Fundamental Analysis
NASDAQ 100: A Tipping Point on the 4H ChartKey Takeaway
NASDAQ 100 (NAS100) is at a critical juncture, hovering at a potential inflection point around the 24,000 level. A clear breakout above or breakdown below this psychological and technical area will likely dictate the next major move for the index, presenting distinct opportunities for both bulls and bears.
Macro View
NASDAQ 100 has been in a strong rising trend channel for the medium to long term, indicating persistent investor optimism. The overall technical outlook remains positive. However, recent price action on the 4hour chart suggests a period of indecision, with the index consolidating just below its recent highs. This consolidation, combined with the emergence of a potential head and shoulders pattern, signals that a significant move is imminent.
Bearish Outlook: A Breakdown Scenario
A breakdown below the key support level at 23,800 would be a significant bearish signal. This level is crucial as it marks the lower boundary of the current consolidation zone.
• Target 1: 23,700 A move below the first key support could quickly see the index test the 23,700 level, which has acted as a previous point of interest.
• Target 2: 23,450 A break of the 23,700 support would confirm a deeper correction, with the next major target being 23,450. This level coincides with a significant volume node and previous support, making it a strong magnet for price.
Risk Management: A stoploss should be placed just above the resistance to mitigate risk in a false breakdown.
Bullish Outlook: A Breakout Scenario
The bullish case is contingent on the index successfully holding the 24,000 psychological level and breaking above the key resistance at 24,208.5.
• Target 1: 24,463 A confirmed breakout would likely propel the index toward the upper boundary of the rising channel, with a primary target of 24,463. This level represents a key extension of the current trend.
• Target 2: 24,600 A decisive move beyond 24,463 would suggest a continuation of the bullish momentum, with a secondary target at 24,600. This level aligns with a major extension and could see the index set new all-time highs.
Risk Management: A stop loss should be placed just below the support to protect against a trend reversal.
Conclusion
NASDAQ 100 is at a pivotal moment. Traders should watch for a clear break in either direction before entering a position. The 24,000 level is a critical pivot, and the ensuing price action will provide a clear roadmap for the market's next move.
Long TLT/SPY📌 Bonds Explained: What They Are, How They Work & Key Risks
Bonds are one of the oldest and most important financial instruments in global markets. They are used by governments, corporations, and institutions to raise money, and by investors to earn income, diversify portfolios, and manage risk.
At their core, a bond is a loan:
The issuer (borrower) raises capital by selling bonds.
The investor (lender) provides money in exchange for periodic interest payments (coupon payments) and the return of the principal (face value) at maturity.
🔹 1. What is a Bond?
When you buy a bond, you are lending money to the issuer. The issuer promises:
Interest payments (usually fixed) on a regular schedule (semiannual or annual).
Repayment of principal (the original investment amount) when the bond matures.
📌 Example:
You invest $1,000,000 in a 10-year bond paying 3% annually (semiannual coupons).
Every 6 months, you receive $15,000 in interest payments.
At the end of 10 years, you (hopefully) receive back your original $1,000,000 principal.
🔹 2. Why Do Companies and Governments Issue Bonds?
Governments → Fund infrastructure, social programs, defense, or refinance existing debt.
Corporations → Finance expansion, research, acquisitions, or refinance loans.
Municipalities → Build schools, hospitals, and roads.
Bonds allow issuers to access large pools of capital without giving up ownership (like stocks).
🔹 3. Why Do Investors Buy Bonds?
Stable Income: Regular coupon payments.
Capital Preservation: Return of principal at maturity (assuming no default).
Diversification: Bonds often behave differently from stocks, balancing risk.
Hedging Inflation/Interest Rates: Certain bonds (like TIPS) protect against inflation.
Relative Safety: High-quality government bonds are considered safe-haven assets.
🔹 4. Key Types of Bonds
Government Bonds
Issued by sovereign states.
Example: U.S. Treasuries, UK Gilts, German Bunds.
Generally low risk, lower yields.
Corporate Bonds
Issued by companies.
Higher yields than government bonds but higher risk.
Municipal Bonds
Issued by local governments or agencies.
Often come with tax benefits for investors.
High-Yield (Junk) Bonds
Issued by lower-credit issuers.
Higher potential returns, but much riskier.
Inflation-Protected Bonds
Coupon/principal linked to inflation.
Example: U.S. TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities).
🔹 5. Three Main Risks of Investing in Bonds
Even though bonds are often seen as “safe,” they carry risks that investors must understand:
1️⃣ Credit Risk (Default Risk)
The issuer may fail to pay coupons or repay the principal.
Higher with corporate bonds and emerging market government bonds.
Mitigated by credit ratings (Moody’s, S&P, Fitch).
📌 Example:
If a company defaults, you may lose part or all of your investment.
2️⃣ Interest Rate Risk
Bond prices move inversely to interest rates.
If rates rise, existing bond prices fall (since new bonds offer better yields).
If you sell before maturity, you could face a loss.
📌 Example:
You bought a 10-year bond at 3%. A year later, rates rise to 5%. Your bond’s market value falls, because investors prefer newer bonds paying higher coupons.
3️⃣ Inflation Risk (Purchasing Power Risk)
Even if you hold the bond to maturity, rising inflation erodes the real value of your returns.
A 3% coupon loses attractiveness if inflation rises to 6%.
📌 Example:
Your bond pays $30,000 annually, but inflation pushes up costs by $40,000 per year → you are effectively losing purchasing power.
🔹 6. Bonds vs. Stocks
Bonds: Debt, fixed income, contractual obligation, lower risk, limited upside.
Stocks: Equity ownership, dividends (optional), higher risk, unlimited upside.
In a company bankruptcy, bondholders are paid before shareholders.
🔹 7. How Investors Use Bonds in Portfolios
Income generation: Retirees and pension funds rely on coupon payments.
Diversification: Bonds often rise when stocks fall, reducing portfolio volatility.
Risk management: Safe-haven bonds (like Treasuries) act as “insurance” during crises.
Speculation: Traders can bet on interest rate moves via bond futures and ETFs.
🔹 8. Bonds vs. Stocks: The TLT–SPY Correlation
One of the most widely followed relationships in global markets is the correlation between:
TLT → iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (tracks long-dated U.S. Treasury bonds).
SPY → SPDR S&P 500 ETF (tracks U.S. equities).
📈 Historical Relationship
Over the past two decades, TLT and SPY have often moved in opposite directions. (The Correlation between SPY/TLT often hovers around 0.)
Why? When stocks sell off, investors typically seek safety in Treasuries, pushing bond prices up (yields down).
This negative correlation makes bonds a powerful diversifier in equity-heavy portfolios (60/40).
📌 Example:
2008 Financial Crisis → SPY plunged ~37%, while long-dated Treasuries (TLT) surged as investors fled to safety.
March 2020 COVID Crash → SPY fell ~34% peak-to-trough, TLT spiked ~20% as the Fed cut rates and investors piled into Treasuries.
🐂 Strategy #1 (MA):
Buy SPY when TLT crosses below the 95 MA.
Sell SPY when TLT crosses above the 95 MA.
🔄 But the Correlation Can Shift
In inflationary environments, bonds and stocks can fall together.
2022 is a perfect example:
Inflation spiked → Fed hiked rates aggressively.
TLT dropped ~30% (yields surged).
SPY also fell ~19%.
Both asset classes sold off simultaneously, breaking the hedge.
🐂 Strategy #2 (Re-Balancing):
Buy TLT at the close of the seventh last trading day of the month.
Sell TLT at the close of the last trading day of the month.
Sell TLT short at the close of the month.
Cover TLT at the close of the seventh trading day of the month.
Higher Returns after rate hikes.
📊 Why This Matters for Investors
In normal times: TLT acts as a counterweight to SPY, smoothing portfolio volatility.
In inflationary shocks: Both can decline, reducing diversification benefits.
Lesson: Don’t assume bonds will always hedge equities — context (inflation, Fed policy, growth cycles) matters.
📌 Practical Uses of the TLT–SPY Correlation
Portfolio Diversification
A 60/40 portfolio (60% stocks, 40% bonds) relies on the negative correlation.
Works best when inflation is low and stable.
Risk-On / Risk-Off Gauge
If both SPY and TLT rise → markets are calm, liquidity flows into both risk and safety.
If SPY falls while TLT rises → classic risk-off move (flight to safety).
If both fall → inflation or policy tightening environment (no safe haven).
Trading Signals
Divergence trades: When SPY rallies but TLT also rallies strongly, it may signal equity rally exhaustion (risk-off brewing).
Macro hedge: Long TLT positions can offset downside risk in SPY-heavy portfolios — but only in disinflationary or deflationary shocks.
🔹 9. EWJ–TLT Correlation: Japan Equities vs. U.S. Treasuries
EWJ → Tracks Japanese equities (large & mid-cap companies).
TLT → Tracks U.S. long-dated Treasuries.
Unlike the classic SPY–TLT inverse correlation, the EWJ–TLT relationship is more complex, shaped by:
Global risk sentiment (risk-on/risk-off flows).
Currency effects (USD/JPY exchange rate).
Japan’s ultra-low interest rate environment (BoJ policy).
📈 Historical Tendencies
1️⃣ Risk-Off Periods (Global crises → flight to safety):
TLT rallies (U.S. Treasuries bid).
EWJ often falls, as Japanese equities are highly cyclical and export-driven.
Negative correlation dominates.
📌 Example:
2008 Crisis → TLT surged; EWJ plunged with global equities.
2020 COVID Crash → Same pattern: safety flows to Treasuries, Japanese stocks sold.
2️⃣ Risk-On Periods (Liquidity, global growth optimism):
EWJ rallies with global equities.
TLT may drift lower (yields rising on stronger growth).
Correlation weak to moderately negative.
📌 Example:
2016–2018: Global growth rebound → EWJ rose, TLT fell as U.S. yields climbed.
3️⃣ Currency Channel (USD/JPY)
Japanese equities (EWJ) are sensitive to the yen.
A stronger USD/JPY (weaker yen) boosts exporters (good for EWJ).
TLT rallies often coincide with USD weakness (yields down, dollar down), which can hurt Japanese exporters, adding another layer of inverse correlation.
🔄 Shifts Over Time
Long-term average correlation: Mildly negative (similar to SPY–TLT, but weaker).
During inflation shocks (2022): Correlation turned positive at times:
TLT fell as U.S. yields spiked.
EWJ also struggled due to global tightening & yen weakness.
Both moved down together, breaking the hedge.
📊 Why EWJ–TLT Matters
Global Diversification Check: Investors often think Japanese equities diversify U.S. equities, but they can be just as cyclical. Adding TLT creates the real hedge.
Risk-Off Signal: When both EWJ and TLT rise, it may indicate global liquidity easing (rare but bullish).
Currency Overlay: Always factor USD/JPY → sometimes EWJ’s move is more about currency than equities.
🐂 Strategy #3 (EWJ):
When Japanese stocks are above their 150-day moving average, go long TLT (US long-term Treasury). When the average is below the 150-day average, stay out. The correlation between TLT and EWJ can serve as a breath signal.
📌 Conclusion: Bonds as the Foundation of Finance
Bonds are the backbone of the global financial system, connecting borrowers (governments, corporations) with lenders (investors).
✅ Bonds provide regular income and capital preservation.
✅ They carry risks: credit, interest rate, and inflation.
✅ They are essential for diversification and risk management.
✅The TLT–SPY correlation is dynamic. Historically negative, providing diversification. In inflationary shocks (like 2022), the correlation turns positive, breaking the hedge.
✅ EWJ–TLT is a Global Macro Hedge, But Fragile. Usually inverse: Risk-off = TLT up, EWJ down. Sometimes aligned: Inflation shocks or synchronized global tightening → both down. Currency filter essential: USD/JPY often mediates the relationship. This makes EWJ–TLT correlation a powerful barometer of global macro regimes: Disinflationary slowdowns → Strong hedge. Inflationary crises → Hedge breaks.
For investors, understanding bonds is crucial, even if you primarily trade equities or commodities, because bond yields influence everything: stock valuations, mortgage rates, and even currency markets.
Yes the chicken man - PPC Short?PPC is at the bottom of a monthly box and at VAL of the daily and weekly anchored volume profile. It could catch a bid here and retest $45.60s(VPOC).
If the retest ends in a rejection of that area, and a daily close below the previous low around $41.95 then I expect short continuation and validation of the H&S.
I would especially like this trade after a retest and rejection of box bottom around $43.41 - $43.30.
My targets would be 40.11, 38.98, 37.27,35.96 then 33.72.
$MPLX (MPLX LP) - Long SetupTrading Idea: NYSE:MPLX (MPLX LP) - Long Setup
🎯 Idea: LONG
⏰ Timeframe: Daily
📊 Pattern: Bullish Continuation + RSI2 Connors Buy Signal
Fundamental Context:
Fundamental Score: 4/9 (Neutral).
Business: Energy Infrastructure & Logistics (MLP).
Yield: Attractive Dividend Yield (not shown in data, but typical for sector).
Valuation: Undervalued on P/E; Overvalued on P/B and P/S.
Debt: Moderate (Debt Score: 5/10). Common for midstream companies.
Technical Setup:
Trend (D1): Bullish ✅
Catalyst: Recent RSI2 Connors Buy Signal (oversold bounce in uptrend).
Entry: $51.08 (Current level post-signal).
Stop Loss (SL): $49.16 (Below key support & the 20-period SMA).
Take Profit (TP): $55.01 (Previous resistance target + Measured Move).
Momentum: MACD positive and above signal line, supporting upward move.
Risk Management:
Risk/Reward (R:R): 1:2.0
Position size accordingly. Ideal for income-focused portfolios.
Summary: Buying the oversold bounce in a steady bullish trend, targeting a move to new highs for both capital appreciation and dividend income.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Not Financial Advice
This analysis is for educational and informational purposes only. It is NOT a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
Conduct your own research (DYOR) before making any investment decisions.
You are solely responsible for your own trades and investments.
Past performance is never indicative of future results.
Trading involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors.
MLPs have unique tax implications (K-1). Understand these before investing.
#TradingView #MPLX #Long #Energy #MLP #Midstream #Dividend #RSI2 #Connors #TradingSetup
"XAUUSD Reversal Setup – Breakout Expected"
*Key Levels to Add:*
- *Support Zone:* 3636.40 – 3637.90
- *Resistance Zone:* 3655.90 (Target area)
- *Breakout Level:* ~3644.00
-
We're expecting a *bullish reversal* from the current support zone. Price is likely to respect the rising trendline, bounce from this demand zone, and then *break out of the descending channel*, aiming toward the *resistance zone around 3655.90*.
This is a classic *trendline + demand confluence setup* with a projected *impulsive move upward* after minor pullback.
Webull Chart - Robinhood Competitor?Calling all matadors, we got a bull to corral.
I've charted some levels of interest for a speculative hold. Many view webull as a potential competitor for robinhood, although fundamentally, bull is in no-where near in the financial position that hood is in terms of free cash flow and expenses (or innovation as far as I've seen).
This could make a great swing trade on pure technicals. If the brokerage industry sees a period of exuberance(like we've seen in the quantum space), bull could catch a bid. This could also occur if we see a rotation out of hood.
I would love to pick up some shares or calls if the name completes a look below and fail of the anchored volume profile's value area low(around $12.28). or a LBAF of the box bottom @ $10.20.
So far webull has been consolidating. I believe a hold above the VPOC (volume point of control @ $15.43), a breakout of the lower boxes and reclaim of the larger upper box around $18.33-$18.87, could see a push to the mid 20s and 30s at least.
If we are following box rules for that potential trade, then I would not be surprised if bull goes to the box midpoint @ $48.97.
If this thing holds above the VPOC around $15.43 or does a LBAF of either $12.28 or $10.20 it's ripe for picking imo.
Now this is pure speculation, and my analysis could be a shack of shit, who knows, BUT if these set ups present themselves, I would like to roll the dice.
~ The Villain
Long Coffee📌 Coffee Futures: Seasonality, Market Drivers & Trading Insights
Coffee is one of the most important soft commodities in the world, consumed daily by billions of people. Traded for centuries, coffee originated in Ethiopia before spreading through Arabia and later into Europe, becoming a global staple.
Today, two main bean varieties dominate the market:
Arabica (≈70% of global supply): Higher quality, smoother flavor, and the most actively traded on futures exchanges.
Robusta (≈30% of supply): Stronger flavor, more caffeine, used in instant coffee and blends.
Coffee futures (KC contracts, traded on ICE) allow producers, roasters, exporters, and investors to hedge against price volatility or speculate on global demand and supply swings. These futures are physically settled, but most speculative traders roll or close positions before delivery.
🔹 1. Global Coffee Supply Concentration
Nearly 74% of the world’s coffee beans come from just five countries:
🇧🇷 Brazil → Largest producer, dominates Arabica and Robusta exports.
🇻🇳 Vietnam → Largest Robusta producer, key competitor to Brazil.
🇨🇴 Colombia → High-quality Arabica supplier.
🇮🇩 Indonesia → Mix of Arabica & Robusta, weather-sensitive.
🇪🇹 Ethiopia → Birthplace of coffee, major Arabica exporter.
Because of this concentration, traders monitor weather, politics, and economics in these countries closely. A frost in Brazil or political unrest in Vietnam can shake the entire global market.
🔹 2. What Moves Coffee Prices the Most?
Coffee is one of the most weather-sensitive and geopolitically exposed commodities.
1️⃣ Weather in Producing Countries
Frosts and droughts in Brazil (especially during flowering season) can cut supply drastically.
El Niño / La Niña events disrupt rainfall patterns across South America and Asia.
📌 Example: July 2021 frost in Brazil devastated crops → Coffee futures surged over 60% within months.
2️⃣ Political Instability
Strikes, protests, or export restrictions in Brazil, Vietnam, or Colombia can delay shipments.
Political risks in Latin America historically coincide with coffee supply disruptions.
3️⃣ Global Economic Growth
Rising incomes in Asia, Africa, and Latin America increase coffee consumption.
Coffee shifts from a luxury to a daily staple, driving long-term demand growth.
4️⃣ Health Reports & Consumer Trends
Positive studies about coffee’s health benefits (antioxidants, longevity, heart health) boost consumption.
Rising demand for premium Arabica beans (specialty coffee, single-origin) drives price premiums.
🔹 3. Seasonality of Coffee Futures
Like other soft commodities, coffee follows seasonal cycles tied to harvest and demand.
📈 Best Periods: Late winter to early summer (Feb–Jul). Traders often buy into supply fears before Brazil’s winter season (risk of frost).
📉 Weaker Periods: Harvest season in major producing regions (Sep–Oct) when fresh supply pressures prices.
📌 Example: Coffee futures tend to rally into June/July when frost concerns in Brazil peak, then weaken post-harvest in the fall.
🔹 4. How to Trade Coffee
Futures & ETFs
Coffee Futures (KC) → Traded on ICE, standard contract for institutional & speculative traders.
JO ETF (iPath Coffee ETN) → Retail-friendly option for coffee exposure.
Stocks with Coffee Exposure
Starbucks (SBUX): Global leader in coffee retail.
Nestlé (NESN.SW): Owns Nescafé & Nespresso, one of the largest global coffee buyers.
JM Smucker (SJM): Owns Folgers & Dunkin’ brands.
Luckin Coffee (LKNCY): Fast-growing Chinese coffee chain (emerging markets play).
📌 When coffee prices rise → Retailers like Starbucks may face margin compression unless they pass costs to consumers.
📌 When coffee prices fall → Profit margins improve for coffee sellers & roasters.
🔹 5. Coffee Trading Strategies
📈 Strategy #1: Buy and Hold
Buy and hold when the close price today is greater than the 200 Simple Moving Average, and the 14-14 ADX is lower than 50; and
Sell when neither of the above conditions are met.
Additional Notes:
In the 4-HR, a 200 SMA and 30 ADX Threshold can work.
Rallies typically last 120~180 days after the signal is generated.
Stop loss is either the 21 SMA, or the 2.5x Daily ATR.
📈 Strategy #2: Seasonal Long (Feb–Jul)
Go long coffee futures or JO ETF in late winter.
Exit before fall harvest (Sep–Oct).
📈 Strategy #3: Weather Hedge
Track Brazil’s weather models (frost, drought risk).
Enter futures or ETFs ahead of known risk windows.
📈 Strategy #4: Macro Demand Growth
Long-term investors may pair coffee exposure with emerging-market consumer stocks (Nestlé, Starbucks, Luckin Coffee).
📌 Conclusion: Coffee as a Soft Commodity Trade
Coffee is one of the most volatile and globally impactful soft commodities. With supply concentrated in a handful of nations and consumption spread worldwide, it offers both seasonal trading opportunities and long-term growth exposure.
✅ Seasonality Edge: Strongest in Feb–Jul, weakest in harvest season.
✅ Macro Edge: Track Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia → weather & politics drive 70%+ of supply.
✅ Consumer Edge: Health trends + premium coffee demand = long-term bullish.
✅ Diversification Edge: Coffee moves independently from equities & metals, making it an attractive portfolio diversifier.
Traders who align seasonality, weather, and demand cycles can use coffee futures or ETFs to capture repeatable opportunities in this globally essential commodity.
Gold Weekly Outlook ( FOMC Week )Hello traders,
Another week and most importantly its FOMC week
🔸 Weekly Outlook (HTF Bias)
Trend: Bullish, but stretched into ATH zone.
Supply Zones:
3670–3720 (ATH pocket – decision zone)
3770–3800 (extension confluence)
3850–3920 (untouched liquidity cluster)
Demand Zones / Imbalance:
3590–3450 → main corrective magnet (contains EMA50)
3340–3290 → first strong HTF demand
3180–3120 & 3050–2980 → deeper extreme discount demand
Confluence:
EMA stack bullishly locked, but extended
RSI weekly overbought → exhaustion risk
Liquidity pools: above 3674 ATH and below imbalance 3450
Fibonacci: 1.272/1.618 extensions (3750/3880) align with supply above
Scenarios:
Bullish Expansion: Clean breakout above 3670–3720 → targets 3770 → 3850+
Bearish Correction: Rejection from ATH → pullback into 3590–3450 imbalance. A deeper rebalance could test 3340 or lower demand if macro turns hawkish.
🔸 H4 Structure & Trend
Trend: Still bullish (HH–HL), but slowing momentum inside supply.
Active Supply Zones:
3640–3666 → current battlefield (price inside)
3692–3720 → inducement + 1.272 Fib trap zone
3745–3785 → 1.618–2.0 Fib, expansion exhaustion supply
Demand Zones:
3600–3580 → first pullback demand
3544–3520 → EMA50 confluence, BOS origin
3500–3470 → last valid H4 demand before sentiment shift
Confluence:
EMAs locked bullish, but flattening
RSI cooling off → momentum compression
Equal highs below 3666 → inducement
Imbalances on both sides = liquidity-driven moves ahead
Scenarios:
Bullish: Hold above 3600–3580 → breakout above 3666 confirms push toward 3720/3785.
Bearish: Rejection at 3640–3666 or EQH sweep → pullback into 3580/3544, possibly 3500.
🔸 H1 Refined Levels
Premium Sell Zones:
3640–3654 → short-term liquidity wall (first seller defense)
3670–3678 → ATH trap zone (inducement risk)
3704–3720 → exhaustion zone (final upside trap)
Discount Buy Zones:
3595–3580 → first reaction base
3550–3535 → mid-range accumulation shelf
3505–3490 → deep liquidity reload zone (best RR swing entry)
Decision Zone: 3630–3608 → momentum pivot
Above 3630 → bulls in control
Below 3608 → opens reentry demand zones
🎯 Battle Plan
Bullish Play:
Look for rejections from 3595 / 3550 / 3505 with confirmation (M15 BOS or engulfing).
Above 3630 → push toward 3654 → 3674 → 3720.
Break and hold above 3674 → continuation toward 3770+.
Bearish Play:
Tactical shorts at 3654, 3678, 3720 with M15/M30 confirmation.
Targets: 3608 → 3580 → 3550.
Loss of 3490 = HTF correction mode unlocked.
✅ Overall Bias: Still bullish on HTF, but extended. Market is at a make-or-break zone (3640–3674).
⚠️ Risk: RSI overbought + inducement structure = high probability of a liquidity sweep before the real move.
📌 Key Catalyst: FOMC will likely decide whether ATH breaks cleanly or if a corrective flush into imbalance (3450–3590) happens first
PUMP SOMETHING LIKE THIS!!PUMP is now in price discovery and that means the only place to look for a long trade to join the PUMP is the previous pivot lows getting swept which will show us a clear defined area to put our stop-loss.
Calculate Your Risk/Reward so you don't lose more than 1% of your account per trade.
Every day the charts provide new information. You have to adjust or get REKT.
Love it or hate it, hit that thumbs up and share your thoughts below!
This is not financial advice. This is for educational purposes only.
DXY Weekly Fundamental factors: The US domestic economy and the imposition of additional tariffs on consumer goods from China and Russia, as well as the confidence building of global opinion that the US will not start a war, all of these factors can help the index grow.
Technical factors: The oversold situation and the gap between the Keysin and Tensin lines increased, as a result, there is a possibility of price growth.
Long Cotton📌 Cotton Futures: Seasonality, Market Drivers & How to Trade
For more than 7,000 years, cotton has been one of humanity’s most important raw materials. Once spun by hand and woven into basic cloth, today cotton is at the core of the global textile industry, used in apparel, home furnishings, industrial fabrics, and even specialized materials like fishnets and early forms of gunpowder.
Currently, cotton accounts for over 35% of all fiber consumed globally, making it a multibillion-dollar market. Most price discovery happens through cotton futures (CT contracts), which are actively traded on ICE. These futures allow farmers, textile factories, and investors to hedge against price swings, diversify portfolios, or speculate on supply-demand cycles.
🔹 1. Seasonality of Cotton Futures
Like most agricultural commodities, cotton prices follow predictable seasonal cycles:
📈 Winter & Spring (Nov–May): Historically the strongest performance period for cotton futures. Global demand rises as textile factories restock, and weather risks emerge in key producing regions.
📉 Summer & Fall (Jun–Oct): Often weaker, as new crop supply pressures the market.
📌 Example:
Between Nov 2020 and May 2021, cotton futures rallied more than 25% as strong textile demand from China collided with weather-related yield concerns in the U.S.
🔹 2. What Moves Cotton Prices the Most?
Cotton futures are influenced by both global supply conditions and consumer demand cycles.
1️⃣ Global Producers (U.S., India, China)
These three nations account for over 65% of world cotton production.
Weather shocks, export bans, or lower yields in any one of them can create global scarcity.
2️⃣ China’s Cotton Policy
As the largest consumer, China’s stockpiling and release strategy directly impacts global prices.
Import/export restrictions and subsidies amplify volatility.
3️⃣ Substitute Fabrics
Prices of polyester, rayon, and synthetic fabrics influence demand for cotton.
When synthetics are cheap, cotton demand softens; when synthetics are costly, cotton regains market share.
4️⃣ Energy Prices
Cotton production is energy-intensive. Rising oil prices push up cotton costs.
5️⃣ Domestic Policies
Subsidies, tariffs, and trade policies (especially U.S.-China trade tensions) have a strong impact.
🔹 3. How to Trade Cotton & Related Companies
Cotton is not just a commodity — it is directly tied to the global fashion cycle and the profitability of apparel brands. Traders can gain exposure either by trading cotton futures directly or through companies sensitive to cotton prices.
🌎 Publicly Traded Companies with Strong Cotton Exposure
✅ Textile & Apparel Stocks (Direct Cotton Users)
Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) → Denim giant heavily dependent on cotton.
Rising cotton = margin squeeze, unless prices are passed to consumers.
📌 2021: Cotton spike → Levi raised jeans prices to protect margins.
V.F. Corporation (VFC) → Brands include Vans, Timberland, The North Face.
High cotton usage in apparel lines.
📌 2022: Cotton inflation + weak demand → VFC’s profits fell sharply.
Ralph Lauren (RL) → Premium brand with better pricing power.
Less vulnerable than mass-market peers.
📌 2023: Cotton price drop improved margins → RL stock up ~20%.
Hanesbrands (HBI) → Global cotton undergarments producer.
Very exposed to raw cotton cycles.
📌 2022: Rising cotton costs + supply chain issues → stock collapsed ~70%.
Gildan Activewear (GIL) → Supplier of cotton-heavy t-shirts & socks.
📌 2021–22: Cotton spike pressured margins, though hedging softened impact.
🌎 Cotton Producers & Agricultural Stocks
Bunge (BG) & Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) → Global agricultural traders handling cotton exports.
Louisiana-Pacific (LPX) → Agricultural supplier with indirect cotton exposure.
Plains Cotton Cooperative Association (Private) → One of the world’s largest cotton cooperatives.
📌 2021 Example: When cotton demand surged, both BG and ADM rallied as trading volumes spiked.
🌎 Private Cotton Leaders (Not Publicly Traded)
Cotton Incorporated (USA) → Research & marketing firm for cotton.
Lummus Corp (USA) → Cotton ginning & processing equipment.
Sateri (China) → World’s largest producer of cotton-based textiles.
❌ Indirect Retail Play: Dick’s Sporting Goods (DKS)
While not a pure cotton stock, DKS sells cotton-heavy apparel and sportswear.
📌 Best during: Sporting event seasons + cotton demand cycles.
However, DKS is more tied to Nike/Adidas trends than cotton futures directly.
🔹 4. Cotton Trading Playbook
✅ When Cotton Prices Rise:
Bullish: Cotton producers & traders (BG, ADM, LPX).
Bearish: Apparel companies (Levi, Hanes, Gildan).
Neutral: Premium brands (Ralph Lauren) → can pass costs to consumers.
📌 2021 Example: Cotton surged → producers gained, apparel stocks fell.
✅ When Cotton Prices Fall:
Bullish: Apparel companies (Levi, Hanes, Gildan, DKS).
Bearish: Cotton producers face revenue compression.
📌 2018 Example: Cotton dropped → apparel margins expanded, retail stocks gained.
📌 Best Cotton Trading Strategy - Short-only
✅ When Cotton Prices Fall below the 200 SMA.
Short the following open after the close is higher than the 20-day high.
Cover after 5 days, at open.
📌 Conclusion:
Cotton is one of the most historically important and globally traded soft commodities, directly linking farmers, textile factories, fashion brands, and consumers.
✅ Seasonality Edge: Cotton tends to rally in winter & spring (Nov–May) and weaken in summer & fall (Jun–Oct).
✅ Fundamental Edge: Watch U.S., India, China output + China’s stockpiling policy.
✅ Corporate Edge: Trade apparel stocks alongside futures — when cotton prices rise, buy producers (BG, ADM) and short consumer apparel (Levi, Hanes). When prices fall, flip the trade.
✅ Hedging Edge: Cotton futures remain a reliable hedge against inflation, textile input costs, and global supply chain shocks.
Short Sugar📌 When is Sugar in High Demand & How Does It Cycle?
Sugar, extracted from sugarcane and sugar beet, is one of the world’s oldest and most consumed commodities. Beyond sweetening food and beverages, sugar has also become a critical biofuel input through ethanol production, especially in Brazil. Because of its dual role in food and energy markets, sugar futures are actively traded on global exchanges like ICE, CME, and NYMEX, offering traders volatility and diversification.
Historically, sugar has been a boom-and-bust market, with periods of oversupply followed by sharp deficits. These cycles are amplified by government subsidies, tariffs, ethanol mandates, and weather shocks. For hedgers, sugar futures provide protection against price fluctuations, while for speculators, they offer seasonal and trend-based trading opportunities.
🔹 1. Core Sugar Futures Trading Strategies
📈 Strategy #1: Seasonal Hedge Play
The best period to hold long positions in sugar is from late May through late January.
This window aligns with harvest cycles in Brazil and India, along with ethanol blending seasons and holiday consumption peaks.
📌 Historical Note: Data shows sugar has outperformed significantly in these months, making it one of the more reliable soft commodity seasonal plays.
📈 Strategy #2: Keltner Channel Breakout Model
Buy Signal: When price closes above the 350-day moving average + 7-day ATR.
Sell Signal: When price closes below the 350-day moving average – 7-day ATR.
📌 Alternate setting: 111-day length has also proven effective. I prefer Heikin Ashi.
Why it works:
The 350-day average reflects the long-term trend, filtering out noise.
The ATR buffer prevents false breakouts, only triggering when volatility confirms the move.
Sugar tends to trend strongly during supply shocks, making breakout systems powerful.
🔹 2. Seasonality of Sugar Futures
Like most agricultural commodities, sugar exhibits clear seasonal tendencies tied to planting, harvest, and consumption cycles.
📈 Best Performing Months: February, June, July, November, December.
📉 Weaker Months: March–April (post-harvest supply pressure), late summer (demand softens).
📌 Example:
In Nov–Dec 2020, sugar futures rallied over 15% as Brazilian mills shifted more cane production toward ethanol due to higher oil prices, tightening global sugar supply.
🔹 3. What Moves the Sugar Market the Most?
Sugar is uniquely influenced by both food and energy markets:
1️⃣ Government Subsidies & Tariffs
India, Thailand, and the EU heavily subsidize sugar production.
Policy shifts on export quotas or subsidies can swing prices sharply.
2️⃣ Ethanol Demand & Oil Prices
Brazil diverts sugarcane to either sugar or ethanol depending on profitability.
📌 High oil prices → more ethanol demand → less sugar supply → sugar prices rise.
📌 Low oil prices → weaker ethanol demand → excess sugar supply → sugar prices fall.
3️⃣ Brazil’s Currency (Brazilian Real, BRL)
Brazil is the largest global producer/exporter of sugar.
A weaker BRL encourages exports, often putting downward pressure on prices.
4️⃣ Weather Conditions
Sugarcane requires consistent tropical rainfall.
Droughts in Brazil or monsoon failures in India can severely restrict global supply.
5️⃣ Global Consumption Trends
Rising sugar demand in emerging markets, coupled with global population growth, supports long-term demand.
However, health-driven sugar reduction campaigns in developed countries can act as a drag on demand.
🔹 4. Seasonal Sugar Trading Calendar
Month Seasonal Driver Typical Price Behavior Trading Implication
Jan–Feb Ethanol blending + holiday demand Bullish Strong long entries
Mar–Apr Post-harvest supply pressures Weak Potential short trades
May–Jun Brazil harvest + global demand pickup Bullish Begin seasonal longs
Jul–Aug Northern Hemisphere demand steady Bullish Hold longs
Sep–Oct Supply stabilization Neutral/volatile Range trading
Nov–Dec Holiday & ethanol demand Strong bullish Aggressive long entries
📌 Seasonal Summary: Best window to be long is May–January, weakest window is March–April.
🔹 5. Vehicles for Trading Sugar
Sugar Futures (ICE: SB): The most direct exposure, widely used by hedgers and speculators.
ETNs/ETFs:
CANE (Teucrium Sugar Fund) → tracks sugar futures.
SGG (iPath Bloomberg Sugar Subindex ETN).
Sugar Producers & Food Companies:
Cosan (CZZ) → Brazilian sugar & ethanol giant.
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) → diversified commodity trader.
Nestlé, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Cheesecake → indirect sugar demand exposure.
📌 Conclusion: Best Sugar Trading Strategy
Sugar may seem like a simple sweetener, but as a traded commodity it is anything but simple. It sits at the intersection of agriculture and energy, making it one of the most interesting plays in the softs market.
✅ Seasonality Edge: Be long sugar from May–January; strongest months are Feb, Jun, Jul, Nov, Dec.
✅ Trend Edge: Use the 350-day MA + ATR breakout model to catch large moves.
✅ Macro Edge: Watch oil prices and Brazilian real (BRL) → they directly affect supply.
✅ Hedging Edge: Sugar futures are excellent for both producers and consumers to hedge against unpredictable price swings.
In short, sugar provides unique opportunities for traders who combine seasonality, macro awareness, and breakout systems. While volatile, its cyclical tendencies make it a commodity that rewards disciplined strategies.
Long Chocolate📌 Cocoa Futures: Seasonality, Trading Strategies & Market Drivers
Cocoa is more than just the foundation of chocolate; it’s a soft commodity with centuries of economic significance. Once used as currency by ancient civilizations in Central and South America, cocoa became a global commodity after the Spanish conquest introduced it to Europe. Today, it underpins a multibillion-dollar industry that spans confectionery, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Cocoa futures, traded on the ICE (Intercontinental Exchange), give traders and institutions exposure to this volatile market. These contracts are a critical tool for producers, exporters, chocolate manufacturers, and speculative traders. Because cocoa is grown almost exclusively in tropical regions—with over 70% of global supply coming from West Africa—it is highly vulnerable to weather, political instability, and labor disruptions, making it one of the most volatile agricultural commodities.
For traders, this volatility is both a challenge and an opportunity. With the right combination of technical setups, seasonal awareness, and macro fundamentals, cocoa futures can be a powerful addition to a diversified trading strategy.
🔹 1. A Simple but Effective Cocoa Futures Strategy (RSI + EMA Model)
One robust short-term trading framework for cocoa is built on two components: momentum (measured by the Relative Strength Index) and trend direction (measured by the 100-day Exponential Moving Average).
📌 Trading Rules:
Buy Signal (enter next day open): When the 3-day RSI falls below 20 (oversold) and the close remains above the 100-day EMA.
Short Signal (enter next day open): When the 3-day RSI rises above 80 (overbought) and the close is below the 100-day EMA.
Risk/Reward (RR): Set at 2:1 for favorable risk exposure. I use Heikin-Ashi.
Historical Win Rate: Approximately 70%, meaning the system has shown consistent profitability in backtests.
📌 Why it works:
The RSI ensures entries are taken when the market is temporarily stretched.
The EMA filter avoids fighting against the broader trend, reducing false signals.
Cocoa, being highly mean-reverting, often corrects after extreme RSI conditions, especially when aligned with the prevailing long-term trend.
This makes the system simple enough for beginners yet effective for experienced futures traders looking for structured rules.
🔹 2. Seasonality in Cocoa Futures
In commodity trading, seasonality refers to recurring price tendencies tied to the calendar—harvests, weather cycles, or consumption trends. Cocoa has one of the clearest seasonal footprints in the soft commodity sector.
📈 Summer Months (June – September): Historically the strongest period for cocoa. Demand from chocolate manufacturers builds as companies secure supply ahead of year-end holidays. Weather risk in West Africa also coincides with the rainy season, which can create uncertainty about crop quality and yields.
📉 Winter Months (December – February): Often weaker as fresh harvest supplies enter the market. Prices may dip unless weather shocks disrupt output.
📌 Historical Example:
Between June and September 2020, cocoa futures rallied over 20% due to concerns about rainfall and labor issues in the Ivory Coast, even though global demand was still recovering from pandemic restrictions.
Thus, traders often rotate into cocoa longs during the summer months, much like how they rotate into corn or soybean trades during North American planting/harvest cycles.
🔹 3. Key Drivers of Cocoa Prices
Cocoa is especially sensitive to supply shocks because of its geographic concentration. A few core variables explain most of the large price swings:
1️⃣ Weather Conditions
Cocoa pods are delicate and require the right mix of rainfall and sunshine.
Too much rain → fungal outbreaks like Black Pod disease.
Too little rain → drought stress, smaller pods, and lower yields.
West Africa’s climate variability is the single largest driver of year-to-year volatility.
2️⃣ Labor Issues
Ivory Coast and Ghana rely heavily on manual labor for cocoa harvesting.
Strikes, disputes over wages, or child labor controversies can quickly cut output.
Supply disruptions ripple globally since these two countries account for over two-thirds of global cocoa exports.
3️⃣ Political Risk
Elections, coups, or civil unrest in cocoa-producing regions can paralyze exports.
Example: The 2010 Ivory Coast political crisis disrupted shipping, pushing cocoa futures to multi-decade highs.
4️⃣ Crop Diseases
Cocoa plants are vulnerable to pests and diseases.
The 2010 Black Pod outbreak alone wiped out 500,000 tonnes of cocoa.
The Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV) continues to be a structural threat.
5️⃣ Demand Shifts & Health Reports
Rising consumer demand for dark chocolate and functional foods (antioxidant-rich products) supports consumption growth.
Positive health studies on cocoa’s cardiovascular benefits can boost demand.
Conversely, economic downturns often weigh on chocolate consumption as it is seen as a semi-luxury item.
🔹 4. Seasonal Cocoa Trading Calendar
Month Key Events Typical Price Behavior Trade Implication
Jan–Feb Main crop exports Bearish pressure Avoid longs, look for shorts
Mar–Apr Mid-crop harvest Neutral to weak Cautious positioning
May–Jun Pre-summer build-up Bullish setup Early long entries
Jul–Sep Summer strength, weather risk Strongest seasonal rally Long futures, ETNs
Oct–Nov Rainy season risk Volatile Weather-driven trading
Dec Fresh harvest supply Often weak Take profits, rotate out
📌 Historical note: Cocoa’s June–September rally has persisted across multiple decades, making it one of the most reliable seasonal plays in the soft commodity space.
🔹 5. Vehicles for Trading Cocoa
Traders and investors can access cocoa in several ways:
Cocoa Futures (ICE: CC): Standardized contracts, physically delivered, high liquidity.
ETNs/ETFs:
NIB – iPath Bloomberg Cocoa Subindex ETN → easy exposure without futures account.
Chocolate & Confectionery Stocks:
Hershey (HSY), Mondelez (MDLZ), Nestlé (NESN.SW), Cheesecake (CAKE) → indirect exposure to cocoa demand.
Diversified Agricultural Funds: ETFs that include cocoa alongside coffee, sugar, and cotton.
📌 Conclusion: Best Cocoa Trading Strategy
Cocoa’s unique combination of ancient cultural roots, geographic concentration, and modern global demand makes it one of the most fascinating soft commodities to trade.
✅ Technical Edge: The RSI/EMA strategy offers a clear, rules-based approach with ~70% win rate.
✅ Seasonal Edge: Cocoa futures are strongest during summer (June–Sept).
✅ Macro Edge: Watch West African weather, labor strikes, and politics—they are the biggest price movers.
✅ Diversification Edge: Cocoa behaves differently than equities, metals, or energy, making it valuable for portfolio diversification.
While cocoa may not get the same attention as gold or crude oil, it remains a highly profitable niche market for traders who understand its seasonal flows and unique risks.
ETHEREUM ETHUSDT ,WE are watching the price action for next possible trade direction. The right direction is to allow the weekly time frame form a double top and aim the break of the neckline and sell down.
break above will be open for long position.
trading is probability
RISK MANAGEMENT IS KEY.
#ETHUSDT #ETHEREUM.
Why I'm Betting on this 86-Year Dividend King:My $PCAR Deep DiveI added PACCAR Inc. ( NASDAQ:PCAR ) to my portfolio in July, and it’s not just because of their iconic Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks. Here’s a breakdown of the fundamental thesis behind this investment.
Business Model
Three segments: Trucks (74%), Parts (20% with recurring high-margin revenue), and Financial Services (6%).
Financial Strength
$17.5B equity, $9.8B cash, $4.16B net income (12.4% margin), 86 years of consecutive dividends.
Future Outlook
Heavy R&D in EV, hydrogen & hybrid trucks + $400–700M battery JV.
Risks
Cyclical demand and uncertain EV adoption pace.
My View
The market sees a truck maker, but I see a resilient, diversified cash generator with long-term compounding potential.
XRP Game PlanXRP Game Plan
📊 Market Sentiment
Overall sentiment remains bullish, supported by expectations of a 0.25% rate cut in the upcoming FOMC meeting. A weakening USD and increasing global risk appetite are creating favorable conditions for further upside in crypto assets.
📈 Technical Analysis
Price rejected the bearish trendline and started moving lower.
This indicates to me that price wants to grab more liquidity before expanding higher.
However, the HTF order flow remains strongly bullish, so I will only be looking for long setups here.
📌 Game Plan
I will be targeting the $2.72 liquidity zone, which holds significant liquidity.
Additionally, I will watch for price to test the HTF key level and look for rejection from that area.
🎯 Setup Trigger
I will look for a 6H–4H break of structure before entering a trade (with LTF confirmation).
📋 Trade Management
Stoploss: 6H–4H swing low confirming the BOS
Targets:
• TP1: $3.14
• TP2: $3.38
• TP3: $3.67 (All-Time Highs)
💬 Like, follow, and comment if you find this setup valuable!
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Always do your own research before making any financial decisions.
PEPE Long Idea - Memecoin PEPE Game Plan
📊 Market Sentiment
Market sentiment remains strongly bullish as the FED is expected to deliver a 0.25% rate cut, with speculation building for a possible 0.5% cut in September. Monetary policy adjustments are being shaped by both inflation and weakening labor market data. With recent August and September job reports coming in soft, the economy appears to be cooling rapidly. This backdrop continues to fuel expectations for a major bullish run in the coming weeks.
📈 Technical Analysis
Price recently swept HTF liquidity and closed back above it.
After that, PEPE created a 4H demand zone, which I view as the most effective OB currently.
Price came back, tapped the 0.5 discount zone, and rejected strongly, starting a move higher.
I entered from that rejection, anticipating a Daily bearish trendline break.
📌 Game Plan
I will wait for a confirmed break of the bearish Daily trendline and look to enter after a successful retest of the broken trendline.
🎯 Setup Trigger
Retest of the broken Daily trendline.
📋 Trade Management
Stoploss: $0.009155 (below the 4H demand zone)
Targets:
• TP1: $0.012740
• TP2: $0.014490
💬 Like, follow, and comment if you find this setup valuable!
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Always do your own research before making any financial decisions.
LINK - Swing Long OpportunityLINK - Swing Long Opportunity
📊 Market Sentiment
Market sentiment remains strongly bullish as the FED is expected to deliver a 0.25% rate cut, with speculation building for a possible 0.5% cut in September. Monetary policy shifts are being driven by both inflation trends and weakening labor market data. The latest August and September job reports were soft, signaling that the economy is cooling rapidly. This environment continues to fuel expectations for a major bullish run in the weeks ahead.
📈 Technical Analysis
Price is bullish on the HTF, so I will only be interested in long setups.
Price recently broke and closed above the bearish trendline, confirming bullish continuation.
We also saw a break and close above the HTF Key Level, which should now act as support.
Moreover, the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement level aligns perfectly with the HTF Key Level, creating strong confluence for a potential entry.
📌 Game Plan
I will be entering long positions at the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement / HTF Key Level intersection.
🎯 Setup Trigger
Confirmed 15M break of structure before entry.
📋 Trade Management
Stoploss: Daily close below the HTF Key Level or hard stop at $22.64
Targets:
• TP1: $26.03
• TP2: $26.63
• TP3: $27.85
💬 Like, follow, and comment if you find this setup valuable!
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Always do your own research before making any financial decisions.
SMART MONEY CONCEPT (SMC)📊 SMC Analysis – Bullish Continuation Trade
✅ Context
The market already came from a bullish trade that created new highs. Now we see a distribution phase and a strong support zone around 3,638–3,640.
✅ Key points
• A ChoCh followed by a short-term BOS downwards, but support is still intact.
• A fake out at the support zone cleared liquidity.
• Next, a rejection is expected at the same level.
✅ Entry
A potential entry is on the retracement of the fake out, once rejection is confirmed.
✅ Projection
If support holds, price could target a new Higher High (HH) at 3,675, continuing the bullish momentum.
⚠️ Note: If support breaks, price may dip lower to grab liquidity (3,620–3,625).
GOOD LUCK TRADERS… ;)