s success with Bitcoin is undeniably impressive, but it’s essential to view his story in context. His rise to prominence as a Bitcoin advocate came after years of MicroStrategy’s struggles, and much of his newfound fame coincided with Bitcoin’s broader bull market.
Rather than simply mimicking his moves, take a step back and assess your own strategy. Remember, the smartest investors aren’t those who blindly follow the crowd—they’re the ones who do their research, weigh the risks, and make informed decisions.
In trading and investing, doing your homework is the real key to success. Don’t let someone else’s narrative cloud your judgment.
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