post231

Bitcoin Lower after White House Crypto Summit Led by Trump

Bitcoin Lower after White House Crypto Summit Led by Trump

BTC/USD One Month Chart as of 8th March

Yesterday’s Crypto Summit at the White House didn’t meet the hopes of those who desire the U.S to be a proactive Bitcoin buyer. Baby steps accomplished for exchanges perhaps, but not a gamechanger for influencers looking to spark another rally higher.

Bitcoin is lower in early trading this Saturday, after the White House cryptocurrency summit essentially said it would hold onto Bitcoin that has been seized by the government, but did not express other impetus which would have driven the price of BTC/USD upwards.

While President Trump did sign an Executive Order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, it is important to note the holdings of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency will consists of digital assets seized by the U.S, it doesn’t guarantee purchases of Bitcoin by the government.

Cryptocurrency backers may be unhappy with the White House’s lack of desire to engage in proactive cryptocurrency buying, including Bitcoin, which may have sparked the downturn being seen for the moment. One important statement in the Executive Order states:

“The Executive Order begins to resolve the current disjointed handling of cryptocurrencies seized through forfeiture by, and scattered across, various Federal agencies.”

A careful reading of the above and other declarations in the Executive Order, makes it clear that the Trump administration wants better oversight of previously seized Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. The Executive Order while suggesting the government sold some of its Bitcoin in the past and other cryptocurrencies too early, can also be viewed as political statement proclaiming poor management – but this is an assertion which uses hindsight – which is always easier.

If the U.S government is holding substantial Bitcoin now, perhaps this may be the time to cash out considering the BTC/USD market is still rather highly valued. In other words, if the U.S government decides to hold onto Bitcoin too long it could simply prove to be just another speculator.

The Executive Order signed yesterday may create less restrictions and greater freedom for legally established U.S cryptocurrency exchanges that already exists. However, more flexibility for new enterprises trying to enter the sphere need opportunities they can pursue in what is already a competitive landscape. Bitcoin did trade above 91,300 yesterday, but after the Crypto Summit outcome began to see a selloff and as of this writing is hovering near 86,000 USD.

postR196

AMT Top Ten Miscellaneous Interpretations on the 13th of Oct

AMT Top Ten Miscellaneous Interpretations on the 13th of Oct

10. Language: The French word histoirie includes both history and story via its English interpretation. The French usage conveys the acknowledgement that history is often subjective and a story written with an opinion which may or may not be the correct narrative.

9. Subway Series: New York baseball fans will be in an uproar this coming week as the Mets play the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Yankees face the Cleveland Guardians. The potential of a crosstown World Series will have NYC holding its collective breath. New York fans shouldn’t celebrate too soon, because the Dodgers are dangerous and the Guardians will be competitive.

8. Free Press: CBS News in the U.S has been widely condemned this past week. Video released shows ’60 Minutes’ explicitly edited an interview with Kamala Harris. Also, a recorded and ‘leaked’ staff meeting from CBS management has come to light in which Tony Dokoupil, a news anchor, is reprimanded for asking critical questions to writer Ta-Nehisi Coates.

7. Barometers: Gold went into this weekend near 2,656.00, WTI Crude Oil closed around 75.45 on Friday, and U.S Treasury yields increased this week and are now challenging values last seen in the third week of August. Intriguingly, the major U.S equity indices continue to flirt with highs. Broad market results appear to be walking a tightrope as financial institutions seem to be waiting for November and U.S election outcomes. However, long-term investors who are diversified maybe cynical of this thought, and believe buy and hold remains the best policy.

6. Buy or Sell: Negativity surrounding Boeing via workers who are on strike, layoffs, a potential corporate bonds downgrade, production delays, and court decisions are still shadowing. In December of 2023, Boeing was near 265.00 USD per share value. Prices were near 158.00 this time last year, and as of this weekend Boeing is close to 151.00. The bad news surrounding Boeing has been a thorn in the side of investors. Boeing is a major corporation in the U.S and relied upon militarily and for global public aviation. What is the downside potential for Boeing the next year compared to upside capabilities long-term?

5. Crypto: The SEC has filed charges against Cumberland DRW LLC, claiming the crypto exchange has been acting as an unregistered dealer. https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-26151 It appears the SEC is growing more aggressive via confrontations with U.S based cryptocurrency exchanges. The U.S election result will play a role in the future leadership and direction of the SEC, and could have an affect on cryptocurrency values. BTC/USD is near 62,700.00, ETH/USD around 2,465.00, BNB/USD about 575.00 at the time of this writing.

4. Tranquility: Stronger USD centric price action continues to create some downwards motion for other major currencies, but price velocity was not as violent last week compared to previous days since the end of September. Fragile sentiment in financial institutions is still stirring. The ECB rate decision this week will come Thursday and a 0.25 basis point cut is expected. Traders need to remember that a change to the European Central Bank’s Main Refinancing Rate has likely been priced into the EUR/USD. What needs to be heard now is ECB rhetoric and that is likely to remain guarded. Price velocity in Forex remains a danger for retail traders this coming week.

3. U.S Election: There are only three weeks left until the U.S vote. Day traders need to understand financial institutions will grow more cautious as the election approaches. Speculators may want to try and wager on the outcome of the election, but unless a definitive result is predictable beforehand, it will be hard to take advantage of political winds which are swirling. It will be nearly impossible for day traders to hold onto a position over the next few weeks unless they have deep pockets, use no leverage, and have the patience of a saint.

2. Make or Break: China will release important economic data this week. Trade Balance and Foreign Direct Investment numbers are tentatively scheduled to be released on Monday, along with New Loans reporting. This coming Friday New Homes Sales, GDP, and Retail Sales figures will be released. China is trying to stimulate the economy with billions of cash, but critics suggests this will not work. The Shanghai Composite Index is near the 3,217 mark, on the 30th of September the SSE was near 3,675. Before the China stimulus was released the Shanghai Composite was near 2,755. Bullish SSE momentum has run into headwinds since the beginning of October, China may be pressured to try and create more stimulus, but will it produce a lasting positive result? Traders caught up in the buying frenzy in late September are likely getting more nervous about declines. The USD/CNY is near 7.066. Chinese economic data should be monitored this week.

1. Interest Rates: The Federal Reserve via the CPI and PPI inflation reports still appears able to cut another 0.25 basis point from the Federal Funds Rate on the 7th of November. While the Consumer Price Index data showed a slight tick up in a few categories, Friday’s Producer Price Index met expectations via the core monthly report and the broad monthly outcome came in less than anticipated. The November interest rate decision is important regarding consistency per the Fed’s messaging the past two months, and mid-term behavioral sentiment outlook among financial institutions. U.S Retail Sales and Housing numbers will be published this week.

postN51

AMT Top Ten Miscellaneous Musings for the 29th of March 2024

AMT Top Ten Miscellaneous Musings for the 29th of March 2024

10. Holidays: We wish everyone a peaceful long weekend. Hopefully the price of your chocolate eggs have not emptied your wallets.

9. Superconductivity: Nuclear fusion and magnets have a future together. Efficient electricity produced via compact generation is being worked on by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of NASA.

8. TMTG: The Trump Media and Technology Group listed as DJT on Nasdaq ended yesterday’s trading within sight of 62.00 USD. The price is overbought taking into consideration its lack of revenues. However, because of its limited available shares, ‘shorting’ DJT is dangerous and a potentially expensive mistake.

7. Silly Season: U.S elections are growing closer and louder. However, fiscal and foreign policy clarity doesn’t get much airtime. Bread and circus for the masses.

6. Crypto ‘Insanity’: FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison yesterday for his crimes. In the meantime, Bitcoin is over 70,000.00 USD this morning. Binance Coin is valued above 600.00 USD.

5. Frothy: Gold is near 2,230.00 USD per ounce, even as the USD grows in strength. Cocoa closed yesterday around 9,792.00 USD per metric ton, meaning it is more expensive than Copper, and the reason why your chocolate may be getting costly.

4. ‘Quiet’ Data: Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index data will be released today in the U.S, this as the financial markets are largely absent. Yesterday’s GDP and Consumer Sentiment numbers were stronger than expected. The inflation statistics may not get much fanfare today, but paying attention to the results could prove worthwhile for speculators.

3. Risk Warning: The return of large trading volumes next week are likely to cause volatility as financial institutions reopen and are reactive.

2. Bias: Many major currencies are struggling against the USD. Traders who believe their chosen currencies have been oversold should contemplate their perspectives and potential bias. Just because you believe something, doesn’t mean it is true. Forex is expressing nervous behavioral sentiment.

1. Fed Watch: Many analysts are starting to believe the Federal Reserve may not be able to cut interest rates this year, but traders should remember politics will be crucial as the U.S Presidential Election approaches. The Fed may be ‘independent’ but they are not deaf. If inflation remains stubborn, the Fed will need weak jobs numbers. But weekly Unemployment Claims came in below expectations yesterday. Financial institutions understand the U.S central bank is in a difficult place.

postN51

AMT Top Ten Miscellaneous Notions for the 8th of March 2024

AMT Top Ten Miscellaneous Notions for the 8th of March 2024

10. Social Credit Score: George Orwell in our Age of the All Knowing State via public cameras using facial and body language recognition, along with listening devices that can gather voices and other sounds would chill him to the bone.

9. French Revolution: It was ‘wrong’ to say madame and monsieur after the ‘ancien regime‘ was replaced, instead the expression ‘citizen’ (citoyen) was invoked. Not using the proper words could bring the guillotine into your future.

8. Japan: Nikkei 225 has come off the top, but remains highly valued. GDP numbers will come from the nation next Monday, and the BoJ is on the calendar the 19th of March.

7. Tech Espionage: Linwei Ding, a Chinese national, who worked for Google as a software engineer has been accused of stealing information regarding supercomputing and artificial intelligence. The U.S government has filed criminal charges against Ding in San Francisco, California.

6. Central Banks: Federal Reserve Chairman Powell per his testimony in Washington D.C remained cautious, saying he wants data to confirm inflation is eroding. The ECB yesterday also voiced care while trying to sound optimistic about economic conditions which remain lackluster.

5. FOMO: ‘Fear of missing out’ is being seen in many asset classes including cryptos and equities. Day traders while speculating should remain realistic and practice solid risk management.

4. U.S Indices: Apex heights persist as the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones 30 receive massive inflows of capital.

3. Gold: Record prices have been attained in the precious metal as speculative elements have pushed value above 2160.00 USD as of this writing.

2. Forex: The USD has seen weakness re-emerge the past handful of days as the ‘masses’ have seemingly energized again upon the notion of a change to the Federal Funds Rate.

1. U.S Data: Non-Farm Employment Change and Hourly Average Earnings statistics will be published today, either helping confirm or confront financial institutions behavioral sentiment. Weaker hiring and a diminishing of wage inflation is anticipated. Will it happen? Forex, U.S Treasury yields and equities will react.

postN50

Trading Tactics to Add to Your Risk Management Knowledge

Trading Tactics to Add to Your Risk Management Knowledge

Retail traders seeking quick speculative positions are not the masters of the financial world. Institutions which day traders are hoping to reflect are the real shakers of the markets. Understanding your actual place in the world of trading is crucial, accepting this point and putting ego to the side will create a better grasp of behavioral sentiment as you interpret combinations of fundamentals and technical perceptions and merge them into your risk taking.

Making your decisions with the acknowledgement of your place in the trading world is important. Your 10,000.00, 50,000.00 and 100,000.00 USD value based positions are very small fish in a large ocean. Your trades are very unlikely to affect market direction in any meaningful manner. The more leverage you use makes your available ‘margin’ prone to failure.

Risk analysis is vital for day traders, guarding you money should be a fundamental aspect of your tactical decisions. Deep pockets are not luxuries most day traders have.

If you happen to have a solid amount of money to speculate with it will assist you, but you will still need to practice solid risk taking strategies.

Plenty of rich folks have lost all of their money trading, that isn’t written to make you feel better, it is written as a warning and highlights that speculating is dangerous when not done with a solid plan of action. Once a trade is placed your work than immediately doubles via responsibility, because you have ‘skin in the game’ and need to manage your emotions and thinking as the markets move.

Metallgesellschaft and Barings Bank are two prime examples of two institutional traders who made vital mistakes with risk management and lost everything in the 1990’s. Protecting cash reserves are vital for all. Metallgesellschaft and Barings did not supervise their traders and ‘hoped’ that all things would work out in the end, because they had the false notion institutionally that their capacity to hold onto positions that were not profitable would eventually turn into positive results. Their losing trades caused the destruction of their enterprises.

Most speculators by nature are optimists. After all day traders are gambling on the movement of assets they believe they have a correct perspective regarding future direction of value. In order to wager a trader needs to feel confident regarding their outlook, otherwise they would not pursue currency trading. The same can be said for equities and indices, commodities and all other financial assets. False hope can destroy the efforts of all traders and they must be alert to perspectives which can lead to detrimental results as they trade.

Too much leverage, no real insights about direction, and trading based on ‘noise’ that influences and causes you to make unwise decisions are dangers. It might be boring to constantly be told to be careful, a bit like a parent warning you when you were little to act in a certain way. Good risk management while day trading is vital for surviving and finding success.

Do not be stubborn. In trading no matter if it is Forex, CFDs with equities, indices, commodities or cryptocurrencies you should not ‘marry’ your position blindly. If your trading position begins to show signs of potentially failing and you have concluded you are wrong – end the trade asap.

However, at the same time do not make your decisions based on emotions which may create whipsaw reactions regarding your choices. Having solid goals before going into a trade will help you eliminate emotional stress.

Have price targets and a strategy for getting in and out of trades. If the trade is going in your direction, then protect your profits by either cashing out of the trade, or raising your stop loss to a place that you are actually still going to make money. Some trading platforms may allow you to raise your stop losses – this is called a ‘trailing stop’. If you are lucky enough to catch a trend at the correct time and it is being sustained, using a ‘trailing stop’ is a solid risk management tactic and can protect your profits.

If the trend in your position starts to reverse against you, do not cancel your ‘trailing stop’ because you think the reversal is a momentary cycle. Trading floors are littered by people who had substantial gains and then watched them vanish, all because they thought the market would reverse in their chosen direction again. Folks dream about owning a castle when all they need is a comfortable home. Cancelling stop loss orders is a sure way to the poor house.

Immodest ambitions can ruin your trades when you become stubborn, unrealistic and emotional. Make sure you stay ‘grounded’ and are pursuing trades because you believe in them, and not because you are looking for price action to fill up a boring day with wagers than make no sense.