Peak Tech Earnings Wrapped Up: Here Are the Winners and LosersWe're past that time when we all get glued to the dual-monitor setup and watch the titans of tech parade their financials.
Last week was the Super Bowl of earnings season, with Meta NASDAQ:META , Microsoft NASDAQ:MSFT , Alphabet NASDAQ:GOOGL , Apple NASDAQ:AAPL , and Amazon NASDAQ:AMZN all reporting in the span of just a couple of days.
The result? A mixed bag of profits, promises, and expenses, all revolving around the familiar AI growth story. Some soared. Others sank. And everyone was reminded that in Big Tech , growth costs money — a lot of it.
Let’s unwrap what happened in the most influential week of the earnings calendar .
🥴 Meta: The Spending Spree Continues
Meta NASDAQ:META suffered the most bruising showing. On paper, revenue looked great — $51.2 billion, up 26% year over year and above estimates. But earnings per share? A brutal $1.05, far below the expected $6.72, after a nearly $16 billion one-time charge tied to President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Without that charge, net income would’ve jumped to $18.6 billion. Instead, the headline number showed $2.7 billion — not exactly inspiring. But the real story wasn’t the miss. It was the spending.
Meta now plans to splurge $71 billion this year, up from $69 billion, mainly on AI data centers and a hiring binge in its research division. The stock dropped 11% on Thursday.
🧠 Alphabet: Ads Strong, Cloud on Fire
If Meta NASDAQ:META stumbled, Alphabet NASDAQ:GOOGL strutted. The Google parent beat on everything : earnings per share at $2.87 vs. $2.26 expected and revenue hitting a record $102.3 billion, up 16% year on year.
The company took a $3.5 billion fine from the European Commission — but even with that, margins looked healthy. Excluding the fine, the operating margin would’ve hit 33.9%. Not bad for a firm still making 85% of its money from ads.
The real fireworks were in Google Cloud, where sales rose 34% and profit margins improved to 24% from 17% last year. Alphabet stock jumped 2.5% Thursday.
🧩 Microsoft: Cloudy with a Chance of Heavy Capex
Microsoft NASDAQ:MSFT delivered classic consistency — and then some. The company reported earnings per share of $4.13, beating estimates, on $77.7 billion in revenue. Azure, the star of the show, grew 40%, topping expectations.
Yet shares dipped 3% the day after as investors fixated on capital spending. Microsoft shelled out $34.9 billion last quarter and warned that capex growth in 2026 will exceed 2025.
🍏 Apple: New Phone Who Dis?
Apple NASDAQ:AAPL is back, everyone. The company posted record revenue of $102.5 billion , slightly above expectations, and hinted that the holiday quarter will be even juicier.
CFO Kevan Parekh said sales could rise 10–12%, led by a “double-digit” surge in iPhone 17 upgrades. After years of lukewarm demand, Apple’s upgrade cycle looks hot again.
One blemish: China sales dipped, underscoring the company’s ongoing battle in its second-largest market. But services revenue — now over $100 billion annually — continues to shine as Apple quietly transforms into a subscription empire disguised as a hardware company.
The stock erased a 3% Friday gain to dip into the red.
🚀 Amazon: AI, Efficiency, and a Holiday Boom
Then there was Amazon NASDAQ:AMZN , the comeback kid of this earnings season. The e-commerce giant’s revenue soared 13% to $180 billion , and profit surged 39% to $21.2 billion. Solid.
Amazon Web Services grew 20%, its fastest clip since 2022, as AI demand turned into real money. CEO Andy Jassy said data center expansion will remain a top priority heading into 2025.
The company managed to sprinkle in some “efficiency” — laying off 14,000 employees, a move expected to cost $1.8 billion now but save plenty later.
Amazon’s stock shot up 10% in pre-market Friday, and held on to the increase, proving that just a select few companies can pivot from layoffs to record profits with such finesse.
🧾 The Takeaway
So, what did we learn from Peak Tech Week?
America’s highflyers are spending big to secure their AI future. The underlying theme is that AI costs a fortune, but not investing in it could cost even more.
In short — the future is bright, the bills are bigger, and the market’s message is clear: keep growing, but try not to spook traders while you do it. The earnings show continues with AMD NASDAQ:AMD and Palantir NASDAQ:PLTD reporting this week.
Off to you : Are you looking to scoop up some NASDAQ:META or sell some NASDAQ:AMZN ? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Community ideas
BYD : Smart Money Loading Before a Massive Wave 5 Breakout🚀 BYD Company Limited Class A (SZSE: 002594) — Wave 5 Expansion Setup
Big structure, clean levels, and solid fundamentals… Wave 5 might surprise a lot of people 👇
BYD has been quietly building strength, and the chart now suggests that the next major bullish wave could be setting up. After a long consolidation phase (Wave 4), smart money appears to be accumulating again — a classic sign of preparation for the next impulsive move.
A clean breakout above 138.99 would confirm Wave 5 , potentially targeting the 284–676 CNY zone based on Fibonacci extensions .
With solid fundamentals, supportive market structure, and a strong Elliott Wave setup, BYD could be entering a new long-term expansion phase. ⚡
Follow for updates on Wave 5 development and smart money reactions in the breakout zone! 📊
#BYD #002594 #ElliottWave #SmartMoneyConcepts #Fibonacci #WaveAnalysis #MarketStructure #PriceAction #EVstocks #GrowthStocks #ChinaMarket #LongTermInvesting #SwingTrade #TechnicalAnalysis #StockMarket
Busy trading week coming up!!The trading week of November 3–7 is considered a pivotal period for international financial markets. A series of high-level economic data including manufacturing and services PMIs, ADP non-farm payrolls, trade balances, and interest rate decisions from major central banks will create a mixed picture of the global economic cycle. Meanwhile, statements from Federal Reserve officials and geopolitical developments can reinforce or distort monetary policy expectations later in the year.
🔹 Monday – Global PMI:
PMI figures from China, Europe, the UK, and the US kick off the week, reflecting the overall health of global manufacturing. Weak data could boost expectations for monetary easing, while stronger results may reinforce inflation-control policies. Additionally, the outcome of the OPEC+ meeting could impact oil prices and inflation trends.
🔹 Tuesday – Monetary Policy & Trade:
Focus turns to the RBA (Australia) rate decision and Canada’s trade balance. The market expects the RBA to keep rates unchanged at 3.6%, but a “hawkish” tone could trigger volatility in AUD. Speeches from Fed and BoC officials will also provide further clues on the 2025 rate-cut cycle.
🔹 Wednesday – Services & Employment:
The US Services PMI and ADP employment report will take center stage. These data points often provide early hints for the Non-Farm Payrolls report. Crude oil inventories from API and EIA will continue to influence oil prices and inflation expectations.
🔹 Thursday – European Data & BoE Decision:
The Bank of England may cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.75% amid recession concerns. Germany’s retail sales and industrial production figures will offer insights into the region’s economic health.
🔹 Friday – China & the Fed:
China’s trade balance and a series of speeches from five FOMC members will dominate attention. Any comments related to inflation or December rate decisions could cause sharp moves in USD and gold.
Three Key Risks to Watch:
1️⃣ Data Divergence: PMI or ADP figures may diverge significantly from official data, sparking volatility in market expectations.
2️⃣ Policy Surprises: Unexpected moves or tone shifts from the RBA or BoE could trigger market shocks.
3️⃣ Geopolitics & Liquidity: Escalating tensions in Russia–Ukraine or the Middle East, along with oil price swings, could drive safe-haven flows into gold and USD.
Technical analysis of OANDA:XAUUSD
Gold price is hovering around the $4,000/oz mark, after recovering slightly from the 0.382 Fibonacci support zone at $3,972/oz. The recent decline remains within a short-term correction channel, but selling pressure has slowed as the RSI exited the oversold zone and showed signs of forming a technical bottom.
The EMA21 (around $4,055/oz) is currently acting as an important resistance. If the price breaks above this level decisively, the short-term correction structure could be completed, opening a new uptrend towards the $4,128–$4,200/oz area (Fibo 0.236 and the most recent old peak). Conversely, if gold fails to surpass the EMA21, the correction could continue towards $3,846 or $3,720/oz – the next two support zones corresponding to the Fibo 0.5 and 0.618 levels, respectively.
Note: RSI momentum is still weak, so further confirmation with trading volume and reversal candlestick signals is needed before opening a long position.
SELL XAUUSD PRICE 4091 - 4089⚡️
↠↠ Stop Loss 4095
→Take Profit 1 4083
↨
→Take Profit 2 4077
BUY XAUUSD PRICE 3954 - 3956⚡️
↠↠ Stop Loss 3950
→Take Profit 1 3962
↨
→Take Profit 2 3968
EUR/AUD downside pressure intensifiesEUR/AUD finds itself just above a key zone consisting of horizontal support at 1.7600 and the key 200-day moving average, providing decent two-way trade setups depending on how the near-term price action evolves.
Should we see a break and close beneath both levels, it would allow for shorts to be established below the 200DMA with a stop above for protection, targeting 1.7465 or 1.7400 initially depending on desired risk/reward from the trade. The option would also be there to sell the break should we see a close beneath 1.7600, allowing for a stop to be placed above targeting the same levels. However, consider squaring or even flipping the trade should the price be unable to break beneath the 200DMA.
Should the price continue to hold above 1.7600, you could flip the setup and establish longs, allowing for a stop to be placed beneath the 200DMA for protection. 1.7726 or the intersection of the 50DMA with horizontal resistance at 1.7800 screen as logical targets.
Momentum indicators favour downside over upside, increasing the appeal of bearish setups. RSI (14) is trending lower beneath 50, pointing to building downside pressure. MACD has confirmed the bearish message, crossing the signal line from above before pushing into negative territory.
Good luck!
DS
Bullish on Amazon as the tide turns backAmazon’s recent job cuts aren’t a sign of weakness, they’re a strategic recalibration. The company is shifting from broad expansion to focused execution. In the AI era, scale isn’t just about size, it’s about precision.
Amazon has trimmed roles across Alexa, devices, and some corporate functions. These are legacy bets, not core growth engines. At the same time, it’s doubling down on AI infrastructure, robotics, and cloud innovation. This is not belt-tightening for survival, it’s reallocation for higher returns.
The broader theme is operating leverage. Amazon is reshaping its cost structure to match a new kind of growth, leaner, smarter, more profitable. AI tools aren’t just powering customer-facing products, they’re cutting fulfillment times, optimising logistics, and automating warehouses. Fewer people, more output.
These cuts also signal cultural focus. Amazon is pushing resources into areas where it sees outsized opportunity. AI chips, ad tech, fulfillment innovation. All of these carry higher margins and more defensible moats than traditional retail or hardware.
To be clear, the job cuts matter. They’re part of the margin expansion story. But they must be seen in context. Amazon is not retreating, it’s refining. And for long-term investors, that distinction makes all the difference.
The stock is now sitting comfortably above its 200-day moving average.
The forecasts provided herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as guarantees of future performance. This is an example only to enhance a consumer's understanding of the strategy being described above and is not to be taken as Blueberry Markets providing personal advice.
EUR/USD Under PressureEUR/USD Under Pressure
Today, the EUR/USD pair is trading around 1.1560, close to autumn lows. From this week’s high, the pair has fallen by roughly 0.85%, reflecting bearish pressure.
The main factors driving the decline are traders’ reactions to central bank signals:
→ Hawkish Fed rhetoric: On Wednesday, Jerome Powell indicated that further rate cuts are “by no means predetermined.” The Fed continues to see mixed signals from the labour market and inflation data, suggesting it will not rush into easing policy.
→ ECB keeps rates unchanged: Yesterday, the European Central Bank left rates steady. However, markets remain concerned about the slowing economic growth across the eurozone, meaning the ECB cannot afford to tighten policy amid weak activity.
Technical Analysis of EUR/USD
Since mid-September, price movements have formed a descending channel (shown in red). Today, the pair fell below a key support level at 1.1580 (highlighted by arrows).
An earlier attempt to break this support in early October failed — as the pair entered oversold territory below the channel, it formed a double bottom (A–B) before sharply rebounding.
In this context, the 1.15435 level, where the double bottom formed, is significant. The orange-shaded area shows that bulls step in near this level, producing candles with long lower wicks. On shorter timeframes, this behaviour displays signs of a bullish engulfing pattern.
If bears succeed in breaking support, the pair could test the lower boundary of the red channel. Positive news from Donald Trump on progress in trade talks with China could improve the U.S. trade balance, supporting this bearish scenario.
Conversely, if bulls continue defending the 1.1560–1.15435 zone, EUR/USD may rebound, potentially moving towards the QH line.
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.
NVIDIA – A New World First, Where Next?A mere 24 hours after Apple become the third company in history to reach a $4 trillion valuation, NVIDIA set a new benchmark by becoming the first company ever to register a market capitalisation of $5 trillion.
Despite concerns about over extended valuations, the news flow for NVIDIA was initially positive to start this new week as the company attempts to solidify its future at the centre of the potential AI revolution.
CEO Jensen Huang revealed the company had received $500 billion of AI chip orders, including contracts to build supercomputers for the US government and then President Trump commented on Wednesday that NVIDIA’s latest Blackwell chips could be a discussion point when he meets with President Xi at Thursday’s summit in South Korea.
Putting this into numbers, after opening on Monday at 189.25, the stock soared 12% across the first 3 trading days to a high of 212.19 on Wednesday. That move brought its year-to-date rally to 54%, very impressive indeed! Although, it must be said that prices did slip back to close the day at 207.04.
However, overnight the positive sentiment may have stalled slightly, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates 25bps as expected but Chairman Powell provided a more cautious outlook on future cuts than had been anticipated. Also, earnings from Alphabet, Microsoft and Meta released late on Wednesday were mixed, with strong profits offset by rising costs.
Looking forward, the initial updates from the President Trump and President Xi meeting has started to arrive on newswires and traders will be keen to assess the actual details of what was discussed about NVIDIA chip sales between the two countries. A crucial aspect could be whether sales of NVIDIA’s latest Blackwell chip was discussed and if not, what were the reasons why.
Then it’s eyes down for the release of Amazon and Apple earnings after the close tonight which could either confirm the recent bullish moves or throw a sentiment curve ball which could negatively impact in positioning into the weekend.
Technical Update: Acceleration Higher Shifts Focus to Extension Resistance
In just six trading sessions, NVIDIA's share price has rallied over 20%, reaching fresh all-time highs. Such a rapid acceleration can often signal strong momentum but also raises the risk of short-term upside exhaustion, although it's difficult to pinpoint where such moves might slow or even see risks of possible reversal.
In this environment, traders might monitor support and resistance levels, with resistance zones signalling potential for profit-taking, while breaks below support could lead to further price weakness.
[b Potential Resistance Levels:
As price action pushes into uncharted territory with new all-time highs, identifying resistance becomes a challenge. However, traders often turn to Fibonacci extension levels, derived from the most recent correction, to highlight potential areas where upside momentum may slow or even reverse.
As the chart above shows, for NVIDIA, this last correction developed between October 10th and October 22nd and the latest strength appears to be stalling in the short term ahead of 213.23, a level equal to the 100% Fibonacci extension.
There is no guarantee such extension levels will be successful in capping price strength and closing breaks above the 213.23 resistance may shift focus to 220.14, which is the higher 138.2% extension level.
Potential Support Levels:
To maintain NVIDIA’s current price strength, traders may now be focused on Wednesday’s low at 204.78 as near-term support; if price weakness tests this level, its defense will be watched, as a closing break below 204.78 could trigger further downside pressure.
A close below 204.78 could lead to tests of 198.59, the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the October 22nd to 29th rally, but if that support gives way, risks may extend toward 194.39, the deeper 50% retracement level.
The material provided here has not been prepared accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients.
Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.
Building Rock-Solid Confidence: The Trader’s Unshakable EdgeConfidence is the foundation of every great trader — not because it guarantees wins, but because it guarantees consistency. In this session, we break down the psychology of self-belief and how to build confidence that doesn’t crumble when the market tests you.
Learn why confidence isn’t built from profits but from disciplined execution. We’ll cover how to stop second-guessing your trades, rebuild trust in your system, and detach your self-worth from your results. This episode shows you how professional traders use repetition, reflection, and recovery to stay calm, clear, and confident — even in drawdowns.
You’ll learn:
The difference between ego and true confidence
How to rebuild trust in your trading plan
Why the market manipulates your confidence and how to protect it
The 3-step framework for building self-trust in trading
If you’ve ever felt anxious before pressing “Buy” or “Sell,” or you constantly question your setups, this discussion will help you develop the rock-solid mindset needed to execute with precision and confidence.
Tags: trading psychology, trading confidence, self-belief for traders, trading mindset, forex psychology, discipline in trading, consistency in trading, emotional control, trader development, performance mindset
HOW TO TRADE THE LONG TERM TREND BY DRAWING TRENDLINES!Hey Traders so today wanted to make a quick video that explains how to trade the long term trend early. Also when to move your trendline to stay with the market for as long as possible in long term trends.
Hope This Helps Your Trading 😃
Clifford
META: Next Long Term Buy Following a disappointing earnings report, Meta (META) dropped more than 10% in post-market trading, decisively breaking through several key support levels. My primary support zones are typically derived from anchored VWAPs (Volume-Weighted Average Prices), which help identify where institutional buyers may step in to defend trend continuation. However, what’s becoming increasingly concerning is the decisive break below both major VWAPs — one anchored to the previous all-time high and another from the “tariff crash” lows.
This type of price action reflects broad-based weakness and a shift in market structure, suggesting that META may be entering a deeper corrective phase. The loss of both VWAPs indicates that long-term buyers are no longer in control of the trend, and that liquidity pockets beneath recent price levels could become magnets for further downside.
From a technical perspective, the current setup points toward a potential cascading move lower into the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement zone, which also aligns with multiple unfilled gaps on the chart. These confluence zones often act as high-probability areas for price stabilization or reversal, particularly when accompanied by a sentiment washout or capitulation event.
Moving forward, I’ll be closely monitoring the sub-$600 area as a potential longer-term accumulation zone. This region not only coincides with that Fibonacci retracement but could also mark the completion of a higher-degree corrective structure within the broader uptrend. Once price stabilizes, I plan to develop a detailed Elliott Wave projection to map out the next impulsive leg higher — ideally one that reestablishes META’s leadership role among the large-cap tech names.
In summary, while short-term weakness appears dominant, the upcoming retracement could offer an attractive buying opportunity for patient investors, provided the broader market context and technical structure begin to realign in favor of the bulls.
Fair Value Gaps: The Market Secret You Shouldn’t IgnoreEver scrolled through a chart and spotted a weird empty space in the candles — like the market just skipped a beat? That’s a Fair Value Gap (FVG). It’s one of those subtle price imbalances smart traders love to hunt for. Understanding how these gaps form and how price reacts around them can seriously level up your chart-reading game.
What Is a Fair Value Gap in Trading?
A Fair Value Gap happens when there’s a sudden surge in buying or selling pressure that causes price to move so fast, it doesn’t fully balance out between buyers and sellers. In simple terms, it’s an imbalance — a zone where the market skipped over potential orders.
When you hear traders talking about FVG in trading, they’re referring to those little pockets of unfilled liquidity left behind during strong moves.
So, what is FVG in trading, and why does it matter? Because price often comes back to those areas later to “rebalance” — filling the gap before continuing in the original direction. That’s the core logic behind Fair Value Gap trading.
Bullish and Bearish FVGs
There are two main types of Fair Value Gaps — bullish and bearish:
Bullish Fair Value Gap (bullish FVG): Forms during a strong upward move, when aggressive buyers push price higher, leaving a void below. Price might later dip back into that zone before continuing upward.
Bearish Fair Value Gap (bearish FVG): Forms in a sell-off, when sellers dominate and the market drops quickly, skipping over potential buy orders. Later, price often retraces upward to “fill” that gap.
Both can act as magnets for liquidity — areas where smart money likes to re-enter the market.
Fair Value Gap Example
Let’s say Bitcoin jumps from $110,000 to $120,000 in a single bullish candle, with almost no trading in between. That sudden move leaves a Fair Value Gap — the zone between the candle’s high and low where little to no trading took place.
If the market later pulls back to that range and finds support before bouncing, you’ve just witnessed a textbook Fair Value Gap example in action.
Using a Fair Value Gap Indicator
You can spot these zones manually by looking for three-candle structures — one candle that “leaves the gap” and two surrounding it that don’t overlap. But if you prefer automation, you can use a Fair Value Gap indicators:
Fair Value Gap Trading Strategies
Fair Value Gap trading isn’t about chasing price — it’s about waiting for the market to come back to you. Within Smart Money Concepts, traders often combine FVGs with CHoCH (Change of Character) to confirm a potential shift in structure before entering.
A common approach is to mark recent FVGs, identify the broader trend, and wait for price to revisit a gap in line with that trend.
In a bullish trend , traders look for bullish FVGs below current price as potential demand zones — ideally after a CHoCH confirms that buyers are stepping back in.
In a bearish trend , they watch for bearish FVGs above current price as potential supply zones, again validated by a CHoCH showing a shift in control.
Still, it’s important to remember — these setups are not guarantees. The market doesn’t owe you a fill. Use FVGs and CHoCH as part of the Smart Money framework, not as standalone signals. Always manage risk and make your own trading decisions based on your personal strategy and comfort level.
Final Thoughts
So, what is a Fair Value Gap really? It’s not magic — just the market showing where it moved too fast. Learning to read Fair Value Gaps gives you insight into liquidity, momentum, and potential reversals. Whether you use a Fair Value Gap indicator or mark them by hand, mastering FVG in trading can give you a serious edge in spotting high-probability zones.
Just keep in mind — no indicator or setup replaces good judgment.
Observe, adapt, and let the charts speak for themselves.
XAUUSD Long: Demand Zone Holding, Eyes on $4,080Hello traders! Gold (XAUUSD) is currently showing a corrective phase within its broader bullish trend. After a strong rally from the $3,850 Demand Zone, price climbed steadily along the ascending Trend Line, forming higher highs and higher lows until reaching the $4,150–$4,180 Resistance Area. This zone acted as a key pivot point, where buyers lost momentum and sellers initiated a retracement.
Following this, the market broke below the Trend Line, signaling the start of a short-term correction. The correction found temporary support near the $3,950 Demand Zone, where buyers have recently stepped in again. This level coincides with a previous pivot and a key structural support area, suggesting a potential rebound setup. At the moment, price is consolidating between the $3,950 Demand Zone and the $4,080–$4,150 Resistance Area, indicating indecision before the next move.
From my perspective, Gold is likely to attempt a bullish correction toward the $4,080–$4,150 Resistance Zone, which aligns with both the previous Trend Line and recent pivot structure. A successful break and close above $4,150 would confirm a trend continuation toward higher levels. However, if the price fails to break above this resistance area and gets rejected, sellers could regain control, pushing the market back down toward $3,950 or even lower. For now, I’ll be watching for confirmation of a bullish reaction from the $3,950 Demand Zone to validate a short-term long setup targeting $4,080. Manage your risk!
GBPUSD: Drops Sharply After Breaking Key Support👋Hello traders , what’s your view on FX:GBPUSD ?
The GBP/USD pair continues its bearish momentum in the first sessions of November, currently trading around the 1.314 zone after failing to hold the key 1.326 support — which has now turned into new resistance.
On the 4H technical chart, the descending trendline still acts as a dynamic resistance, blocking every recovery attempt from buyers. Meanwhile, both EMA 34 and EMA 89 remain sloping downward, confirming that the short-term bearish trend is still dominant.
From a fundamental perspective, the British Pound is under pressure from weak economic data and expectations that the Bank of England (BoE) may keep its tightening policy longer than anticipated. At the same time, the USD continues to find support and strengthen over recent days.
The preferred scenario suggests that price may perform a technical rebound back to the 1.3200 – 1.3235 zone (which aligns with the 0.5–0.618 Fibonacci retracement area) before continuing its downward move in line with the main trend. The next potential target lies near 1.3050 – 1.3000, where a temporary buying reaction could occur.
What do you think — will GBPUSD bounce from this bottom zone or keep sliding lower next week? 💬
Capital Protection Guide: Learning from Catastrophic DrawdownCapital Protection Guide: Learning from Catastrophic Drawdowns - LRN Case Study
Overview
Catastrophic drawdowns—sudden, severe price declines of 30% or more in a single session—can devastate trading accounts, especially for beginners. This tutorial examines the real-world case of NYSE:LRN (Stride Inc.), which lost over 50% in a single day on October 29, 2025 , and provides practical strategies to protect your capital from similar disasters.
Understanding how to identify warning signs and implement proper risk management is essential for long-term trading success. While no strategy can guarantee complete protection, recognizing red flags and following disciplined capital preservation rules can significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic losses.
Understanding Catastrophic Drawdowns
What is a Catastrophic Drawdown?
A catastrophic drawdown occurs when a stock experiences an extreme price decline in a very short period—typically 10% or more in a single trading day . These events can be triggered by:
Earnings surprises: Missed expectations or guidance cuts
Regulatory news: Government actions or policy changes
Sector rotation: Money rapidly exiting entire sectors
High-frequency trading: Algorithmic selling creating cascading effects
Margin calls: Forced selling accelerating declines
Black swan events: Unexpected crises affecting specific stocks or sectors
Why Beginners Are Most Vulnerable
Beginners face unique challenges when catastrophic drawdowns occur:
Position Sizing Mistakes : Often risk too much capital on single trades
Lack of Stop-Loss Discipline : Emotional attachment prevents cutting losses
Overconfidence : Good runs create false confidence in risky positions
Ignoring Red Flags : Missing early warning signs of trouble
Averaging Down : Doubling down on losing positions instead of exiting
Case Study: NYSE:LRN -50% Crash on October 29, 2025
The Event
On October 29, 2025 , Stride Inc. ( NYSE:LRN ) experienced a catastrophic one-day decline. The stock closed at $68.04 on October 29, down from $153.53 the previous day—a drop of approximately 55.7% (close-to-close). According to multiple sources, the stock experienced between 41-49% premarket/intraday declines , with some sources reporting up to 51.5% decline over a 4-week period following the earnings announcement. The close-to-close decline represents one of the most severe single-day drops in recent market history.
Key Event Details:
• Crash Date: October 29, 2025
• Previous Close (Oct 28): $153.53
• Crash Day Close (Oct 29): $68.04
• Drop Magnitude: ~56% close-to-close (reported 41-49% intraday/premarket)
• Primary Causes: Weak FY26 outlook, failed platform upgrade, legal allegations
• Enrollment Impact: 10,000-15,000 student shortfall
• Growth Forecast: Slashed from 19% historical to 5% projected
• Earnings Report: Q1 FY26 reported October 28, 2025 (beat estimates but weak guidance)
What Happened - Timeline of Events
Summer 2025 : Stride attempted to implement an upgraded platform that failed to proceed as planned, resulting in poor customer experience and higher withdrawal rates.
September 14, 2025 : Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education filed a lawsuit against Stride, alleging fraud, deceptive practices, and inflated enrollment figures. This was a major red flag that appeared 6 weeks before the crash.
October 28, 2025 : Q1 FY26 earnings reported after market close—beat estimates ($1.52 vs $1.23 expected) BUT guidance for FY26 was weak (only 5% growth vs 19% historical).
October 29, 2025 : Market opened and stock crashed:
• Premarket: Down ~41%
• Intraday: Declined further to ~49% intraday
• Close: Stock closed at $68.04 (down ~56% from previous close of $153.53)
• Weak financial forecast for FY26 confirmed fears
• Platform upgrade issues causing enrollment shortfall confirmed
The Math of Recovery
Critical lesson for beginners: If stock drops 50% , you need 100% gain just to break even. If stock drops 75% , you need 300% gain to recover. Prevention is infinitely easier than recovery.
Red Flags That Appeared Before the Crash
Red Flag #1: Legal Allegations (September 14, 2025)
What Happened:
• Lawsuit filed by Gallup-McKinley alleging fraud and deceptive practices
• Claims of artificially inflated enrollment figures
• Allegations of insufficiently licensed teachers
Why It Mattered:
• Legal issues are often a precursor to financial problems
• Governance and ethical concerns can destroy investor confidence
• This appeared 6 weeks BEFORE the crash - ample warning time
How to Monitor:
• Set up Google Alerts for " lawsuit" or " legal"
• Check SEC filings regularly
• Monitor news sources like Globe Newswire, MarketWatch
Red Flag #2: Operational Challenges (Summer 2025)
What Happened:
• Failed platform upgrade causing poor customer experience
• Higher withdrawal rates than anticipated
• Lower conversion rates
• Estimated 10,000-15,000 enrollment shortfall
Why It Mattered:
• Operational failures directly impact revenue
• Customer dissatisfaction leads to lost business
• Enrollment declines = revenue declines
How to Monitor:
• Read company earnings call transcripts
• Monitor customer reviews and complaints
• Watch for guidance reductions or warnings
Red Flag #3: Guidance Cut (October 29, 2025)
What Happened:
• FY26 growth forecast slashed from 19% historical average to only 5%
• This represents a 74% reduction in expected growth
• Investors immediately understood the implications
Why It Mattered:
• Growth rate cuts signal fundamental problems
• 5% growth vs 19% historical = massive disappointment
• Forward-looking statements are often more important than past results
How to Monitor:
• Compare new guidance to historical performance
• Watch for percentage reductions in growth forecasts
• Compare to analyst expectations
Red Flag #4: Volume Expansion (Days Before Crash)
What to Look For:
• Volume spikes of 2.5x+ average volume
• Unusually high volume on down days
• Declining volume on rallies (bearish divergence)
Why It Matters:
• High volume + falling price = Institutional selling
• Volume often leads price action
• Large players exiting before the crash
How to Monitor in TradingView:
Add Volume Moving Average indicators (20 and 50 period)
Compare current volume to averages
Set alert when volume > 2.5x average
Red Flag #5: Support Level Breakdowns
What to Look For:
• Price breaking below key support levels
• Support levels tested 3+ times before breaking
• Volume increase on support breaks
Why It Matters:
• Support breaks often trigger further selling
• Each failed support test weakens the level
• Break below major support = potential cascade
How to Identify in TradingView:
Use pivot low function to find support levels
Draw horizontal lines at key support using drawing tools
Track number of touches (3+ = strong support)
Exit immediately when support breaks
Red Flag #6: Volatility Expansion
What to Look For:
• Average True Range (ATR) exceeding 2x normal levels
• Increased daily price ranges (high-low spreads)
• Unusual intraday swings
Why It Matters:
• High volatility often precedes major moves
• Sudden volatility expansion can signal institutional activity
• Increased uncertainty = increased risk
How to Monitor in TradingView:
Add ATR (Average True Range) indicator
Compare current ATR to 20-period average
Calculate ratio: Current ATR / Average ATR
Alert when ratio exceeds 2.0 (volatility spike)
Capital Protection Strategies
Strategy 1: Position Sizing Rules
The Golden Rule: Never risk more than 1-2% of total capital per trade
How to Calculate Position Size:
Position Size = (Account × Risk %) / Stop-Loss %
Example: If you have $10,000 and want to risk 2% ($200) with a 5% stop-loss, your maximum position would be $4,000. This ensures that if your stop is hit, you only lose 2% of your account, not more.
Why It Works:
Limits maximum loss on any single trade
Allows you to survive multiple losses
Preserves capital for better opportunities
Strategy 2: Stop-Loss Discipline
Always Use Stop-Losses - No Exceptions
Types of Stop-Losses:
Fixed Percentage Stop :
• Example: 5% below entry
• Pros: Simple, consistent
• Cons: May not account for volatility
Support-Based Stop :
• Place below nearest support level
• Pros: Respects technical structure
• Cons: Requires chart analysis
ATR-Based Stop :
• Stop = Entry - (2 × ATR)
• Pros: Adapts to volatility
• Cons: May be too wide in volatile markets
Trailing Stop :
• Moves up as price increases
• Pros: Protects profits automatically
• Cons: Can exit during normal pullbacks
Critical Rules:
✅ Set stops immediately after entry
✅ Never move stops away from price
✅ Only move stops closer (trailing up)
✅ Never remove stops "temporarily"
✅ If stopped out, stay out (don't revenge trade)
Strategy 3: Early Exit Discipline
Why This Matters: If a stock drops 50%, you need it to gain 100% just to break even. That's why early exits are crucial—better to exit at -10% than wait for catastrophic losses. Accept small losses as the cost of doing business.
Strategy 4: Diversification Rules
Never Put All Eggs in One Basket
Diversification Guidelines:
Maximum 5-10% of capital in single stock
Diversify across sectors (not just stocks)
Keep 20-30% cash for opportunities
Don't over-concentrate in similar stocks
Example: Instead of putting 50% in one stock, spread it across multiple sectors: 5-10% in Tech, 5-10% in Healthcare, 5-10% in Energy, etc. This way, a single catastrophic drawdown can't destroy your entire account.
Why It Works:
Single catastrophic drawdown can't destroy account
Other positions can offset losses
Cash available for opportunities
Strategy 5: Risk Monitoring System
Create Your Own Risk Score:
Monitor these factors daily:
Volatility (0-25 points)
• ATR > 2x average = +25 points
Volume (0-20 points)
• Volume spike = +20 points
Support Breaks (0-25 points)
• Major support break = +25 points
Momentum (0-15 points)
• RSI overbought = +10 points
• Bearish divergence = +15 points
Gap-Downs (0-15 points)
• 3%+ gap down = +15 points
Legal/Operational Issues (0-25 points)
• Lawsuit filed = +25 points
• Guidance cuts = +20 points
Risk Score Interpretation:
0-29 : LOW risk - Normal trading
30-49 : MODERATE - Increase caution, tighten stops
50-69 : HIGH - Reduce position size by 50%
70-100 : CRITICAL - Exit immediately
Example: If a stock has a lawsuit filed (+25), operational issues (+20), volatility spike (+25), and volume anomaly (+20), the risk score would be 90—triggering an immediate exit signal.
How Early Detection Could Have Helped
In the LRN case, red flags appeared weeks before the crash:
September 14, 2025 (6 weeks before): Lawsuit filed → Risk score +25 → Monitor closely
Summer 2025 : Platform upgrade failure → Risk score +20 → Total 45 = MODERATE → Reduce position size
October 29, 2025 : Guidance cut → Risk score +20 → Total 65+ = CRITICAL → Exit immediately
By monitoring these red flags and following the risk scoring system, traders could have exited before the catastrophic crash, preserving capital for better opportunities.
Why Protection Matters:
Without Protection:
• Lost ~56% in one day
• Account severely damaged
• Needs 127% gain just to break even
With Protection:
• Exited at -5% to -10% (after red flags appeared)
• Small, manageable loss
• Capital preserved for better opportunities
• Can trade another day
Daily Protection Routine
✅ Morning: Review positions, check news/lawsuits, verify stop-losses
✅ During Trading: Monitor for red flags, watch volume/volatility spikes
✅ End of Day: Review alerts, adjust stops (only closer, never further)
Key Takeaways
Capital preservation is #1 - You can always find another trade, but lost capital is hard to recover
Always use stop-losses - Set immediately after entry, never move away from price
Watch for red flags - Multiple warnings = exit signal. Better to exit early than late.
Position sizing matters - Risk only 1-2% per trade, maximum 5-10% in single stock
Monitor news daily - Legal issues and guidance cuts often precede crashes
Use the risk scoring system - Combine technical indicators with fundamental news for better protection
Conclusion
Catastrophic drawdowns like NYSE:LRN 's ~56% crash can devastate trading accounts, especially for beginners. However, by understanding red flags (like the lawsuit that appeared 6 weeks before), implementing proper risk management, and maintaining discipline, traders can significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic losses.
While no strategy can guarantee complete protection, combining technical analysis, fundamental monitoring, risk management, and discipline can help protect your capital and ensure you can trade another day.
Remember: The goal isn't to avoid all losses—it's to avoid catastrophic losses that can destroy your trading account.
Stay disciplined. Protect your capital. Trade another day. 🛡️
The Earnings Playbook: How to Navigate Each Quarter Like a ProTraders are in the heat of the earnings season and euphoria is sweeping every corner of the market.
The charts twitch, traders stop talking about the Fed for five minutes ( not this week, though ), and online forums turn into a parade of watch-me-trade sessions.
It’s that glorious stretch when companies pop open the books and reveal what’s really been happening behind the scenes.
For professional investors, it’s data heaven. For retail traders, it’s emotional cardio. Stocks can rise 20% on a single upbeat forecast — or plummet before your coffee cools. The trick isn’t just to survive it. It’s to navigate it like a pro.
💼 Know the Seasons (and the Mood Swings)
Earnings season comes four times a year — January, April, July, and October — and each has its own flavor.
Q1 (April): That’s the hangover quarter. Holiday sales meet new-year cost cuts. Traders recalibrate expectations and reality collides with ambition.
Q2 (July): The mid-year checkup. CEOs brag about “momentum,” analysts start sharpening their red pencils. Markets get twitchy.
Q3 (October): The credibility test. Guidance revisions and cautious tones dominate. If the year’s been good, this is where the victory laps start.
Q4 (January): The scoreboard reveal. Everyone tallies their annual wins and losses, and traders begin to bet on who carries the next year’s momentum.
Each cycle has a similar rhythm: hype, reaction, digestion, and speculation. Think of it like a four-act play.
📊 Mind the Gap
One thing to keep in mind whenever you find yourself in the earnings bonanza: the actual numbers matter less than the narrative. ( Looking at you, Oracle NYSE:ORCL )
A company can beat on revenue, miss on profit, and still rally — if the CEO sells a compelling story about the next quarter. Conversely, it can post record earnings and tank because analysts wanted even more.
The pros know to look beyond the headline EPS. They dig into guidance, margins, and segment performance. Is revenue growing because of genuine demand, or just creative accounting? Are margins improving, or did the company quietly cut R&D?
Markets don’t price what’s happened — they price what’s next. That’s especially true for growth stocks like t echnology companies .
🎯 Don’t Chase the Knee-Jerk
Every earnings season has its share of instant overreactions — the “up 10% at open, down 8% by lunch” kind of chaos. That’s when seasoned traders sit back and let volatility do the heavy lifting.
Smart money avoids buying into the frenzy or shorting into despair. Instead, they wait for the second move — when dust settles, algorithms calm down, and humans return to their desks.
🧠 Build Your Own Playbook
To trade earnings season like a pro, you need a plan. Here’s how the veterans prep:
Start early. Check the earnings calendar and mark high-impact names in your portfolio or watchlist.
Study the setup. Look at how the stock’s performed heading into earnings. A big pre-report rally can mean expectations are too high.
Focus on guidance. Earnings beats are old news — future commentary moves markets.
Use position sizing. Never bet the farm on one report. Even the best setups can go sideways.
Don’t forget the macro. Rate cuts, inflation prints, or a stray tweet from the US President can overshadow the best earnings beat.
🕹️ The Big Picture: Earnings as Market GPS
Earnings season is the market’s health check because it tells you which sectors are thriving, which are limping, and how CEOs feel about the future (watch the language: “headwinds” and “volatility” are polite ways of saying buckle up).
Taken together, earnings trends shape the broader narrative — from interest rate expectations to sector rotations. In other words, earnings season is where short-term trading meets long-term investing.
Now go and prepare for the next batch of earnings — Big Tech is on deck this week with Apple NASDAQ:AAPL and Amazon NASDAQ:AMZN reporting today.
Off to you : What’s your strategy this earnings season? Buying the hype or waiting to buy the dip? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Bitcoin All Time High Drawdown - Bottom nowhere in sight?We revisit the Bitcoin All Time High Drawdown chart originally published in March 2023.
The core thesis of the BTC_ATHDRAWDOWN chart remains intact: each subsequent market cycle has exhibited a diminishing drawdown from its prior All-Time High, with generational cycle bottoms resting squarely on a discernible upward-sloping diagonal support (the 'Buy' line). The 2022-2023 bear market bottomed perfectly on this structural trendline, confirming the '4 degree slope upwards' trend.
Current Cycle Progress: The Sawtooth Fractal
Following the decisive breakthrough of the 2021 All-Time High, price action has entered an unprecedented and structurally complex phase. We are currently witnessing a prolonged high-frequency sawtooth waveform of continuous All-Time Highs.
This action represents the longest sawtooth fractal near ATH of any cycle prior.
This is a stark deviation from the swift, parabolic ascents that characterized previous blow-off tops:
Contrasting the 2017 Pattern: The 2017 bull run culminated in a sharp, almost vertical run-up to $20,000, immediately followed by a steep and rapid crash. That was a classic V-top.
The 2024/2025 Pattern: Instead of a quick V-top, the market is engaged in an extended, messy distribution/consolidation phase right at the very peak. The continuous setting of new, marginal ATHs followed by sharp, shallow pullbacks creates a dense, high-frequency signal in the ATH Drawdown chart.
This structural evolution—a prolonged struggle to hold and marginally exceed previous peaks—suggests that the market is either building a much larger, more resilient base for an extended super-cycle, or undergoing a slow, drawn-out distribution that fundamentally alters the historical BTC cycle cadence.
This is not financial advice, and presented merely as conjectural musing.
Wall Street Weekly Outlook - Week 44 2025 [27.10.- 31.10.2025]Wall Street Weekly Outlook – Week 44, 2025 📊💥
Let’s dive into another exciting trading week! 🚀
Rate decisions, month-end flows, and fresh quarterly earnings are setting the stage for strong market moves.
Sit back, enjoy the overview, and dive into the world of banks, hedge funds, and institutional flows — with exclusive insights into how the pros are positioning right now. 🧠💼📈
Extra Lessons: Strategies, setups, and market psychology — everything you need to know for the week ahead. ⚡️
**S&P500 Performance after FED rate cuts**
**Overview: The most important events of the week**
Have a great start to the trading week!
Meikel
QQQ: Preparation for FOMC... and Halloween Okay, so here is my annual Halloween themed post! Have to stick to tradition I guess.
Here I am sharing intra-day predictions in anticipation for FOMC release tomorrow.
The FEDS are between a rock and a hard place. As the Federal reserve depends on the federal government to release statistics, it is missing quite a bit of the data it would use to make decisions. While CPI was released last week which was high but showed inflation still "cooling", this is only part of the picture the FEDS consider.
In determining the appropriateness of rate cuts or hikes, these fundamental metrics are what the federal reserve considers:
Economic Growth (GDP): If GDP contracts or grows sluggishly, the Fed may cut rates to stimulate investment and consumer spending. For example, a negative Q1 followed by weak Q2 growth raises recession concerns.
Unemployment Trends: Rising unemployment signals labor market weakness. If job losses mount or hiring slows, the Fed may lower rates to encourage business expansion and hiring.
Inflation Levels: The Fed targets 2% inflation. If inflation falls below this, rate cuts can help reflate the economy. But if inflation is still high (e.g., 3% in September 2025), they must tread carefully
Financial System Stress: Signs of instability—like high volatility (VIX index), credit tightening, or banking stress—can prompt cuts to stabilize markets. Remember, JP directly mentioned how over-extended the market was! These are real considerations that the Fed is not blind to.
Global Economic Conditions: Weakness abroad (e.g., low global PMI) can spill into U.S. exports and investment, prompting accommodative policy.
Yield Curve and Policy Tightness: An inverted or steep yield curve suggests overly tight monetary policy. The Fed may cut rates to normalize the curve and avoid recession.
Here are the data the FEDS are missing going into the release tomorrow:
September Employment Report:
Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS)
Retail Sales Data
Gross Domestic Product (or GDP)
Trade Balance and Import / Export Data
Let's take a look at the 20-Year Bond Market:
This chart shows a large descending wedge pattern that has recently broken to the upside, generally a bullish indication. The wedge, defined by lower highs and lower lows since early 2024, reflects a long period of declining momentum that appears to have been exhausted. The breakout above the upper trendline suggests that sellers are losing control and a potential trend reversal may be underway. As long as price remains above the broken resistance (~$44.50), the next technical targets could lie in the $46.50–$47.50 zone, while a close back below $44 would negate the breakout and reintroduce downside risk.
This is generally a sign of bearishness for the larger market, but a bullish indication for government bonds.
Why is this? For some reasons, namely:
UTWY rising means long-term Treasury prices are going up — and since bond prices move opposite to yields, this implies yields are falling.
Falling yields typically signal that investors expect slower economic growth, cooling inflation, or increased demand for safety.
In the early stages, declining yields can support equities (lower borrowing costs, valuation boost). But if yields are dropping because the market anticipates economic weakness or Fed easing due to slowdown, it can become bearish for risk assets like stocks and bullish for defensive assets like bonds and gold.
Be that as it may, the CME group estimates a > 95% probability that the feds will cut rates by at least 25 basis points. And this would be bullish, if and only if, the market hasn't already priced in a 25 basis point cut. If we notice the rallying into FOMC, it tells you something.. the market has expectations that they are already betting on.
I know, this is all boring. What about QQQ from a technical/math and momentum perspective?
On the hourly, QQQ has incredibly bullish momentum, which we can visualize using the momentum probability oscillator:
We can see that, on the hourly, QQQ is holding well above the momentum mean, indicating persistent trendiness backed but a ton of momentum.
That is not to say that this can't fail at any point, but it is completely momentum fueled right now.
But what about the math? If we look at QQQ on the weekly perspective:
We can see that QQQ is pushing the 99% confidence level. Historically, QQQ has closed above this range only 2.02% of the time, putting the odds that we hold here or above at 2.02% probability.
Not great odds if you ask me and definitely a terrible R:R to long here if you are not already long.
The last thing I can share with you is my fundamental forecast model. I haven't shared this publicly before but I have trained a model to forecast fundamental catalysts, including FOMC.
Obviously it forecasts a ton of volatility tomorrow, but here it is:
As per usual, we can expect dramatic movement in both directions.
Verdict
If you watched my most recent idea on SPY, you know I remain bullish for at least another 4% upside into EOY.
However, here is not the place to buy, in my honest opinion. I do anticipate we should see some retracement to the downside before and further moves to the upside. Not because the market is super "over-extended", because that never really matters with momentum. But because the math predicts as such ;-).
These are my thoughts. I have shared the intra-day levels in the main chart to guide you through the day tomorrow!
I wish you all safe trades and best of luck tomorrow!
Stocks at Records Ahead of Big Week of Fed & Tech. What to WatchRecord highs, rate-cut optimism, five tech giants on deck — what a time to be a market participant!
It’s Monday, and Wall Street is back doing what it does best — setting new records and pretending not to worry about what comes next.
After a cooler-than-expected inflation print and some diplomatic smiles from Washington and Beijing, all three major indexes are kicking off the week in full throttle.
Last Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average TVC:DJI finally closed north of 47,000 for the first time ever, rising 472 points, or 1%.
You know that feeling when you hit every green light on the way to work? That’s what Friday felt like. The S&P 500 SP:SPX climbed 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite NASDAQ:IXIC gained 1.2%. Together, the trio ended the week at record highs.
The spark? September’s Consumer Price Index ECONOMICS:USCPI rose 3.0%, slightly below the 3.1% expected. Traders took that as a nod from the economy that the Federal Reserve can keep easing off the monetary brakes.
Odds of at least a half-point in rate cuts by year-end jumped to nearly 97%, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
Soft inflation, strong sentiment, and new highs — *insert feelsgoodman meme.*
🤝 A Trade Truce (For Now)
Adding to optimism, US and Chinese negotiators sounded unusually positive over the weekend. The two sides reportedly hammered out a trade framework, setting the stage for President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to meet in South Korea later this week.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the talks “ought to pave the way” for a broader discussion on tariffs, tech transfers, and everything in between — the kind of vague optimism that markets eat up like comfort food.
For now, investors are choosing to focus on the handshake rather than the fine print. After all, in the markets, hope is often more powerful than details.
🏦 The Fed’s Big Moment
The main event, however, comes midweek. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut interest rates ECONOMICS:USINTR by a quarter point on Wednesday. But the real show starts after the decision, when Jerome Powell takes the mic.
Traders will be parsing every word of his press conference for hints on how much further the Fed is willing to go. The tone of his remarks could determine whether markets keep coasting at record highs — or finally take a breather.
So far, Powell has managed to thread the needle: easing just enough to keep growth alive without letting inflation flare back up. But with stocks at all-time highs and job data still missing due to the government shutdown, he’s got a tough balancing act.
💻 Big Tech Takes the Stage
Anyway, peak earnings season is here and if macro policy is the first act this week, Big Tech earnings are the broader narrative.
Five members of the Magnificent Seven — Microsoft NASDAQ:MSFT , Alphabet NASDAQ:GOOGL , Meta NASDAQ:META , Apple NASDAQ:AAPL , and Amazon NASDAQ:AMZN — will all report their latest results.
That’s roughly $12 trillion in combined market cap stepping into the spotlight.
After a few solid years of sky-high expectations around AI, cloud, and advertising recovery, investors are craving proof that the hype is translating into actual earnings.
The question isn’t whether these companies are still dominant — it’s whether they can keep growing fast enough to justify valuations that have already priced in perfection.
Microsoft, Meta and Alphabet kick things off Wednesday, Apple and Amazon step up Thursday. Somewhere between all that, expect social media feeds to explode with charts, hot takes, and the occasional meme about “buying the dip” before it even happens.
🌍 Markets in a Mood
It’s one of those rare weeks when every major force — central banks, geopolitics, and tech earnings — converge into a single market narrative. And, by the looks of it, that narrative is leaning bullish.
Still, keep an eye out for surprises.
Off to you : Where do you think markets are heading this week? Are you excited to snap up some tech shares ahead of the updates or looking to play defense? Share your thoughts in the comments!
BTCUSDT – When the Bullish Wave ReturnsBitcoin is showing a notable recovery phase after a series of previous corrections. On the daily timeframe, price continues to move within an ascending channel that has been forming since the beginning of Q3.
Currently, BTC is approaching the midline of the channel around 115,000–116,000 USD , with key support at 106,700 USD and upper resistance near 127,700 USD.
If the price retests the 112,000–113,000 USD zone and holds, this could become a perfect “launchpad” for the next bullish move.
From a fundamental perspective, expectations of a Fed rate cut and South Korea’s more open stance toward crypto are providing positive momentum for risk assets like Bitcoin. However, signals from the options market and investor sentiment still show some caution, meaning the upward move may be gradual and range-bound rather than explosive.
Overall, BTC remains under bullish control , and as long as the price holds above the 106,000–107,000 USD zone, the gradual climb toward 127,000 USD remains the most likely scenario.
Is Geopolitical Re-Alignment the New AUD Catalyst?The Australian Dollar's (AUD) sharp surge against the US Dollar (USD) is driven by a powerful synergy of geopolitical de-escalation and structural economic realignment. Near-term momentum stems from optimism surrounding an imminent US-China trade deal. As a primary commodity exporter and a financial 'China proxy', Australia's currency benefits directly from reduced Sino-American trade tensions, prompting a global "risk-on" rally that lifted commodity prices and commodity-linked currencies. Simultaneously, softer-than-expected US inflation data has amplified expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut in December, weakening the USD by narrowing the interest rate differential in favor of the Aussie.
Structurally, the AUD gains foundational strength from a landmark $8.5 billion US-Australia Critical Minerals Agreement. This strategic pact, targeting vital rare-earth elements, aims to secure a Western supply chain for high-tech and defense industries, directly countering China's resource dominance. The joint commitment of over $1 billion in near-term investment into Australian mining and processing facilities introduces significant foreign capital and long-term economic diversification. This geostrategic pivot transforms Australia into a key node in the non-Chinese supply of materials essential for the global clean energy transition and advanced cyber systems, moving the AUD beyond purely cyclical commodity flows.
In essence, the $AUD/USD rally is a dual narrative: a cyclical uplift from cooling trade wars and a structural upgrade from a new science and technology alliance with the US. While markets await specific details from the upcoming high-level trade talks and the Federal Reserve's next move, this combination of favorable macroeconomic divergence and a foundational critical minerals investment provides a robust, multi-domain argument for sustained Australian Dollar strength.
Can WTI’s 8% Rally Hold After Trump-Putin Summit Collapse?WTI just staged its biggest two-day rally since June, as hopes for a Trump-Putin summit were dashed, leading to new US sanctions on Russian oil exports.
Here’s what’s fuelling the move and what traders should watch next:
- US sanctions on Russia’s top oil producers after failed Budapest summit trigger supply fears and spike prices
- Trump escalates rhetoric to maintain leverage as Zelensky signs military deals with Sweden, raising geopolitical stakes
- WTI reclaims key $61 resistance, with daily RSI momentum signalling room to run and a possible cup & handle breakout toward $68
- Supply glitch fears (India, OPEC’s slow reaction) and technicals all support continued upside if the current environment holds
Watch for buy the dip signals, respect $61 support, and target the $65–68 channel top if current drivers persist.
Stay tuned!
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XAUUSD-seeking $4,000 region?As my H4 chart shows, gold did make a double top a few days ago and then crashed. You can give credit for this massive 3,800 points move to profit taking or economic uncertainty or any technical reason, maybe a combination but it really does not matter.
What does matter is that we now have a double or triple top indicating that we have more room to the down side. I am seeing a medium term bearish move followed by a consolidation and now it may be that we will get a breakout (to the down side) to give us a bearish continuation.
How far will we go? I have no idea but the round number 4,000 followed by 3,950 do make sense. If all this works out as I anticipate, it may be a good idea to close a partial position, move the stop to a level of small profit and then trail the price action.






















