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[01/20] GEX Outlook: Decision, Key Levels and Looming VolatilityLooking at the GEX levels through Friday, we can see that since mid-December, the market has been moving in a slightly downward channel. Above 6000–6025: A call gamma squeeze is expected. Between 5925 and 6000: A sideways “chop zone.” Below 5925: The high-volatility zone begins, with 5800–5850 acting as our major support/resistance level characterized by heavy put dominance. Below that level lies a “total denial zone.” We’ve seen this scenario before—think back to the red candle on December 18, when the price broke below that threshold. This “red zone” is currently around 5800, so below 5925 we can anticipate large-amplitude moves. At this point, the market still does not seem worried about significant volatility. Until Friday, all NETGEX values for every expiration are positive , so market participants are pricing in more of a sideways movement. We haven’t yet seen a big pickup in volatility. I’m not pessimistic, but keep in mind that Trump’s inauguration might usher in a high-volatility period—something the market and many retail traders haven’t experienced in a while. Better safe than sorry.
SPREADEX:SPX
by TanukiTrade
2
Gold → A Bear Wedge Pattern is forming. What's Next?OANDA:XAUUSD consolidating above the 2715 level, while simultaneously a bearish wedge pattern maintains the recent upward trend. Theoretically, the price will break the support level, creating a breakout at the 2715 zone. On the H1 timeframe, the support zone of 2715-2715 has formed and price is moving towards reacting at this support area. If buyers maintain this zone, price may retest the upper boundary of the rising channel or the important psychological level of 2748 before further decline. However, a breakthrough below this level will lead to an earlier price drop. Additionally, the USD is also consolidating above the support zone, creating a corresponding reaction in the gold market. Resistance levels: 2738, 2748, 2758 Support levels: 2716, 2703, 2693 I expect a correction following the false break of the 2715 level. Price consolidation below this level will lead to a deeper decline.
OANDA:XAUUSDShort
by Bentradegold
Gold---> Change in fundamentals. Strong resistanceDear friends, what are your thoughts on gold? Overall, gold has seen a significant increase yesterday, with a price rise surpassing the 2720 level. It is currently trading at a new high of 2728, showing strong gains for the day. So what reasons and factors have driven this? Regarding the influencing factors: Safe-haven money flows have strengthened following statements about tariff policies from former President Trump, along with expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will continue to cut interest rates. These factors have put pressure on US Treasury yields, creating positive momentum for gold. However, risks from the mild recovery of the USD and optimistic risk sentiment in the market are somewhat restraining stronger upward momentum. Regarding new prospects for gold: On the H4 chart, according to Joe's personal view, gold is currently receiving strong support at 2620. Breaking below this level would lead to price decreases, while maintaining it would result in price increases. Upon careful observation, it's noteworthy that the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is trending downward in the bullish zone, indicating potential momentum changes and the revival of correction possibilities. If a correction occurs, we cannot rule out the possibility that gold will utilize short-term momentum to test the area of interest at the upper boundary within the bullish channel, from which a decline may occur. Best regards, Joegoldwave!
OANDA:XAUUSDShort
by Joegoldwave
USDJPY: Correction before dropping to 153.00-152.00Hello everyone, Ben here! USDJPY has yet to resume its upward trend. Rumors about potential actions from the Bank of Japan (BoJ) are beginning to surface. Meanwhile, the US dollar continues to gain strength. The 158.46 level represents a strong resistance zone established by the sellers. Strong expectations for an additional interest rate hike by the BoJ this week are also lending support to the JPY. Overall, this influence appears relatively weak but could still provide significant backing for this currency pair. In theory, any upward movement of this major pair might be limited due to trade policy risks from the soon-to-be-inaugurated US President Donald Trump, which have constrained any significant bullish moves for the safe-haven JPY. The focus this week will be on Trump’s inauguration speech on Monday and the highly anticipated two-day BoJ policy meeting beginning on Thursday. From a technical standpoint, the price is attempting to break out of a major range and test key support levels. A false breakout around the 156.56 level could lead to the price targeting newly formed resistance zones. However, if the price settles below 156.56 or even drops under 155.95, it could trigger strong selling pressure sooner than expected. Best regards, Bentradegold!
Short
by Bentradegold
Weekly GEX Insights: 01/13 SPX dropTotal Correction? What Can an Options Trader Do in This Situation? How Far Might We Fall This Week? We’ll tackle these questions in this week’s options newsletter! It looks like the new president hasn’t even been sworn in yet, but the market is already reacting with fear to every statement he makes. Last week’s economic data didn’t help ease those concerns either. SPX Weekly Analysis Friday’s red candle set a bearish tone heading into this week. Everyone is predicting and pricing in a potential market apocalypse, and I keep getting the same question: “Greg, how far can we fall?” My answer remains the same: we can fall indefinitely—nobody can know for certain ahead of time. What we can do, however, is analyze our charts and use the our weekly GEX profile to identify the key levels, so we can better understand the market’s dynamics. Examining expirations through Friday, every NETGEX profile is negative , so we can expect volatile movements this week. We’re currently trading below the HVL level, which means that market makers are likely to move in tandem with retail traders. This typically results in bigger swings. We already saw this heightened volatility last week—just look at the size of the candles, and you can tell how quickly sentiment can shift. Below 5965 (the HVL level), we are in a high volatility zone what lies underneath? 1st Support Range: 5780–5800 5800: Currently the strongest PUT support level on the downside. A correction may pause here due to profit-taking. Right beneath this level is the previous gap-fill zone. Remember, these areas function as ranges rather than single lines, as I’ve highlighted down to 5780. This could easily be a take-profit target for traders playing gap fills—an approach that’s quite popular. 2nd Support Range: 5700–5650 (Very Strong) Starting at 5700: We encounter another robust PUT support zone. This area is reinforced by previous lows, previous highs, and the 4/8 grid boundary from our indicator. Even if nowhere else, many expect at least a local rebound to occur within these levels. Putting it all together, it’s clear that the weekly trading range is shaping up to be roughly between 5680 and 5965, expecting big & volatile moves. Remember, CPI and PPI data are coming out on Tuesday and Wednesday, which could trigger additional volatility. When looking at SPX, SPY, or /ES futures, my opinion is that the rapidly spiking implied volatility (IV) during a market drop, along with a PUT pricing skew, can present favorable opportunities for options traders. The distance to the strongest lower support zone is around 100–150 points, so you could: Trade directionally for the short term—hoping to be either right or wrong quickly, or Try to profit from the market situation in a more strategic way (which is what I typically do). Personally, I prefer the second approach: I’ll open short-term (a few days) credit put ratio spreads for a small credit, which gives me a wide breakeven range and a big “tent” on the downside.
SP:SPX
by TanukiTrade
Gold update: Bulls remain in control!Hello everyone! Let’s dive into today’s gold price analysis. Currently, spot gold is trading at $2,750 per ounce, marking an impressive increase of $53 from its intraday low of $2,697 during last night’s session. The rise in gold prices is primarily a direct result of a weakening U.S. dollar. Investors, including myself, are flocking to gold as a safe-haven asset amid rising uncertainties. Adding to this momentum is the looming threat of tariffs from President Donald Trump. His hints at imposing new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, possibly as early as February 1, have sparked widespread concerns. In my view, these tariff threats are closely tied to inflation fears. Should Trump’s policies drive inflation higher, the Federal Reserve may be compelled to maintain elevated interest rates to manage price pressures. This scenario would further support gold’s price trajectory, making it a critical asset to watch in the coming trading sessions. On the technical front, as highlighted on the 1-hour chart, gold has successfully broken above the major resistance level of the ascending wedge channel. The price is currently consolidating above this boundary, with support from the EMA 34 and EMA 89, making a buy strategy more attractive than ever. Gold may experience a minor pullback or consolidation from the psychological level of $2,750, possibly testing the key 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level, before resuming its upward trend. However, a decisive break above $2,750 would signal that the metal is primed for its next rally. Happy trading, and may your profits soar!
OANDA:XAUUSDLong
by Joegoldwave
GOLD → A very strong uptrend may get its continuationOANDA:XAUUSD is rising due to heightened geopolitical and political risks. A strong bullish trend is forming, where the price is testing the strong resistance level of 2726 and creating a false breakout of this resistance. The upward movement is gaining momentum following threats of tariffs by Trump, which have added to the negative market sentiment regarding risk. Trump has proposed imposing tariffs on Mexico and Canada, as well as the EU and China, if trade agreements are not reached. These threats are supporting the demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. However, the strengthening U.S. dollar and expectations of a Fed rate cut are limiting gold's further upward momentum. Trading in the coming days will depend on the overall market sentiment and Trump's tariff discussions. From a technical perspective, the false breakout of such a strong resistance level could temporarily slow the growth rate and lead to price consolidation or correction. However, there are technical nuances to consider. Currently, it's important to note the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level (2716) and the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement level (2711). These are significant liquidity zones that could prevent a deeper correction and push gold back into its bullish trend. A retest of the local highs at 2726 - 2732 would signal that the metal is ready for further upward movement.
OANDA:XAUUSDLong
by Joegoldwave
Opening (IRA): IBIT February 28th 49.5 Covered Call... for a 47.52 debit. Comments: High IV/IVR. Back into IBIT on a little bit of weakness here, selling the -75 delta call against shares to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with the built-in defense of the short call. The March monthly is still a bit long in duration for my tastes, so going with a weekly. Metrics: Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 47.52/share Max Profit: 1.98 ROC at Max: 4.17% 50% Max: .99 ROC at 50% Max: 2.09% Will generally look to take profit at 50% max, roll out short call on take profit test, add at intervals, assuming I can get in at break evens better than what I currently have on.
NASDAQ:IBITLong
by NaughtyPines
Opening (IRA): EWY July 18th 35C/February 21st -55C PMCC*... for an 18.17 debit. Comments: Back into EWY, after missing out on the dividend due to my shares being called away. Since there is no longer a dividend to be had, going with a Poor Man's Covered Call/long call diagonal, buying the longer-dated 90 delta strike and selling a shorter-dated call that pays for all of the extrinsic in the long, resulting in a setup that has a break even slightly below where the underlying is currently trading. Metrics: Buying Power Effect: 18.17 Break Even: 53.17 Max Profit: 1.83 ROC at Max: 10.07% 50% Max: .92 ROC at 50% Max: 5.04% Delta/Theta: 46.50/.751 Will look to money/take/run at 50% max.
AMEX:EWYLong
by NaughtyPines
Opening (IRA): TLT March 21st 81 Covered Call... for a 79.98 debit. Comments: Adding a "rung" in March at a break even better than what I currently have on, selling the -75 delta call against shares to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with the built-in defense of the short call. Metrics: Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 79.98/share Max Profit (Excluding Dividends): 1.02 ROC at Max (Excluding Dividends): 1.28% Generally looking to roll out-of-the-money short call down and out for a credit that is greater than the amount of strike destruction at expiry to generate a quasi-free cash flow setup consisting of (a) short call premium; and (b) dividends. This differs somewhat than what I would ordinarily do, which is generally money/take/run at 50% max.
NASDAQ:TLTLong
by NaughtyPines
2
Opening (IRA): URTY January 17th 51 Covered Call.. for a 49.25 debit. Comments: With my usual leveraged go-to TQQQ in kind of the IV doldrums (IVR 18.1/IV 49.6), opting for a play in URTY with its 63.4% 30-Day IV instead. It's not as liquid and doesn't have nearly as robust an options chain as TQQQ, but I will make do. Metrics: Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 49.25/share Max Profit: 1.75 ROC at Max: 3.55% 50% Max: .88 ROC at 50% Max: 1.78% Will generally look to take profit at 50% max, roll out short call on test of take profit price, and add should I be able to get in at strikes/break evens better than what I currently have on.
AMEX:URTYLong
by NaughtyPines
GOLD → Testing Key Resistance with Potential to Reach 2726-2790OANDA:XAUUSD currently testing an important resistance level from which we can expect the price to continue rising to key levels such as 2726-2790. Technically, gold has entered the buying zone and the fundamental context supports it. Gold is supported by weak US inflation data, moderate Fed expectations, hopes for Chinese stimulus measures, and fading concerns about President-elect Trump's disruptive trade tariffs which have supported the risk-on sentiment prevailing in markets, causing the US dollar to decline sharply. Focus shifts to other economic data releases from the US, including December Retail Sales and Weekly Unemployment Claims, which will provide more clarity on the Fed's interest rate trajectory after January. Markets have fully priced in a rate pause at the Fed's policy meeting later this month. Gold prices will also remain dependent on any speculation surrounding Trump's tariff plans. Technically, all eyes are now on the resistance zone at 2697-2700. If gold can consolidate above this area, buyers will quickly enter the medium and long-term playing field. But don't forget about the upcoming news releases. Best regards, Bentradegold!
OANDA:XAUUSDLong
by Bentradegold
Full ARKK Reverse Gamma Scalping PositionThe basic essence of reverse gamma scalping is to do additive and subtractive delta adjustments over time to keep delta fairly neutral so that theta can do its dirty work. Shown here is my full ARKK position that started as a delta neutral iron condor to which (a) I layered in an additional iron condor as a delta adjustment trade; (b) mixed and matched profitable put side with profitable call side to reduce units and/or risk; and (c) did an additive long delta short put vertical as a delta adjustment. Rather than continue showing each of these additive/subtractive delta adjustments as separate trades, I'm setting out the full banana here. I've collected a net 3.22 in credits on a buying power effect of 11.78, and the position has a delta/theta ratio of -2.09/6.00. With 36 days to go, I'll primarily look at doing profitable subtractive adjustments first; then additive ones.
AMEX:ARKK
by NaughtyPines
Gold prices continue to increase from the level 2675OANDA:XAUUSD continuing the uptrend in local and medium-term timeframes. The price is once again testing strong resistance levels on the H4 chart, with prospects for a breakout toward the 2700–2750 range. The US Dollar remains near weekly lows, touched after weaker-than-expected US PPI data on Tuesday, providing key support for the market, including gold. Attention now shifts to the upcoming CPI report, a critical release that could reshape market expectations for Fed rate cuts this year. A stronger-than-expected CPI could increase pressure on gold, while a weaker report would bolster buying momentum. Additionally, the Fed’s hawkish stance is supported by the premise that Trump, beginning his second term next week, may drive inflation higher with protectionist policies. From a technical perspective, significant volume lies ahead, which could trigger a minor pullback toward support before the uptrend resumes. Key short-term levels to watch: Support: 2678, 2670 Resistance: 2690, 2697 However, in both the short and medium term, everything hinges on the upcoming scheduled news. Stay focused on these critical levels, traders! Best regards, Bentradegold!
OANDA:XAUUSDLong
by Bentradegold
Opening (IRA): TMF Feb 28th 35 Covered Call... for a 33.98 debit. Comments: High IVR/IV at 40.7/44.2, which is no surprise, since this is a bullish 3 x leveraged 20 year paper exchange-traded fund. It does have a dividend that pays out quarterly in March, June, September, and December (annualized yield of 4.71%). Selling the -75 delta call against shares to emulate the delta metrics of a 25 delta short put, but with the built-in defense of the short call. Using the February 28th expiry to keep things in that 45 DTE wheelhouse and will look to add at intervals, assuming I can get in at strikes/break evens better than what I currently have on. Metrics: Buying Power Effect/Break Even: 33.98/share Max Profit: 1.02 ROC at Max: 3.00% 50% Max: .51 ROC at 50% Max: 1.50% Will generally look to take profit at 50% max, roll in-profit short call out to reduce my break even.
AMEX:TMFLong
by NaughtyPines
Opening (IRA): MSTR 2x225/2x240/460/490 Iron Condor... for a 7.00 credit. Comments: IV remains high here at 112.4%. Going "double double" (put spread half the width of the call spread, but 2 x the number of contracts) to accommodate skew. Earnings are on 2/4, so will probably want to get out before then. Metrics: Max Profit: 7.00 Buying Power Effect: 23.00 ROC at Max: 30.43% 50% Max: 3.50 ROC at 50% Max: 15.22% Will generally look to take profit at 50% max, roll in untested side on side test to about half the delta of the tested side. Given earnings on the horizon, will naturally just money/take/run for less if presented with the opportunity.
NASDAQ:MSTR
by NaughtyPines