Category Archives: Intermediate

On April 9, 2025, Donald Trump pulled a U-turn on his tariff threats—sparing most countries, though not China—and markets went wild. The S&P 500 rocketed 5.2% in a single day, its biggest leap since November 2008, as trillions poured back into global stocks overnight. From Tokyo’s Nikkei jumping nearly 2% to Europe’s STOXX 600 climbingContinue Reading

Imagine watching your forex trade soar one minute, only to plummet the next—welcome to volatility! It’s the heartbeat of the markets, those rapid price swings that can leave your head spinning. In 2024 alone, the forex market saw daily swings averaging 0.8% on major pairs like USD/JPY, with spikes hitting 2.5% during big news days,Continue Reading

The euro plummeted to parity with the US dollar in July 2022 for the first time in 20 years, as Russia’s actions in Ukraine sparked fears of an energy crisis in Europe. This dramatic shift in one of the world’s most traded currency pairs showed how geopolitical events can trigger seismic shifts in currency markets,Continue Reading

Picture this: It’s 3:00 PM in London, and whilst European markets are in full swing, a crucial Asian market has just closed for the day. The Nikkei 225, Japan’s premier stock index, has once again proven why it’s called ‘the pulse of the Asian economy’. This powerhouse index, representing companies worth over USD 4 trillion,Continue Reading

The financial markets don’t take holidays—and neither should your trading strategy. While most traders are unwrapping presents and planning festive meals, a staggering 87% are unknowingly navigating a complex landscape of market volatility. The holiday season isn’t just a break from work; it’s a critical period that can either preserve your hard-earned gains or exposeContinue Reading

In the 1630s, the Dutch Republic was gripped by an extraordinary financial phenomenon known as Tulip Mania. Tulip bulbs became so coveted that their prices skyrocketed, with some rare varieties fetching sums equivalent to luxurious houses. At its peak, a single bulb could sell for more than 10 times the annual income of a skilledContinue Reading

The Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points could make or break your trading strategy. On 18 September 2024, the Fed lowered the federal funds rate, adjusting the target range to between 4.75% and 5%. Whether you’re invested in stocks, bonds, or even cryptocurrencies, this move affects how you shouldContinue Reading

On 7 March 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate held steady at 3.9% in February, with 275,000 jobs added to the economy. As this news broke, the S&P 500 index jumped by 0.8% in early trading. If you’ve ever wondered why stock markets react to employment figures, you’re notContinue Reading

The stock market can be a daunting place, especially when headlines are filled with warnings of a possible recession. For traders, the volatility of the market can feel overwhelming, leading to decisions driven by fear rather than strategy. However, understanding the underlying factors at play can help you make informed choices, even in uncertain times.Continue Reading

Every day, traders make countless decisions that shape their financial futures, yet many are unaware of a subtle force influencing their choices: information bias. This cognitive tendency can significantly skew our perception of market dynamics and lead to suboptimal trading outcomes. Understanding how information bias affects our decision-making process is essential for traders looking toContinue Reading