Tariffs. Turbulence. OpportunityMarkets Rattle as Global Currencies Slide: Central Banks Prepare to Act
Global financial markets plunged on Monday as U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration, alongside retaliatory measures from key trading partners, officially took effect. The result: a wave of uncertainty and volatility that sent the Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand dollars spiraling to steeply discounted levels.
As this new economic reality unfolds, institutional investors and households alike are scrambling to adjust. In response, central banks across the globe face mounting pressure to stabilize their economies. The most immediate solution? Accelerated interest rate cuts.
Beyond the headline noise of trade wars, the deeper concern lies in domestic economic resilience. Economists and central bankers are increasingly turning inward, looking to bolster aggregate demand through aggressive monetary easing. The U.S. Federal Reserve, nudged persistently by President Trump, has already signaled its willingness to comply. Other central banks are expected to follow suit as nations seek to shield local industries from the impact of trade disruption.
The era of lower global interest rates appears to be more than a passing phase—it is becoming the new norm. In volatile times, disciplined strategies and a long-term lens are more essential than ever. We remain focused on seizing value where others see only risk.
Trumptrade
Things are looking UPSUnited Parcel Service served as one of our canaries in the coal mine, signalling that the real economy was much weaker than what the Biden administration was reporting. The figures presented were positively skewed, masking the harsh reality that we were all facing difficult times.
We recognized the head and shoulders topping pattern and warned that an economic disaster was approaching us. This ultimately led to the Trump tariff panic that caused the collapse of equities.
The thesis indicated a lack of confirmation regarding rising index prices; however, consumers were feeling the pressure, which manifested in reduced consumption and, consequently, fewer deliveries.
A modern Dow Theory if you will.
As we near new peaks in the stock market, I am convinced that our economy is on a much more solid foundation, poised to benefit Main Street instead of just a handful of monopolistic tech giants. Since equities are forward-looking, stocks are anticipating an exhilarating 2026!
I believe UPS will confirm this economic recovery as we head towards my long anticipated and forecast DOW JONES price of 64,000 likely by 2030.
TRUMPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPHello friends
Considering the good growth we had, you can see that the price formed a flag and corrected after reaching its ceiling.
Now, with the price correction, there is a good opportunity to buy in stages and with capital management and move towards the specified goals.
*Trade safely with us*
XAUUSD - Is Gold Going Down?!Gold is trading in its descending channel on the four-hour timeframe, between the EMA200 and EMA50. A downward correction in gold will open up buying opportunities from the demand areas.
Investors in the precious metals market witnessed another week of gold’s strong performance. Although overall optimism about a potential reduction in trade tariffs slightly slowed gold’s momentum, robust demand from Asia and other global regions provided solid support, preventing any major market correction.
At the beginning of the week, gold prices fell by over 1% on Monday as news of a trade agreement between the U.S. and China prompted investors to shift toward riskier assets. This drop occurred alongside easing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, which also contributed to a calmer market atmosphere.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamison Greer announced that the two nations had reached an agreement during negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. The deal, which is expected to be released as a joint statement, signals a reduction in trade tensions that had escalated in recent weeks with tariffs reaching as high as 145% on Chinese imports.
As part of the agreement, the U.S. and China plan to establish a joint economic and trade consultation mechanism to continue discussions on tariffs. President Donald Trump hinted last week at a potential reduction in tariffs to 80%, although the official details of the deal have yet to be disclosed.
Adam Button, Chief Currency Strategist at Forexlive.com, commented that in the current market environment, it is difficult not to be bullish on gold. However, he warned that any de-escalation in U.S.-China tensions could dampen the strength of gold’s rally. He added, “Even though a 50% reduction in tariffs wouldn’t be the final chapter, if implemented, it would represent fairly rapid progress and a positive sign for both parties.”
In addition to trade developments, the easing of tensions in Kashmir and a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan have also reduced demand for safe-haven assets like gold. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, remained largely intact over the weekend.
Adrian Day, CEO of Adrian Day Asset Management, stated that his outlook on gold remains unchanged. He explained, “Rising concerns over a potential U.S. recession, coupled with cautious optimism about easing trade tensions—especially between Washington and Beijing—could exert pressure on gold. However, gold’s notable resilience against price declines indicates underlying demand that has not yet fully entered the market.”
Meanwhile, Darin Newsom, Senior Market Analyst at Barchart.com, firmly maintained a bullish view on precious metals. He said, “If I had to write one analytical sentence on the market board, it would be: Precious metals must rally. I emphasize ‘must’ because nothing is certain in the markets. My bearish call last week was wrong, and it’s clear that technical analysis has become almost obsolete—especially in today’s world where algorithm-driven trading dominates.”
After a week largely influenced by the Federal Reserve’s meeting and tariff-related headlines, market focus now shifts to a data-heavy week featuring a broad range of U.S. economic indicators. The action kicks off Tuesday with the release of the April Consumer Price Index (CPI), a report that could offer insights into whether the Fed might cut interest rates in its June meeting.
The real highlight, however, is expected on Thursday, when key reports are scheduled to be published, including the Producer Price Index (PPI), retail sales figures, jobless claims data, and two major regional indices—the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey and the Empire State manufacturing index. Amidst this flood of information, Fed Chair Jerome Powell is also set to deliver a speech in Washington, which could serve as a major catalyst for market movement.
To wrap up the week, markets await Friday’s release of the preliminary University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for May—a report often viewed as a psychological gauge of American consumer behavior.
$TRUMPUSDT Breakout Alert!$TRUMP has officially broken above its descending trendline after holding firm support around $11.8. The price also reclaims the 100 EMA (orange line), signaling strength and potential for a trend reversal.
📈 Technical Highlights:
Downtrend breakout confirmed ✅
Retest of resistance turned support around $13.3 ✅
Targets in sight:
• TP1: $16.52
• TP2: $21.04
• TP3: $26.35
This breakout setup remains valid as long as TRUMPUSDT holds above $13.3. A clean trendline flip often leads to explosive follow-throughs.
The Illusion of Value: How the U.S. Market Became a Fantasy EconThe Illusion of Value: How the U.S. Market Became a Fantasy Economy
For decades, the American economy has been celebrated as the epicenter of innovation, wealth creation, and corporate success. But beneath the surface, an unsettling reality has emerged: The U.S. financial markets are increasingly driven by speculation, hype, and a distorted sense of value.
"Buy Now, Pay Later"—A Culture of Delusion
One of the most glaring symptoms of this detachment from reality is the widespread adoption of "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) services. A staggering number of American consumers have embraced debt-financed spending as a normal part of life. Credit cards are no longer the primary vehicle for financial mismanagement—BNPL systems have convinced people they can afford luxuries they fundamentally cannot.
This mentality, in turn, feeds into the stock market’s obsession with future promises over actual output. Investors have become infatuated with narratives rather than numbers, driving valuations to unrealistic highs for companies that either underdeliver or simply do nothing at all.
The MicroStrategy Paradox: Borrowing Money to Buy Bitcoin
Take MicroStrategy, for example—a company whose sole business model seems to be leveraging borrowed capital to buy Bitcoin. By traditional metrics, MicroStrategy offers no tangible product, no innovative service, no groundbreaking technology—just speculative accumulation. Yet, thanks to Bitcoin hype, its stock price is valued as if it’s a revolutionary player in the corporate world.
This irrational valuation mirrors the broader issue with American markets: Companies are being rewarded not for what they actually do, but for the financial games they play.
The Myth of Overvalued Titans: Tesla & Meta
Tesla and Meta serve as the poster children of speculative overvaluation.
- Tesla: Once hailed as an automotive disruptor, Tesla’s stock price often reflects what Elon Musk promises rather than what Tesla delivers. From self-driving software that never fully materialized to mass production goals that fell flat, Tesla’s ability to sustain its valuation relies more on Musk’s cult-like following than automotive success. Meanwhile, the gutting of regulatory oversight has allowed Tesla to push unfinished, potentially hazardous products into the market.
- Meta: Meta’s valuation has ballooned largely on the promise of virtual reality dominance. Yet, billions poured into the Metaverse have yielded little beyond overpriced VR headsets and gimmicky social spaces.
Elon Musk: The Master of Market Manipulation
Elon Musk’s influence on financial markets cannot be overstated. Through cryptic tweets, grand promises, and regulatory maneuvering, Musk has become a force powerful enough to shift markets with mere words. Whether it’s pumping Dogecoin, slashing Tesla’s safety oversight, or influencing government policy for personal gain, Musk operates in a reality where market value is dictated by his persona rather than corporate fundamentals.
The Rise of True Value Markets
While the U.S. economy indulges in financial fantasy, other global markets have started to present compelling opportunities:
- Europe: A more realistic, fundamentals-based approach to valuation is emerging. Traditional industries remain resilient, and companies must show actual profitability to attract investment.
- China: Despite regulatory challenges, China’s focus on industrial production, technological advancement, and infrastructure development gives its economy a sense of tangible progress.
- UK & Australia: Unlike the speculative U.S. markets, these economies remain grounded in earnings, productivity, and rational valuations.
Conclusion
The American financial landscape has become a speculative playground detached from reality. Companies are valued not for what they produce, but for what they promise, what they borrow, and what narratives they spin. Figures like Musk exploit market sentiment, while deregulation enables corporations to operate recklessly. As Europe, China, the UK, and Australia foster economies built on real value, the U.S. is at risk of crashing under the weight of its illusions.
SP:SPX TVC:DXY INDEX:BTCUSD TVC:GOLD NASDAQ:MSTR NASDAQ:TSLA NYSE:BLK NASDAQ:META XETR:DAX FTSE:UKX TVC:HSI SET:SQ NASDAQ:PYPL NASDAQ:AFRM NASDAQ:AAPL NASDAQ:AMZN NASDAQ:NVDA NASDAQ:COIN NASDAQ:HOOD
Bitcoin: The Robot Taxi Driver We Didn’t NeedWhy Blockchain Is Driving the Future Without It
In the 1990 sci-fi classic Total Recall, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character hails a futuristic taxi only to be greeted by “Johnny Cab”—a creepy, clunky robot driver that awkwardly talks while struggling to navigate.
Back then, audiences imagined a future where robotic taxi drivers would be commonplace. But instead, we got something far superior: fully autonomous, self-driving cars that render robot drivers unnecessary.
The same is happening with Bitcoin. It was revolutionary, sure—but much like Johnny Cab, it’s outdated, inefficient, and rapidly becoming irrelevant in a world driven by advanced blockchain technology.
Bitcoin: The Nostalgic First Step
When Bitcoin burst onto the scene, it felt groundbreaking—just like the idea of robot taxi drivers in the Total Recall era. It gave us a new way to transact, free from centralized banks. People were thrilled, seeing it as the future of money.
But here’s the problem: Bitcoin was never the endgame. It was merely the proof-of-concept—like Johnny Cab showing that, yes, you can put a robot behind the wheel… but does that mean we should?
As financial systems evolved, Bitcoin’s shortcomings became glaringly obvious:
✅ Slow transaction speeds
✅ High fees
✅ Lack of scalability
✅ Energy inefficiency
Meanwhile, blockchain technology—the real revolution—kept advancing, proving that we don’t actually need Bitcoin any more than we needed Johnny Cab.
Enter Blockchain: The Self-Driving System
Self-driving cars didn’t need robot taxi drivers, and blockchain doesn’t need Bitcoin.
Blockchain is the foundation—an autonomous, self-sustaining system that underpins everything from finance to supply chains to digital assets.
In fact, precious metals, equities, and commodities are all moving toward digitization—but not through Bitcoin. Instead, they’re being integrated directly into blockchain-based ecosystems that offer seamless, smart contract-driven transactions.
The result?
💨 Faster
💡 More efficient
🛠️ Scalable & adaptable
Bitcoin, on the other hand, is stuck in the past. It’s clunky, expensive, and increasingly unnecessary—just like a robot taxi driver frantically punching buttons while self-driving cars smoothly navigate the streets.
Why Bitcoin Will Be Left Behind
Much like how we skipped the “robot taxi driver phase” and went straight to autonomous vehicles, the financial world will soon skip Bitcoin entirely as blockchain technology takes over.
Everything digital is moving toward streamlined, automated systems—systems that don’t require Bitcoin as an intermediary.
So the real question isn’t, “Will Bitcoin survive?”
It’s: “Why would we even need it?”
Just like Johnny Cab in Total Recall, Bitcoin might be fun to look back on—but it’s not the future.
Blockchain is the self-driving car. Bitcoin is the unnecessary robot driver.
And in a world that values efficiency, guess which one we’re leaving behind? 🚗💨
INDEX:BTCUSD CRYPTO:BTCUSD NASDAQ:COIN NASDAQ:MSTR NASDAQ:MARA TVC:GOLD TVC:SILVER TVC:DXY SP:SPX NYSE:BLK NASDAQ:TSLA NYSE:GME INDEX:ETHUSD CRYPTO:XRPUSD CRYPTO:ADAUSD
Russell 2000: Looking Past the Short-term VolatilityCME: Micro E-Mini Russell 2000 Index Futures ( CME_MINI:M2K1! )
On Saturday, May 3rd, Warren Buffett took the center stage of the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting. “What has happened in the last 30, 45 days … is really nothing,” declared the “Oracle of Omaha”.
Buffett brushed off recent stock market volatility that has rattled investors over the past weeks. “This has not been a dramatic bear market or anything of the sort,” he said.
In April, U.S. stock market took a deep dive after the start of Reciprocal Tariff against all U.S. trading partners. A few days later, we witnessed spectacular rally with a record daily gain, as a 90-day tariff pause was announced. On May 2nd, the S&P 500 completed a 9-day winning streak, the longest in 20 years.
After a month-long rollercoaster ride, the U.S. stock market is back to where it started. If an investor bought stocks in the beginning of April and then slept for the whole month, he wakes up today and may not even notice any changes in his portfolio.
Sunny Days ahead after the Storm
I concur with Buffet’s assessment that the U.S. economy is fundamentally strong. The supply chain disruptions are painful and will lead to product shortage, higher prices and layoffs in affected industries. However, trade conflicts will be resolved in a few months. The U.S. will be in a strengthening position, making its economy more sustainable.
The U.S. economy contracted 0.3% in Q1 2025, the first negative reading since 2022, according to the Commerce Department. However, the underlying data is much better if you look past the headline.
The formula: GDP = C + I + G + (X - M), where:
• C is consumer spending; I is investment by private business
• G is government spending; (X-M) is the net of exports minus imports
The key driver of the negative GDP is Imports. US buyers front-run the tariffs with massive orders, resulting in a 41.3% increase in imports. We also see a 21.9% gain in investment, primarily the result of US businesses building up inventory with imported goods.
• Imports and Investment contribute -4.83% and +3.6% to Q1 GDP, respectively. Both are one-time events and should not be taken as a long-term trend.
• Consumer spending grew 1.8% in Q1, contributing to 1.21% of GDP. Government spending contracted 1.4% in Q1, contributing to -0.25% of GDP.
Real Story: Q1 constant dollar GDP is +3.5%. By using a price deflator of 3.7%, the government reports a -0.3% “Real GDP at seasonally adjusted annual rates.”
Separately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”) reported that total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 177,000 in April, beating market expectations. The April unemployment rate was 4.2%, in line with expectations.
The above data supports my assessment of a solid U.S. economy. Once we walk past the tariff fear, the stock market will likely resume its growth.
Small Firms May Benefit More from New Trade Policies
A global supply chain helps corporate giants source from the most efficient and lowest cost suppliers. Small businesses may not be so lucky. Take the US textile industry as an example, the BLS data shows that 80% of domestic jobs have been lost since 2000.
The "de minimis" exemption is an import loophole that allows overseas packages under $800 to come into the U.S. duty-free. According to BLS data, e-commerce giants like Amazon, Shein and Temu source 80-90% of their products from overseas.
Closing the "de minimis" loophole and enacting fairer trade deals will help domestic manufacturers. By shielding from low-cost import dumping, a revitalized US manufacturing industry may not be far fetching.
Of the four major US market index, Russell 2000 performed the worst, flat in the last twelve months. Based on my analysis above, the Small Cap Russell index may have a better growth outlook compared to blue-chip indices.
Trade Setup with CME Micro E-Mini Russell 2000 Index Futures
Traders who take a bullish view in Small Cap could buy the Micro Russell Futures (M2K).
M2K contracts have a notional value of $5 times the index value. With Friday settlement price of $2042.70, each September contract (M2KU5) has a notional value of $10,213.5. Buying or selling one contract requires an initial margin of $932 at the time of writing.
The reason for selecting the September contract rather than the more liquid June contract is the time it takes to negotiate trade deals. While some trading partners may reach agreement within the 90-day window, others may not.
Micro Russell futures (M2K, $5) contracts tap into the deep liquidity of E-Mini Russell futures contracts (RTY, $50). As of last Friday, RTY has an open interest (OI) of 457,283 contracts, while the OI for M2K is 41,563, according to data from CME Group.
The risk of long Russell futures is a decline in the index. To hedge against the downside risk, a trader could set up a stop-loss in his buy order.
Hypothetically, a trader enters a buy order of M2KU5 at $2050 with a stoploss at $1950.
• If the Russell goes up 10% to 2,255, the trade will gain $1,025 (= (2255-2050) * 5). The theoretical return is 110% (= 1025/932). This is 10 times bigger than the gain in the underlying index, thanks to the leverage built into the futures contracts
• If the Russell falls 10% to 1,845, the maximum loss with be $500 (= (2050-1950) * 5). This is less than the initial margin of $932 and the trader will not face a margin call. The loss is limited even if your view is incorrect, thanks to the stoploss feature
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
Bitcoin - Bitcoin on the Road to $100,000?!Bitcoin is in its descending channel on the four-hour timeframe, between EMA50 and EMA200. If Bitcoin moves downward towards the specified demand zone, we can look for its next buying opportunities.
It should be noted that there is a possibility of heavy fluctuations and shadows due to the movement of whales in the market and compliance with capital management in the cryptocurrency market will be more important. If the downward trend continues, we can buy in the demand range.
In April, Bitcoin recorded a growth of 14.7%, successfully rebounding from a sharp early-month decline that had dragged its price down to $74,901. This level marks Bitcoin’s lowest price point in 2025 so far.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with NBC News, responded to growing concerns about a possible economic recession by saying that everything would be “fine.” He referred to the current phase as a “transitional period” and expressed confidence that the U.S. economy would perform “extraordinarily well.” When asked directly if he feared a recession, Trump replied, “No,” though he added, “Anything is possible, but I believe we are headed toward having the greatest economy in our nation’s history.”
On the other hand, Ethereum ended April with a 1.58% decline—marking its fifth consecutive month of losses. Over the past year, Ethereum has only seen gains in three months, and it is currently down 36.7% compared to the same period last year.
Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, announced its intention to invest up to $84 billion in Bitcoin. The funds will be raised evenly through stock issuance ($42 billion) and debt securities ($42 billion).
In the first quarter of 2025, Strategy reported a profit of $5.8 billion from its Bitcoin investments, achieving a return of 13.7%. The company has also raised its annual targets, increasing its projected Bitcoin return from 15% to 25% and its dollar profit goal from $10 billion to $15 billion.Meanwhile, the short-term holder profit/loss ratio for Bitcoin has returned to a neutral level of 1.0, indicating balance between coins held at a profit and those at a loss. Historically, this level has often served as resistance during bearish phases. If prices remain above this point, it could signal strengthening momentum and a potential market recovery.
Elsewhere, reports indicate that Apple has violated a previous antitrust ruling by continuing to restrict users from accessing alternative payment methods outside of the App Store. The decision, issued by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, now requires Apple to allow apps—including those related to crypto and NFTs—to operate without paying fees or seeking special approval. This ruling immediately strips Apple of its ability to collect commissions on out-of-app purchases and prohibits the company from monitoring or tracking such transactions.
GOLD Follows "Buy The Dip" Mode, Being Supported by 200-hour SMAGold prices have experienced significant volatility over the last days, with conflicting reports on the current trend. According to some sources, gold prices have increased, with spot gold reaching $3,500 per troy ounce, new all the history high on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
The $3,500 milestone has sparked increased interest from investors and market analysts, meaning that Gold spot doubled in price over the past 5 years, 3rd time in history ever.
Despite the short-term volatility, gold has shown a strong performance since the beginning of 2025, with an increase of approximately 30-35% year-to-date. Market analysts remain bullish on gold, with some forecasting prices to reach $ 4'000 per ounce in the near term.
The main 1-hour graph indicates on 200-hours SMA technical support, with further upside opportunity due to forming on the chart descending triangle (flat bottom/ descending top) breakthrow.
--
Best #GODL wishes,
Your Beloved @PandorraResearch Team 😎
TRUMP COIN BUY...Hello friends
Given the price growth we had, the price correction has now managed to make good bottoms, which indicates the strength of the trend, so we can enter the trade.
The purchase and target points have also been identified...
Follow capital management.
*Trade safely with us*
Trump token bullishKey Levels: The main resistance is at 10.40 dollars , and the main support is at 7.71 dollars . The descending trendline keeps the price below it, and the 200-period moving average above the price confirms the bearish trend .
Closer Zones: A nearby resistance is observed at 8.06 dollars, overlapping with the trendline. The closer support is at 7.71 dollars. A break above 8.06 dollars could push the price toward 9.60 dollars .
Intermediate Level: On the way up, the 8.25 dollars level acts as an intermediate resistance.
Target: Based on the previous move of 2.50 dollars, the potential upside target is around 9.60 dollars .
Conclusion: A breakout above the nearby resistance could signal a weakening bearish trend and the start of an upward move .
TRUMP price analysis✊ At the end of March, we last wrote about #Trump and “looked like water” predicting a price drop to $7-7.20 if the “great and brilliant leader” did not stop doing stupid things.... but then came the April sanctions...
We can comment and discuss it for a long time, but it's no use - you can't get the rust out of the metal or out of your head...
It was interesting on 19.04 - when a large unlock of 40 million #Trump coins took place and participants expected the price dump to continue.... but no...
and already on 23.04 - the news comes out that #Trump will have dinner with the largest holders of his token and, oh, miracle = 75% of the OKX:TRUMPUSDT price pump
There are already jokes on Twitter that the TOP-5 holders will be able to choose to who will be the next to set or remove abnormal taxes during dinner)
But seriously, there is every chance that the #TRUMUSDC price pump will continue and God grant us patience to keep and hold this small amount of #Trump coins to $24-$32 or maybe to $40...
_____________________
Did you like our analysis? Leave a comment, like, and follow to get more
Canadian Dollar vs. US Dollar. The Spring Is Compressing.In previous posts, we have already begun to look at the key drivers of the US outperformance over the past decade.
The US market dominance has been largely driven by the rapid rise of tech giants (such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet), which have benefited from strong profit growth, global market reach and significant investor inflows.
Unsatisfactory International Performance
Markets outside the US have faced headwinds including multiple stifling sanctions and tariffs, slowing economic growth, political uncertainty (especially in Europe), a stronger US dollar and the declining influence of high-growth tech sectors.
The Valuation Gap
By 2025, US equities will be considered relatively expensive compared to their international peers, which may offer more attractive valuations in the future.
Recent Shifts (2025 Trend)
Since early 2025, international equities have begun to outperform the S&P 500, and European and Asian equities have regained investor interest. Global market currencies are also widely dominated by the US dollar.
Factors include optimism around the following three big themes.
DE-DOLLARIZATION. DE-AMERICANIZATION. DIVERSIFICATION.
De-dollarization is the process by which countries reduce their reliance on the US dollar (USD) as the world's dominant reserve currency, medium of exchange, and unit of account in international trade and finance. This trend implies a shift away from the central role of the US dollar in global economic transactions to alternative currencies, assets, or financial systems.
Historical context and significance of the US dollar
The US dollar became the world's primary reserve currency after World War II, as enshrined in the Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944. This system pegged other currencies to the dollar, which was convertible into gold, making the dollar the backbone of international finance. The United States became the world's leading economic power, and the dollar replaced the British pound sterling as the dominant currency for global trade and reserves.
The dollar has been the most widely held reserve currency for decades. As of the end of 2024, it still accounts for about 57% of global foreign exchange reserves, far more than the euro (20%) and the Japanese yen (6%). However, this share has fallen from over 70% in 2001, signaling a gradual shift and prompting discussions about de-dollarization.
How De-Dollarization Works
Countries looking to reduce their reliance on the dollar are pursuing several strategies:
Diversifying reserves: Central banks are holding fewer U.S. dollars and increasing their holdings of other currencies, such as the euro, yen, British pound, or new alternatives such as the Chinese yuan. While the yuan's share remains small (about 2.2%), it has grown, especially among countries like Russia.
Using alternative currencies in trade: Countries are entering into bilateral or regional agreements to conduct trade in their own currencies rather than using the dollar as an intermediary. For example, China has introduced yuan-denominated oil futures (the "petroyuan") to challenge the petrodollar system. Increasing gold reserves: Many countries, including China, Russia and India, have significantly increased their purchases of gold as a safer reserve asset, reducing their dollar holdings.
Developing alternative financial systems: Some countries and blocs, such as BRICS, are working to develop alternatives to the US-dominated SWIFT payment system to avoid the risk of sanctions and gain true economic and political independence.
Reasons for de-dollarization
The move towards de-dollarization is driven by geopolitical and economic factors:
Backlash against US economic hegemony: The US often uses dollar dominance to impose sanctions and exert political pressure, encouraging countries to seek financial sovereignty.
Rise of new economic powers: Emerging economies like China and groups like the BRICS are seeking to reduce their vulnerability to U.S. influence and promote regional integration and alternative financial infrastructures.
Geopolitical tensions: Conflicts like the war in Ukraine have intensified efforts by countries like Russia to remove the dollar from their reserves to avoid sanctions.
Implications and outlook
While the dollar remains dominant, a more de-dollarized world is already changing global economic power. The U.S. may lose some advantages, such as lower borrowing costs and geopolitical influence. For the U.S. economy, de-dollarization could lead to a weaker currency, higher interest rates, and reduced foreign investment, although some effects, such as inflation from a weaker dollar, could belimited .
For other countries, de-dollarization could mean greater economic independence and less exposure to U.S. policy risks. However, no currency currently matches the dollar’s liquidity, stability, and global recognition, so a full transition is unlikely in the near future .
Summary
De-dollarization is a complex, ongoing process that reflects a gradual shift away from the global dominance of the U.S. dollar. It involves diversifying reserves, using alternative currencies and assets, and creating new financial systems to reduce dependence on the dollar.
Driven by geopolitical tensions and the rise of emerging economic powers, de-dollarization challenges the entrenched role of the dollar but is unlikely to completely replace it anytime soon.
Instead, it is leading to a more multipolar monetary system in international finance, increasing demand for alternative investments to the U.S.
Technical task
The main technical chart is presented in a quarterly breakdown, reflecting the dynamics of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar FX_IDC:CADUSD in the long term.
With the continued positive momentum of the relative strength indicator RSI(14), flat support near the level of 0.70 and a decreasing resistance level (descending top/ flat bottom) in case of a breakout represent the possibility of price growth to 0.80, with the prospect of parity in the currency pair and strengthening of the Canadian dollar to all-time highs, in the horizon of the next five years.
--
Best wishes,
Your Beloved @PandorraResearch Team 😎
Tears of Liberty. Lets Make America Sell Again.Over the past decade, the U.S. stock market has significantly outperformed global stock markets excluding the United States. This divergence in returns has been one of the defining features of global investing since 2015, with U.S. equities—especially large-cap technology stocks—driving much of the outperformance.
Annualized Returns (2015–2025)
AMEX:SPY , S&P 500 Index(U.S.):
The S&P 500 delivered an average annualized return of 13.8% over the past ten years.
NASDAQ:ACWX , MSCI All World ex U.S. (Rest of World):
Global stocks outside the U.S. returned an average of 4.9% annually over the same period
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Year | SPX | World ex U.S. | U.S. Surplus
2024 23.9% 4.7% +19.2%
2023 23.8% 17.9% +5.8%
2022 -19.6% -14.3% -5.4% (!)
2021 26.6% 12.6% +14.0%
2020 15.8% 7.6% +8.2%
2019 30.4% 22.5% +7.9%
2018 -6.6% -14.1% +7.5%
2017 18.7% 24.2% -5.5% (!)
2016 9.8% 2.7% +7.1%
2015 -0.7% -3.0% +2.3%
Key Drivers of Performance
U.S. Outperformance
The U.S. market’s dominance was driven largely by the rapid growth of technology giants (such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet), which benefited from strong earnings growth, global market reach, and significant investor inflows.
International Underperformance
Non-U.S. markets faced headwinds such as multiply choking sanctions and tariffs, slower economic growth, political uncertainty (notably in Europe), a stronger U.S. dollar, and less exposure to high-growth technology sectors.
Valuation Gap
By 2025, U.S. stocks are considered relatively expensive compared to their international counterparts, which may offer more attractive valuations going forward.
Recent Shifts (2025 Trend):
As of early 2025, international stocks have started to outperform the S&P 500, with European and Asian equities seeing renewed investor interest. Factors include optimism over economic recovery in China and strong performance in European defense and technology sectors.
Long-Term Perspective
Historical Context
While the past decade favored U.S. equities, this has not always been the case. For example, during the 2000s, international stocks outperformed the U.S. following the dot-com bust.
Market Weight
The U.S. accounts for roughly 60% of global stock market capitalization and about 25% of global GDP, so its performance has a substantial impact on global indices.
Conclusion
From 2015 to 2025, the U.S. stock market delivered nearly triple the annualized returns of global markets excluding the U.S., primarily due to the outperformance of large-cap technology stocks.
While this trend has persisted for most of the decade, early 2025 shows signs of a potential shift, with international equities beginning to close the performance gap. Investors should remain aware of valuation differences and the cyclical nature of global market leadership.
The main technical chart for U.S./ ex U.S. ratio indicates the epic reversal is in progress.
GBPUSD SHORT FORECAST Q2 W16 D18 Y25GBPUSD SHORT FORECAST Q2 W16 D18 Y25
Fun Coupon Friday!
Summary
- Weekly order block short set up
- Awaiting clear shift in price action to downside
- C setup - Short from 5' order block with confluence of daily high wick fill prior turn over in price.
- B Setup - 15' break of structure anticipating 15' creation order block creation. Solid point of interest to short from
A Setup - Multiple 15' break of structure plus all of the above
FRGNT X
S&P 500 Index Goes 'Death Crossed' Again, Due To Unruly EconomyThe "Death Cross" is a technical chart pattern signaling potential bearish momentum in the US stock market, occurring when a short-term moving average (typically the 50-day) crosses below a long-term moving average (usually the 200-day).
Despite its foreboding name, historical data shows its implications are often less dire than perceived, serving as a coincident indicator of market weakness rather than a definitive predictor of collapse.
Historical Examples and Market Impact
The death cross gained notoriety for preceding major market downturns:
2000 Dot-Com Bubble: The Nasdaq Composite’s death cross in June 2000 coincided with the burst of the tech bubble, leading to a prolonged bear market.
2008 Financial Crisis: The S&P 500’s death cross in December 2007 foreshadowed the 2008 crash, with the index losing over 50% of its value by early 2009.
2020 COVID-19 Crash: The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 all formed death crosses in March 2020 amid pandemic-driven panic, though markets rebounded sharply within months.
2022 Ukraine's War Crisis: The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 all formed death crosses in March 2022 due to proinflationary surge on Ukraine's war and Arab-Israel conflict, leading to a prolonged bear market within next twelve months, up to March quarter in the year 2023.
These examples highlight the pattern’s association with extreme volatility, but its predictive power is inconsistent. For instance, the 2022 death cross in the S&P 500—its first in two years—occurred amid Fed rate hikes and geopolitical tensions, yet the market stabilized within weeks rather than entering a prolonged downturn.
Perspectives on Reliability and Use Cases
While the death cross reflects deteriorating short-term momentum, its utility depends on context:
Lagging Nature: As a lagging indicator, it confirms existing trends rather than forecasting new ones. The 50-day average crossing below the 200-day often occurs after prices have already declined.
False Signals: Post-2020 data shows the S&P 500 gained an average of 6.3% one year after a death cross, with Nasdaq Composite returns doubling typical averages six months post-cross.
Combined Analysis: Traders pair it with metrics like trading volume or MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) to validate signals. Higher selling volume during a death cross strengthens its bearish case.
Strategic Implications for Investors
For market participants, the death cross serves as a cautionary tool rather than a standalone sell signal:
Short-Term Traders: May use it to hedge long positions or initiate short bets, particularly if corroborated by weakening fundamentals.
Long-Term Investors: Often treat it as a reminder to reassess portfolio diversification, especially during elevated valuations or macroeconomic uncertainty.
Contrarian Opportunities: Historical rebounds post-death cross—such as the 7.2% Nasdaq gain three months after the signal—suggest potential buying opportunities for risk-tolerant investors.
Fundamental Challenge
Stocks Extend Drop as Powell Sees Economy ‘Moving Away’ From Fed Goals
Powell sees economy ‘moving away’ from job, price goals due to Trump's tariff chainsaw.
Fed well positioned to wait for policy clarity. Strong jobs market depends on price stability, he adds.
Stocks extend declines, bonds rally as Fed chair speaks.
Conclusion
The "Death Cross" remains a contentious yet widely monitored pattern. Its dramatic name and association with past crises amplify its psychological impact, but empirical evidence underscores its role as one of many tools in technical analysis. Investors who contextualize it with broader market data—such as earnings trends, interest rates, and macroeconomic indicators—are better positioned to navigate its signals.
While it may foreshadow turbulence, its historical track record emphasizes resilience, with markets often recovering losses within months of the pattern’s appearance.
--
Best wishes,
Your Beloved @PandorraResearch Team 😎
// Think Big. Risk Less
USDJPY LONG FORECAST Q2 W16 D16 Y25USDJPY LONG FORECAST Q2 W16 D16 Y25
Good morning all.
It may look like we are holding onto a bias. I can understand why that assumption is created. However, a short position is invalid for FRGNT whilst in a higher time frame order block long.
As per, that does not mean LONG blindly.
Two set ups illustrated.
1) 15' Break of structure
2) Lower time frame Break of structure without 15' break.
Trading is risky.
Both positions of course come with a side dish of risk and reason to loose. The question is, would you like to see USDJPY explode long without you?
Lets see how price actions plays.
FRGNT X
DJT Weekly Options Trade Plan 2025-04-15NASDAQ:DJT DJT Weekly Analysis Summary (2025-04-15)
Below is a consolidated analysis based on the four reports:
─────────────────────────────
SUMMARY OF EACH MODEL’S KEY POINTS
• Grok/xAI Report:
– Notes that DJT is trading near its 10‐period EMAs on both the 5‑minute and daily charts.
– Indicates a moderately bullish short‐term outlook (helped by positive news about “Truth Social” investment accounts) even though the max pain is at $19.00.
– Recommends a call option trade (buy naked call) at or near the $20.00 strike with an acceptable premium (~$0.63).
• Claude/Anthropic Report:
– The report encountered an error and produced no usable analysis.
• Llama/Meta Report:
– Observes that while the 5‑minute chart shows short‐term bullishness (with price above key EMAs), the overall daily picture and max pain theory (targeting $19.00) point toward a slightly bearish bias.
– Suggests trading a put (such as buying the $19.50 put) but notes factors like high daily volatility and mixed indicators.
• Gemini/Google Report:
– Provides a nuanced view where the 5‑minute charts show consolidation near $20 while the daily chart’s indicators (RSI, MACD histogram, bullish postive news) favor a moderately bullish move.
– Highlights key liquidity around the $20 strikes and ultimately favors a call trade—leaning toward a slightly out‑of‑the‐money option ($20.50 call) but noting that trade risk should be managed tightly.
• DeepSeek Report:
– Summarizes the technical picture with DJT trading above short‐term moving averages but acknowledges max pain at $19.00.
– With a positive news catalyst and falling volatility (VIX), it leans moderately bullish and recommends a call purchase at the $20.00 strike.
─────────────────────────────
AREAS OF AGREEMENT AND DISAGREEMENT
• Agreement:
– All models note a current price of roughly $19.96 with technical support around the short‐term (near the 10‑period EMA).
– Ea
ch analysis recognizes key levels: immediate support near $19.85–$19.94 and resistance around $20.00–$20.50.
– Most models see positive momentum from favorable news (Truth Social catalyst) and improving short‑term indicators.
– Options-chain details (high OI and volume at the $20 strikes) underline the importance of that level.
• Disagreement:
– Llama/Meta tilts toward a bearish reading (using daily MACD and max pain theory, expecting a move toward $19.00) and suggests puts rather than calls.
– Strike selection differs slightly—with some reports favoring the ATM $20.00 call (Grok/xAI and DeepSeek) and others suggesting a slightly OTM $20.50 call (Gemini/Google).
─────────────────────────────
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Overall Market Direction Consensus:
The majority of analyses (three out of four usable models) lean moderately bullish on DJT in the near term. Positive technical momentum on the daily charts together with supportive news outweigh the bearish hints (like max pain and Llama/Meta’s view).
Recommended Trade:
– Trade Type: Buy single‑leg, naked call
– Chosen Strike: $20.00 call (weekly option)
– Expiration: 2025‑04‑17
– Entry: At open with an entry price near the ask of $0.63 per contract
– Risk/Reward Targets:
• Profit Target: Approximately a 20% premium gain (rising from $0.63 to about $0.76)
• Stop‑Loss: About 50% loss of the premium (around $0.32)
– Confidence Level: About 70% (reflecting the bullish bias driven by news and short‑term technicals, while remaining cautious of the max pain level)
Key Risks & Considerations:
– The max pain at $19.00 may exert downward pressure as expiration nears.
– Short‑term volatility remains high (VIX at 30.12), so the trade will need tight risk management.
– Should DJT fail to break above immediate resistance or show signs of a sharp reversal (e.g. dropping below $19.85), consider exiting early to protect capital.
─────────────────────────────
TRADE_DETAILS (JSON Format)
{
"instrument": "DJT",
"direction": "call",
"strike": 20.00,
"expiry": "2025-04-17",
"confidence": 0.70,
"profit_target": 0.76,
"stop_loss": 0.32,
"size": 1,
"entry_price": 0.63,
"entry_timing": "open"
}
Nasdaq 100 Opens with Bullish GapTrump Exempts Electronics from Tariffs; Nasdaq 100 Opens with Bullish Gap
Despite the weekend, the news flow remained intense amid the escalating trade war. According to media reports:
→ Certain tech products, including those made by Apple, have been exempted from Trump’s tariffs.
→ Trump announced he would make a significant statement regarding semiconductor tariffs on Monday, 14 April.
Stock Indices React to Trump’s Tariff Moves
These announcements were taken positively by the markets. As shown on the chart of the Nasdaq 100 index (US Tech 100 mini on FXOpen), the new week opened with a bullish gap exceeding 1.5% – a stronger performance than the S&P 500 (US SPX 500 mini on FXOpen), which also saw a bullish gap.
This may suggest that market participants are cautiously optimistic that the sweeping tariff measures might be eased through exemptions, delays, or negotiation concessions. Nevertheless, the CNN Business Fear & Greed Index remains in "extreme fear" territory, despite inching higher compared to last week.
As of this morning, the Nasdaq 100 (US Tech 100 mini on FXOpen) has recovered approximately 15% from its 2025 low.
Technical Analysis: Nasdaq 100 (US Tech 100 mini on FXOpen)
Seven days ago, we plotted an ascending blue channel and suggested that its lower boundary could act as support – which has indeed played out.
With the latest data in hand, there is reason to believe that bulls may now be aiming to push the price up toward the channel’s median line. However, as indicated by the arrows on the chart, this median appears to have shifted from acting as support to acting as resistance.
Bulls may also face headwinds from the wide bearish candle to the left, which was formed in reaction to Trump's tariff announcements. According to Smart Money Concept methodology, this area – marked by a bearish Fair Value Gap (highlighted with a rectangle) – may now serve as resistance.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
USDJPY LONG FORECAST Q2 W16 D14 Y25USDJPY LONG FORECAST Q2 W16 D14 Y25
We caught a the long play for a similar setup. We need more this time around.
Why? To be sure of the weekly order block rejection. Compared to EURUSD and EURGBP for example... That is the type of weekly order block rejection we prefer. With that said we will not give up on USDJPY. We simply must await more levels of confluences.
15' break of structure, Order block creation as a result of the BOS. Pull back into area, lower time frame break of structure.
Let's see what USDJPY provides us with.
FRGNT X