GOLD → The FED Rate Decision Ahead: What Should You Do?Dear Traders,
Gold (XAUUSD) has made a notable move, successfully testing the strong support level at 2633 before traders shifted into buying mode. As a result, the price broke above 2643, sparking new optimism as upcoming discussions around potential rate cuts from the Federal Reserve (FED) take center stage.
Currently, there is a 93% probability that the FED will cut rates by 25 basis points. However, the overarching theme is the FED's stance for the future. Hawkish hints regarding 2025 could influence the rate-cutting trajectory, an aspect the market has only partially priced in.
This means any indication of a smaller rate cut could fuel strength for the U.S. dollar. Conversely, a deeper cut could act as a bullish catalyst for gold. The spotlight is firmly on FED Chair Jerome Powell's comments, as they will provide crucial insights into the economic outlook for 2024 amidst the backdrop of Trump-era policies that continue to play a pivotal role.
That said, downside risks for gold remain elevated, particularly if the FED maintains a hawkish stance in the current climate.
Technical Analysis: At the moment, gold prices are consolidating within the range of 2658 - 2633, with a breakout in either direction likely to bring about a strong momentum-driven move. The market is complex and highly volatile right now, which is why traders are advised to hold off on entering positions before the event. Waiting for volatility to subside can offer better clarity on market direction and safer opportunities.
Final Advice: Patience is key in such turbulent times. Avoid getting swayed by short-term noise and focus on acting only after a clear trend emerges following the major event.
Optionsstrategies
Opening (IRA): SMH January 17th 235 Covered Call... for a 230.52 debit.
Comments: Mostly in this to attempt to grab the annual divvy ... . Last year, it was 1.04/share, but it has been widely variant from year to year (e.g., 2.40 in 2022; 1.57 in 2021; 1.50 in 2020). Selling the -75 delta call against stock to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with built-in short call defense.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 230.52/Share
Max Profit: 4.48
ROC at Max: 1.94%
50% Max: 2.24
ROC at 50% Max: .97%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max, but may take profit early if the dividend turns out to be non-chump change.
Opening (IRA): USO January 17th 68 Covered Call... for a 66.72 break even.
Comments: Dinking and doinking on USO at /CL <$70/bbl.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 66.72
Max Profit: 1.38
ROC at Max: 2.07%
50% Max: .69
ROC at 50% Max: 1.04%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max; add if I can get in at better break evens/strike prices.
GBPUSD: Breaking the trend line!GBPUSD is currently trading around 1.2705 and has not changed much since the start of the trading session.
Early Tuesday morning, data released by the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the ILO Unemployment Rate remained unchanged at 4.3% in the three months to October, as expected. During the period, Employment Change increased by 173,000, while annual wage inflation, measured by Average Earnings excluding bonuses, increased to 5.2% from 4.9%.
Although the negative shift in risk sentiment has helped the US dollar gain ground in the European session, the GBP/USD pair remains flat but could fall as the bullish trendline and technical factors are broken.
Opening (IRA): EWY January 17th 52 Covered Call... for a 51.50 debit.
Comments: Primarily in this for the dividend, since the ROC %-age without it kind of blows chunks. The last four distributions were: .63, 1.68, .70, and 1.65. Would appreciate something in the neighborhood of 1.00 (please and thank you) ... .
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 51.50/share
Max Profit: .50
ROC at Max (Excluding Dividends): .97%
I generally look to take profit on these at 50% max, but will wait for the dividend to drop to see what's what ... .
$HITI is presenting another buying opportunity here! NASDAQ:HITI
-We are still holding onto our support level and turning previous resistance into support. If we dip lower we are going back to $2.81-$3 to officially retest the cup & handle breakout before we head higher.
-H5 Indicator is GREEN
-Williams Consolidation Box is thriving
-9ema is catching up to the stock price
-Same thing as before got to wait for the IWM to make it's move higher before we get sustenance.
Opening (IRA): IBIT Jan 17th 50 Covered Call... for a 47.76 debit.
Comments: High IV at 65.3%. Selling the -75 call against stock to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with the built-in defense of the short call. This isn't the best entry (an understatement), but am looking at it as a starter position which I will add to, assuming I can get in at strikes/break evens better than what I currently have on.
Previously, I was working BITO due to its monthly dividend, but it suffers from "rollover risk" and BITO IV is higher on the put side than on the call, making selling puts more productive in that instrument, kind of defeating the reason why you might want to be in that instrument -- the dividends, for which you have to be in stock.
IBIT IV is higher on the call side than BITO, making covered calls more productive from a max profit standpoint. (The max of the Jan 17th 50 short put, 24 delta, is 1.77 here versus 2.24 for the monied covered call). Alas, the trade-off is ... no dividends.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 47.76/share
Max Profit: 2.24
ROC at Max: 4.70%
50% Max: 1.12
ROC at 50% Max: 2.35%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max; roll the short call out on break of my take profit (which is (50.00 - 47.76)/2 + 47.76 or 48.88.
Little bull call spread on StellantisI believe we are in the end of an accumulation. We had bad news lately about this company and his CEO. I don't want to own the stock, specially in this part of the economic cycle. This is purely a speculative trade.
There is a divergence in the awesome oscillator marking a possible end of the bear trend and right after, a period of low volatility characteristic of accumulations as we can see in the multiple historical volatility oscillator below. A spring a few days ago confirmed there were strong buyers. Now we are against the trendline.
So, I believe it's cheap (from ~€25 went down to ~€12,50) and it should make a bullish move shortly.
Strategy: Bull call spread
Expiration: 17 JAN 2025 (45 days to expiration)
Legs = +2 calls 13 and -2 calls 14
Premium = 0.27 * 100 stocks * 2 q per leg = €54
Max gain= €146
Risk / Reward = 2.7
Commissions= €1.5 (only open)
Break-even = From 13.27 (lower call + premium)
Historical Volatility (45 days) = 35,85%
Implicit Volatility = ~31%
In English: If the underlying (the stock) arrives at 13.27 I start earning money. If it gets to 14 or if it surpasses this price, I get to the max reward. I can lose at the most €54 + commisions even if the stock goes to €1.
The blue lines in the chart represent Breakeven, Max reward price and Expiration so I can follow the underlying. Now it's time to follow the DOM for each option.
I hope this process of thought helps you in your trades, specially if you are now to options.
GOLD--> Testing $2700: What Awaits with Upcoming PPI?OANDA:XAUUSD at the time of writing, prices are fluctuating around $2706, down 0.42% for the day, with not enough momentum to break the $2711 level.
Meanwhile, buyers seem to have paused as the market prepares for the upcoming Producer Price Index (PPI) on Thursday. This report is expected to shed more light on the Federal Reserve’s rate-cut trajectory, keeping investors cautious.
While prices are currently hovering around a minor pullback, some fundamental factors suggest that any drop may only be short-lived. Treasury yields have steadily declined throughout the year, a trend that typically supports gold. Moreover, persistent geopolitical tensions remain a strong driver for safe-haven demand, reinforcing the allure of the yellow metal.
On inflation, while consumer prices have stopped rising aggressively, they remain stable. This stability makes it almost certain that the Federal Reserve will proceed with a 25 basis-point rate cut at its December 17-18 policy meeting. In fact, traders are pricing in a 96% probability of this move, up from 86% before the recent inflation report.
From a technical perspective, gold is attempting to escape its main range, breaking key resistance. The focus is on $2700 and $2670. If buyers hold their ground in this region even after the news, prices will continue to grow in the future, as key liquidity zones remain untested. This projected growth is expected to reach levels such as $2758 and $2790.
Always stay ahead of the market with Bentradegold—your trusted source for analysis and deep insights!
GOLD → Wedge has formed. What next?OANDA:XAUUSD consolidation has been completed as investors rush to take profits after the precious metal’s consecutive price increases, reaching the highest level in more than 5 weeks earlier in the session. Prices are currently testing the gap around 2683 - 2670 (FVG). What’s next?
Focusing on policy guidance related to the future of U.S. policies is crucial to determining the certainty of the market's next bullish wave. According to the CME FedWatch tool, there is a 98% probability that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates at next week's policy meeting. Alex Ebkarian, CEO of Allegiance Gold, notes that the Fed is in a very difficult position as the likelihood of a rate cut next week increases, but inflation remains elevated.
From a technical perspective, gold is attempting to escape the battlefield, crossing a key resistance level. A breakout at 2687 has already been established. In theory, the development tends to push prices higher. If gold breaks out of the resistance size, it will provide distribution momentum. Conversely, prices may consolidate further. Ultimately, everything depends on the dollar.
Best regards,
Bentradegold !
GOLD NEXT MOVEDear Friends,
Let’s take a closer look and trade accordingly.
From the chart, we are witnessing a promising setup as the price has successfully broken out of the consolidation phase, reaching the $2726 level.
Theoretically, based on Elliott Wave Theory, the pair is currently moving within Wave 4, a corrective wave following the completion of Wave 3, which closed below the $2722 level.
What’s next? The price is likely to test a key liquidity zone, building momentum for a strong Wave 5, targeting $2758—a compelling and significant resistance level.
Good luck, and may you achieve abundant profit:)
Gold → Breaking through channel resistance. New ATH target?Hello everyone! Ben here!
Today, gold has officially broken out of the price channel, while the bulls are striving to maintain control, defending the key support level around 2665. This level was formed in the context of a weakening USD after signs of correction. The precious metal is now facing significant growth potential, with the opportunity to distribute prices at local highs in the near future.
Macroeconomic factors are playing an essential role in supporting gold prices. Concerns over rising tensions in the Middle East continue to drive safe-haven demand, making gold a highly sought-after asset. Meanwhile, the U.S. jobs report released last Friday has fueled expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) might consider cutting interest rates in its December policy meeting, which is generally a positive signal for gold prices.
However, gold's growth outlook still faces short-term challenges. Investors are currently awaiting key inflation reports, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI). Both reports are expected to provide critical signals for the Fed's monetary policy direction and could create substantial market volatility.
From a technical perspective, the main trend remains bullish, but prices are currently testing strong resistance. To reinforce upward momentum, gold needs to break out of this resistance zone and sustain above it. If this happens, prices could quickly move to new highs. However, if prices fail to break through, a retest of key support areas around 2677 (Fibonacci 0.618) and 2663 (Fibonacci 0.5) should be anticipated before the uptrend can continue.
Share your evaluations and questions about XAUUSD so we can discuss further!
Opening (IRA): IBIT January 17th 48 Covered Call... for a 46.16 debit.
Comments: Adding to my IBIT position at a strike/break even better than what I currently have on, selling the -75 delta call against shares to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put to take advantage of call side IV skew and to have the built-in defense of the short call.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 46.16/share
Max Profit: 1.84
ROC at Max: 3.99%
50% Max: .92
ROC at 50% Max: 1.99%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max/roll out short call on break even or take profit test.
Opening (IRA): USO Jan 17th 66 Covered Call... for a 64.89 break even.
Comments: With 42 DTE in the January monthly, adding a "rung" to my USO position at strikes better than what I currently have on at the 68, selling the -75 delta call against stock to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with the built-in defense of the short call. The ROC at max isn't stellar here with the usual metric I'm looking for being at least 2.0%.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 64.89/share
Max Profit: 1.11
ROC at Max: 1.71%
50% Max: .56
ROC at 50% Max: .86%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max, roll out the short call on test of my take profit at 65.45.
Opening (IRA): X January 17th 33 Covered Call... for a 30.36 debit.
Comments: High IVR/IV at 99.4/105.2. Selling the -75 delta call against long stock to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with the built-in defense of the short call.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 30.36
Max Profit: 2.64
ROC at Max: 8.70%
50% Max: 1.32
ROC at 50% Max: 4.35%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max.
Gold--> Is the Upswing Just Starting or Is a Pause Ahead?Hello, Amazing Friends of Brian! Let's Strategize for Today's Market!
Gold continues to showcase its resilience today, with prices trending higher and currently hovering around the $2,700 mark, up 0.22% on the day. This movement reflects a growing appetite for the safe-haven metal amid mounting uncertainty in the Middle East and speculation about a potential rate cut by the Federal Reserve. These factors are providing robust support for gold in both the medium and long term.
Yet, as the market digests these developments, the critical question arises: Can this bullish momentum sustain, or are we approaching a potential correction? Much of the answer hinges on the trajectory of the U.S. dollar, which remains a decisive force in gold’s price action.
From a technical perspective, gold is fast approaching a significant resistance level at $2,720. A breakout above this mark could ignite further buying interest, paving the way for an extended rally. Conversely, failure to breach this level might trigger a short-term pullback. However, the overall bullish structure remains intact, as evidenced by the upward trendline on the 1-hour chart.
Looking ahead, I anticipate gold to continue its upward journey, with any correction near resistance presenting a strategic buying opportunity. Key targets to watch include $2,750, $2,790, and $2,800, as highlighted on the 3-hour chart.
Let’s seize these market opportunities together—wishing you all a profitable trading day!
EURUSDThe EUR/USD pair continues to trade below the 34 and 89 EMA levels, signaling a short-term bearish trend. Despite attempts at consolidation in recent sessions, the pair remains under pressure, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar, geopolitical uncertainty, and diverging monetary policies between the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the European Central Bank (ECB).
The U.S. dollar has extended its rally for the third consecutive day, with the Dollar Index (DXY) climbing past the 106.60 mark. This persistent strength has added significant downward pressure on EUR/USD, leaving the pair vulnerable to further declines as market dynamics unfold.
From a technical perspective, traders should focus on two key resistance levels. These areas could provide optimal entry points for positioning, with the primary targets set at well-defined support zones. Monitoring price action around these levels will be crucial to aligning strategies with the prevailing market trend.
Stay disciplined and vigilant as you navigate today’s trading opportunities. Wishing you success and profitable trades!
Gold-> Testing Resistance Levels: A Decline or a False Breakout?OANDA:XAUUSD currently consolidating within a descending channel, trading near $2,669. Technically, investors are caught in a dilemma, and the fundamental backdrop remains murky. So, what will happen next with the precious metal?
The focus early in the week shifts to demand catalysts, with news of the People's Bank of China continuing its aggressive gold buying capturing attention. This, coupled with expectations of further monetary easing, creates a supportive foundation for gold prices. Traders are pricing in an 87% probability that the central bank will cut interest rates by another 25 basis points during its meeting on December 17-18. However, despite these factors, the path forward is far from clear. Theoretically, it remains uncertain whether prices can climb higher as they approach a strong resistance level and traders remain cautious ahead of key economic data like CPI and PPI, which could shift market sentiment.
From a technical perspective, the market seems to lack a decisive trigger to escape its current consolidation phase. Personally, I foresee a high probability of a false breakout in the near term. However, if price action at the $2,677 resistance level and the upper boundary of the descending channel shows sufficient rejection, a decline could occur sooner than expected. In such a scenario, the downside target appears to be around $2,615.
Share your thoughts, opinions, and questions—let’s discuss what’s happening with OANDA:XAUUSD :)
COST Costco Wholesale Corporation Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t bought the dip on COST:
Now analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of COST Costco Wholesale Corporation prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 1020usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2025-1-17,
for a premium of approximately $22.30.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
Gold price clings to gain around $2,670/two-week topDear friends, let's explore the gold price after yesterday's big move!
Gold prices rebounded near a two-week high and received support from a combination of factors. Geopolitical risks continue to favor the safe-haven XAU/USD amid the Fed's December rate cut. The current technical setup looks bullish and supports the outlook for further gains...
This rally is expected to reach $2700, which is in line with the resistance channel limits.
GOLD--> Consolidation. Waiting for new move to change trend.OANDA:XAUUSD mild fluctuations on Friday and a second consecutive weekly decline were recorded. Accordingly, the precious metal lost approximately 0.5% this week, after hitting its lowest level since November 26 at the start of the trading session.
So, do you wonder what factors have impacted XAUUSD?
Talking About Influencing Factors:
The sentiment among short-term traders and technical positioning in the gold market has clearly cooled, with efforts underway to find momentum to improve sentiment in the short term.
Throughout the day, gold showed little reaction to the much-anticipated employment data of the week. The latest report revealed that although job growth remains relatively stable, cracks in the U.S. labor market have begun to emerge, suggesting potential vulnerabilities.
Regarding U.S. monetary policy, midweek, Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted that the U.S. economy is stronger than it was in September and adopted a more cautious stance regarding rate cuts. According to the CME Group's FedWatch Tool, with two rate cuts already this year, traders predict a 68% probability that the Fed will cut rates by another 25 basis points at its December 17–18 meeting. Theoretically, it remains unclear whether gold can sustain an uptrend as prices approach a strong resistance level.
Talking About Technicals:
Gold is currently in a sideways trend, so we are considering trading within the range's boundaries. Our focus is on the local channel from H1 2660 - 2615. At this point, gold is heading toward the upper zone of interest. A false breakout of the main resistance zone and price consolidation in the selling area may lead to a price decline toward the lower boundary of the sideways range.
Assess, share your thoughts and questions, and let’s discuss what’s happening with OANDA:XAUUSD :))