Opening (IRA): SMH February 21st 200/225/270/295 Iron Condor... for a 5.44 credit.
Comments: At 42 DTE, selling premium in the semiconductor exchange-traded fund here with a neutral assumption ... . Using wings that are 1/10th of the price of the underlying in width.
Metrics:
Max Profit: 5.44
Buying Power Effect: 19.56
ROC at Max: 27.8%
50% Max: 2.67
ROC at 50% Max: 13.9%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max; roll in untested side on side test.
Optionsstrategies
Gold--> Retest the resistance level before declining!Hello, dear friends! This is Ben here!
Gold prices continue their upward trend, currently hovering around 2671, with a modest daily increase of 0.05%.
The chart indicates that gold is consolidating and attempting to approach the critical resistance level of 2675. The bullish market structure suggests that prices are gearing up for a potential breakout. However, the key question remains, will the breakout occur? This depends largely on external factors, including the U.S. economy's performance and the inflationary trends, which have been long anticipated by the market.
Based on current market behavior, we might expect gold to test liquidity and recheck key resistance levels before any potential downward correction. Buyers are likely to exercise caution after disappointing inflation data from China and hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve's recent meeting minutes.
Frankly speaking, I’m not overly optimistic about gold’s upward momentum at the moment, given the lack of strong bullish catalysts aside from lingering trade policies, such as Trump's tariffs on major global powers. Fundamentally, the dollar’s strength and the Fed's hawkish stance continue to cap significant gains for the precious metal.
Resistance levels: 2675, 2680
Support levels: EMA 2665, 2655
From a technical standpoint, the market structure remains bullish, and in the short term, we could see an attempt to break through the 2675 resistance. If successful, prices may test the next areas of interest at 2680 or even 2692 (OB Zone),which could later result in a possible decline.
Best regards, Bentradegold!
COIN buy setup for near term equity or long call options tradeStrong buy rates indicating we have another solid bounce approaching into end of Jan 2025/ next FOMC meeting, to take price to 302$ target level. Great setup for a long call options trade for 30-45 DTE duration.
Expecting additional volatility after peaking above 300 so will look for discounts once again before seeking entry on calls for Sept.
Weekly and monthly tf cycles analysis indicating COIN share price is preparing to run strongly higher to 750$ and 1000$ targets by early 2026. VERY Very bullish from my standpoint, given its fundamentals and disruption of traditional banking/finance sectors.
Opening (IRA): ARKK February 21st 47/52/63/68 Iron Condor... for a 1.50 credit.
Comments: High IVR/IV. Doing a little delta neutral premium-selling stuff while I hand sit and wait for stuff to come in/be managed.
Metrics:
Max Profit: 1.50
Buying Power Effect: 3.50
ROC at Max: 42.9%
50% Max: .75
ROC at 50% Max: 21.4%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max, roll in untested side on side test.
Key Support at 0.6179: Will AUD/USD Break or Bounce?Dear friends!
Currently, AUD/USD is struggling to record any meaningful recovery and remains near multi-year lows. In this context, the Fed's hawkish shift has driven U.S. Treasury yields higher, supporting the USD. Concerns over the U.S.-China trade war and expectations of an early rate cut by the RBA continue to weigh on the Australian dollar. Therefore, we can say that the probability of further price decline in the medium-term outlook is quite high.
As mentioned on the 4-hour chart, the current price is approaching the level of 0.6179. A consolidation pattern is forming ahead of a potential breakout related to this level. I do not rule out the possibility of the price retesting the EMA resistance or a local high before further breakdown. However, the overall technical and fundamental situation suggests a decline. Focus on the trigger level at 0.6179. A breakdown and price consolidation below this level will likely trigger a significant drop.
GOLD → False Breakout. Can Buyers Recover?Hello, dear friends! Ben here!
Gold has made a false breakout at $2,637 and is now searching for strong support. The current situation is highly complex, both fundamentally and technically.
Fundamentally, the situation remains challenging. Gold's weakness is influenced by the Fed's hawkish stance and the strength of the US Dollar. However, upward pressure on gold persists due to other factors, including the escalation of conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, Trump’s protectionist policies targeting Europe and Asia, and rising geopolitical risks worldwide.
Technically, after the false breakout at $2,637 (previously a resistance level), the price is now heading toward a new testing zone around $2,622. Below that, the ascending channel support at $2,606 could act as the lower boundary where buyers may start an aggressive play.
Key Support Levels: $2,622, $2,606
Key Resistance Levels: $2,637, $2,647, $2,665
Overall, I lean toward a medium-term bearish trend. However, the local situation remains tense and complicated. If the bulls manage to hold their ground within the ascending channel, gold may continue its upward move.
But! If buyers fail to maintain their position within the channel, a correction could extend the downward momentum further, leading to deeper declines.
Best regards, Bentradegold!
Opening (IRA): URTY February 21st 42 Covered Call... for a 39.56 debit.
Comments: This ... is unwinding. Adding at strikes/break evens 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, but with the built-in defense of the short call.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 39.56/share
Max Profit: 2.44
ROC at Max: 6.17%
50% Max: 1.22
ROC at 50% Max: 3.09%
STZ Constellation Brands Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t sold STZ before the previous earnings:
Now analyzing the options chain and the chart patterns of STZ Constellation Brands prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 230usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2025-1-17,
for a premium of approximately $2.07.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
USDJPY → Consolidating Before the Next Rally.Hello, dear friends! Ben here!
USD/JPY is consolidating after a strong bullish run, fluctuating around the 157.75 level.
The Japanese Yen continues to weaken amid wavering expectations regarding a potential rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BoJ). The Jibun Bank Japan Services PMI was revised lower to 50.9 from 51.4 in December. Meanwhile, the US Dollar remains near a two-year high, supported by the Fed's hawkish shift, further bolstering the USD/JPY pair.
Currently, the focus is on the consolidation phase, which has been forming over the past few weeks. We have clear boundaries, trends, and key levels to guide our trading decisions.
For me, the trigger lies at the 158 resistance level. A breakout and price consolidation above this level would confirm that the pair is ready to push higher. This rally is expected to reach the upper boundary of the ascending channel around 159, completing wave 5 within the channel.
Regards !
GOLD Update: Should I buy it?OANDA:XAUUSD continues to attract attention even as the US dollar strengthens, fueled by ongoing geopolitical and economic crises that drive demand for safe-haven assets. Prices are consolidating above previous resistance levels and are pushing toward establishing new local highs.
As for gold's price volatility, the upcoming week will feature several key US economic data releases, including employment reports and the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes. These updates are expected to provide investors with greater clarity on the Fed's monetary policy, especially following projections of interest rate cuts in 2025.
Regarding the gold strategy for the new week, Ben personally prioritizes buying strategies if the price remains within the wedge, targeting at least the upper boundary of the price channel. This anticipated upward move is expected to reach the level of 2690.
EUR/USD --> The Bears Are Applying Strong PressureFX:EURUSD in a strong downtrend, the market has just set a new local low with no signs of stopping. What lies ahead?
The Euro is under significant pressure against the strength of the US dollar, which has been bolstered by the aggressive economic policies from the Trump era. The rising greenback has not only diminished the Euro's appeal but has also added further turbulence to the forex market. Under current conditions, the 1.1000 level has emerged as a critical point, drawing significant attention from major institutional players in the market.
Resistance levels: 1.033, 1.0448
Support levels: 1.000
From both a technical and fundamental perspective, the outlook remains weak. As such, emphasis should be placed on strong resistance levels where the downtrend is likely to resume.
Opening (IRA): EWZ Oct 17th 26/45 Short Call Vertical... for a 1.13 credit.
Comments: I'm fairly certain that I'm going to be assigned on my January 17th 26 short put, so am going out to October to sell a spread with the short leg at the 26 strike that pays at least 1.00. The reason I do this (sell a call for at least 1.00), is that this enables me to roll the short call down a strike by 1.00 without giving up profit potential if I need to. The 26 short call aspect of this spread will become the short call aspect of an October 17th 26 covered call, with the covered call setup having a break even of the strike at which I was assigned (26) minus the 1.13 in credit I got paid for this spread or 24.87.
Because I haven't been assigned shares yet and short calls are generally verboten in a cash secured account like an IRA, I've had to pay a few bones (.05 to be exact), to define the risk of the short call. I also had to pay a debit that is equal to the width of the spread (19.00) minus the credit received of 1.13 or 17.87 for the spread. I'm fine with this, since this buying power will eventually free up when I get assigned.
Naturally, the October expiry is extremely long-dated. I'm fine with this here, since EWZ pays a fairly decent dividend, albeit only in June and December.
Opening (IRA): TAN February 21st 32 Covered Call... for a 31.17 debit.
Comments: Still in the top 5 underlyings for IV on my ETF board, with 30-day at 35.0%. Adding at strikes better than what I currently have on after exiting the 33's at 50% max. 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.
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 31.17/share
Max Profit: .83
ROC at Max: 2.66%
50% Max: .42
ROC at 50% Max: 1.33%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max.
Opening (IRA): XBI January 17th 89 Covered Call... for an 87.50 debit.
Comments: Adding at strikes/break evens better than what I currently have on ... . The ROC metrics aren't what I generally like to see out of these (2.0% or greater), but it's shorter duration than my usual wheelhouse (45 DTE) ... .
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 87.50
Max Profit: 1.50
ROC at Max: 1.71%
50% Max: .75
ROC at 50% Max: .86%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max.
Opening (IRA): TAN January 17th 33 Covered Call... for a 32.29 debit.
Comments: ETF IV > 35% with 30-day currently at 39.7%. Adding to my position at strikes better than what I currently have on, 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. Dinking and doinking on "little stuff" running into year's end ... .
Metrics:
Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 32.29/share
Max Profit: .71
ROC at Max: 2.20%
50% Max: .36
ROC at 50% Max: 1.10%
Will generally look to take profit at 50% max.
USD/JPY: What's Changing at Year-End?Hello, dear friends!
As the year comes to a close, USD/JPY has shown significant movement, reversing course and dropping below the 157.00 mark. This late-year shift comes as market participants prepare for midweek closures and reduced activity around the New Year holiday. Despite lighter trading volumes, price action remains dynamic, signaling potential shifts in the trend.
Technically, USD/JPY has failed to maintain its position within the parallel ascending channel, suggesting the emergence of a new trend. A key level to watch now is the immediate support at 156.03. The critical question is whether this support will hold and for how long. Looking at the bigger picture, sustained consolidation below the broken channel could lead to a move toward lower targets, as indicated on the 4-hour chart.
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GOLD → A reversal pattern for a further fallHello, my wonderful friends, Ben here!
Gold prices are currently testing key levels of interest during a corrective phase against the trend, following a breakout from a significant level. The fundamental backdrop is not particularly favorable, with the market under consistent downward pressure.
The bearish sentiment around gold is intensifying as U.S. Treasury yields continue to climb, and the USD strengthens toward the end of the week, reducing the appeal of the precious metal. Notably, the US Dollar Index has recorded its fourth consecutive week of gains, while the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield remains near its highest level since early May.
Looking ahead, the market's focus remains on the return of President-elect Donald Trump and the potential impact of his inflationary policies, which could have significant implications for the Federal Reserve's outlook in 2025. Stay cautious!
From a technical perspective, the price is currently trading within a short-term descending channel, formed after the termination of a rising wedge pattern. The outlook suggests a higher probability of further declines. The 2622 level is a critical threshold—if sellers maintain pressure below this zone, the downtrend could extend further, with potential targets at 2605 and 2596, among others.
Best regards,
Bentradegold!
Gold Prices Today (December 31): Broad Decline Across the BoardHello, dear friends! Ben here!
Spot gold has successfully climbed past the $2,600 mark during the U.S. trading session, continuing its retreat from Friday's peak of $2,638.
Driving the current sentiment is the U.S. dollar (USD), which gained strength as Wall Street opened amidst lackluster performance in local indices. Weak trading volumes further intensified the drop in equities, fueling a short-term rally in the USD. Yet, despite these temporary setbacks, the three major indices are on track to close another year with impressive gains.
Meanwhile, market participants are shedding high-yield assets as uncertainty looms over what 2025 may bring. The Federal Reserve (Fed) has signaled its intent to slow the pace of rate cuts, given that inflation remains stubbornly high. Adding to the tension, former President Donald Trump is set to return to the White House on January 20, with his anticipated protectionist policies likely to exacerbate inflationary pressures in the years ahead.
Given these dynamics, a bearish outlook on gold remains dominant in the short and medium term. Attention is centered around the 2,610 resistance level—so long as sellers defend this zone, gold appears poised to decline further, with potential targets in the 2,596–2,587 range.
What are your thoughts? Share your insights, forecasts, and questions—let’s explore the ongoing dynamics of XAUUSD together!
EURUSD: Short to medium term perspectiveHello everyone!
EUR/USD extends its gains for the third consecutive day, trading around 1.0430 during the Asian session on Monday, showing no signs of slowing down. The pair's upward momentum is likely driven by comments from European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Robert Holzmann.
The next resistance levels to watch are 1.0445, followed by 1.0500 and 1.0530.
GOLD NEXT MOVE (expecting a bearish move) (30-12-2024)Go through the analysis carefully and do trade accordingly.
XAU/USD Analysis - December 30, 2024
Current Price: $2626
"If the price remains below $2642, the next targets are $2612, $2589, and there is a possibility of staying above $2550."
- POSSIBILITY 1:
Wait (as geopolitical tensions are worsening)
- POSSIBILITY 2:
Wait (as geopolitical tensions are worsening)
Best of Luck!
Always remember: Never risk more than 1% of your capital on any trade.
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Gold → A Buying Opportunity or a Market Trap?OANDA:XAUUSD continuing to bring hope for buyers, trading inside the local upward channel resembles a flag on the backdrop of a local downtrend.
In the medium term, the dollar needs to be reassessed in the context of the Fed remaining supportive. This raises the question: What will happen to interest rates? Hold steady or increase? It must be understood that as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January, the market will closely monitor U.S. economic data to forecast how the Federal Reserve will respond to anticipated inflationary pressures from administration policies, including tariffs, deregulation, and tax reform.
The focus remains on U.S. jobless claims data. Economists polled by Reuters forecast around 224,000 claims for the week ending December 21, up from 220,000 claims in the week ending December 14. If jobless claims figures rise significantly, this will put pressure on the USD, and the gold market may start trading with a slightly positive trend. And vice versa. However, Ben does not talk about growth based on these numbers. Theoretically, as prices approach strong resistance levels, selling pressure seems stronger. Be careful!
From a technical perspective, the price has the potential to rebound from any nearby strong level, which could lead to a subsequent decline. A key level to watch is 2620. If the bears manage to break this level and maintain their position below it, the overall selling pressure may intensify, likely resulting in a further price drop. The anticipated decline is expected to reach the range of 2,605–2,600 before setting up for any additional downward moves.
Best regards,Bentradegold!
Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season and a productive New Year 2025!
SOLUSDT --> Consolidation. One step away from a rally!BINANCE:SOLUSDT is in the correction phase, within which the price tested the previously broken consolidation boundary.
The focus is on the flat channel 205 - 180.
False break of support will provoke further growth. As well as a break of resistance and price consolidation above 205.
SOL has good fundamental and technical prospects and the coin may show something interesting in 2025
$NVDA inverted h&s 4H daily. Short term play. I grabbed 200 cons of 150c for 1/3/2025 avg. @.17. I may be crazy but I’m fun. Should see a burp to $140. $135 very very strong. Low volume today and the whole market reacted the same way so not really too worried. Looking to see where we are New Year’s Eve with a shortened week once again but the tendency seems to be super boost before a holiday. Day before Thanksgiving and day before Christmas the market went big green but we have a full day NYE not half. Also within that tendency there seems to be some type of dip prior. Interesting to watch. Strong close 12/27. We’ll see, we’ll see. I’m manifesting $140 Monday and $144 Tuesday and I’d sell 150 contracts. I’ll be in touch.
WSL