The News / Hottest Related

President of Forbes inc. and former Presidential candidate, Steve Forbes joins Merlin Rothfeld and John O’Donnell for a look at several major factors which may lead to a second Great Depression. The trio discuss the concept of Flat Tax and how it might impact the markets and transition into Mr. Forbes new book about the devaluation of the US Dollar. Mr. Forbes voices his support for a gold standard to help add stability to the financial system and economy as a whole.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

The unemployment rate Australia remained stable for the third consecutive month in May, a report from the Australian Bureau Of Statistics showed Thursday.

Attachment 7738

More...

Partly reflecting a notable decrease in prices for trade services, the Labor Department released a report on Friday showing an unexpected drop in U.S. producer prices in the month of May. The Labor Department said its producer price index for final demand dipped by 0.2 percent in May after climbing by 0.6 percent in April.

More...

Economist and author of several books, Richard Duncan joins John O’Donnell and Merlin Rothfeld for a look at what he feels is the New Depression. A cycle of debt expansion that is leading to a nearly inevitable collapse, that not even a gold standard can safe. The trio discuss this and several other topics while Mr. Duncan offers a radical solution to it all. A solution that would put America back on top, and get us out from all this debt.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

The Swiss government's expert panel lowered the growth forecasts for the economy for this year and next, citing sluggish recovery in exports, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO said Tuesday.

The growth outlook for this year was cut to 2 percent from 2.2 percent and the projection for next year was reduced to 2.6 percent from 2.7 percent. In 2013, the Swiss economy expanded 2 percent. In the first quarter of this year, the alpine economy grew 0.5 percent sequentially.

The economic upturn in Switzerland is likely to further strengthen in 2015, but the pace of improvement may be slower than expected given the sluggish recovery in exports, the experts' panel said.

Experts also expect the recovery in the labor market to progress gradually and lead to a modest decline in unemployment. The unemployment rate forecasts for this year and next were left unchanged at 3.1 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively.

The inflation projections for 2014 and 2015 were also maintained at 0.1 percent and 0.4 percent, respectively.



More...

A couple of weeks ago, I began discussing the idea of Anchors and Offsets in option trading. We’ll continue with that today.While the simplest use of options is just as lower-cost substitutes for stock, this only scratches the surface of what they can do. We can certainly buy Call options in place of buying a stock, or buy Put options in place of selling a stock short. But to get the real power of options, we need to combine them.For example, on June 10-12 the SPY, a main bellwether for the global equity market, reacted to geopolitical concerns and disappointing data by dropping by about three points, or 1.5%.

The chart is shown below:

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...0617075837.jpg

Let’s say we were still bullish on the equity market, and thought that this pullback was probably over. Moreover, we would be happy to own SPY if it dropped a little further into our demand zone from roughly $192-193.One possible move would be to sell the July $193 puts.

These could be sold at the time for $2.70 per share ($270 per 100-share contract). We would receive the $270 right away. If SPY remained above $193, the options would expire and that $270 would be clear profit.If SPY dropped below $193, and remained there at the expiration of the July options on July 18, then we would be obligated to buy the SPY stock at $193 per share ($19,300 for the 100 shares covered by the single put contract).

Our net cost would be the $193 strike price, less the $2.70 we had received for selling the puts, or $190.30 per share. Let’s say we thought it very unlikely that SPY would be below $190.30, so we considered this a risk worth taking.Let’s look at the stats on this trade:

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...0617075919.jpg

If we were right about SPY rallying from here, this trade would pay off at the rate of 14% (annualized). If SPY did not rally, at worst we would own the ETF at $190.30, a price we were happy with.Fine. But could we improve on this? What were the undesirable characteristics of this position?Here are three:Unlimited risk.

If SPY did drop below $190.30, we would have a loss, and that loss would be unlimited. Well, it would not exactly be unlimited. At most, if the value of SPY dropped to zero (an impossibility), we would lose $19,030. But this is close enough to infinity compared to our $270 maximum profit, that for practical purposes, our loss was unlimited. By convention, naked short put trades are referred to as having unlimited risk.

We could mitigate this by planning to exit the trade (buy back the short puts) if SPY dropped below a certain level. But this would expose us to:*Extreme exposure to changes in Implied Volatility (IV). IV is the measure of how much people are willing to pay for time value. The Implied Volatility of SPY at the time was smack in the middle of its most recent 52-week range. IV could just as easily go up or down.

If the price of SPY went down, the price of time value in its options (IV) would probably go up. If that happened, then our puts would become even more expensive, increasing our loss.High capital requirement. In order to insure that we would have the money to buy the SPY if the puts were assigned, our broker would require that we earmark funds for that purpose.

We would need to have $19,300 in cash in our account in order to sell that put for $270. (This would be a cash-secured put. Some people are able to sell puts naked, by putting up about 20% of this amount. If so, then they will get margin calls to put up more cash if the stock falls.

We assume here that we are doing this trade on a fully cash-secured basis, No margin calls are possible, and the cash-secured short put can be done inside an IRA account.)

How could we reduce or eliminate these undesirable effects?By turning the short put position into a credit spread position. We could do this by simultaneously purchasing another put at the $188 strike. These could be bought for $1.26 per share ($126 per contract). With the short $193 put as the anchor of our position, the long $188 put would be our offset unit.

Here is how that would change things:Unlimited risk. Not any more. Now our $188 put would protect us in the event of a very large drop. At worst, we might have to pay $5 per share (the difference between the $188 and $193 strikes) to get out of the position, no matter how far SPY dropped.*Extreme exposure to changes in Implied Volatility (IV).

Much improved. Since we now owned the $188 put, if SPY’s IV went up, our long put would go up in value too. This would offset most of the damage from an IV increase. High capital requirement. Hugely reduced.

Since our maximum exposure was now $5 instead of $190, we would only be required to put up $5 per share. And that would be reduced by the $144 net credit generated (the $2.70 premium received for the short put, less the $1.26 paid for the long put).

The net out of pocket would be just $3.56 per share, compared to $190.30. This would increase our cash-on-cash profit percentage immensely.Here’s the comparison of the original short put position and the credit spread:

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...0617080138.jpg

In this trade, adding an offset to the anchor unit, transformed the trade from one with unlimited risk into a limited risk trade. At the same time, the profit percentage was improved a very great deal.I hope this piques your interest in options, especially the power available by combining them.

This is only one small example. There are many ways to construct very exciting positions. We’ll look at more in the future.


More...

In less than 24 hours, the FOMC meets to release many potentially significant market moving announcements. Merlin takes a look at the releases and offers words of advice on how to trade them. He also takes a look at the Dollar, Euro, Pound and other currencies which will be impacted by the announcements.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

Reflecting a notable improvement in consumers' assessment of current business conditions, the Conference Board released a report on Tuesday showing that its reading on U.S. consumer confidence rose by much more than expected in the month of June.

EURUSD M5 : 23 pips price movement by USD - Consumer Confidence news event:

Attachment 8157

More...

Monday was a relatively flat trading session but the broader picture may be pointing to much more volatility ahead! Scott and Merlin look at the vix for clues to future price action and Scott points out something that has changed recently with regards to historical sector rotation models and leadership. Analysis is performed on coffee futures, Starbucks, FMC, Blackberry and more.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

Economic activity in the U.S. decreased by much more than previously estimated in the first quarter of 2014, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Wednesday. The report showed that U.S. gross domestic product plunged by 2.9 percent in the first quarter.

EURUSD M5 : 27 pips price movement by USD - GDP news event:

Attachment 8188

More...

After some great market calls his maiden voyage on PTR in March, Tim returns for his second Appearance. Merlin and Tim take a look at the carry trade prospects with the Kiwi and the negative Euro! Later, the duo take a look at some listener inspired Pound charts against both the dollar and Swiss Franc. And finally a look at interest rates which appear to be climbing for the Kiwi and Pound.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

For months, Merlin has been encouraging listeners to look at their long term investment accounts to get a greater understanding of how they are positioned in these uncertain times. On this show, several listeners seek further suggestions on just how to accomplish this. Merlin walks them through the steps to identify what the fees are with their long term investments and how to improve their personal financial situation.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

Using precious metals and rare coins to ones portfolio can help diversify and protect from volatile market moves. Tyler Reesor of RCW Financial joins Merlin for a look at how to mix rare coins into ones financial portfolio. Tyler also shares with listeners some of the significant advantages as well as tax benefits rare coins provide. Tyler also shares with listeners a coin from 1793 valued at nearly $200,000! The duo also take a look at some of the current macro economic data and how it might shape markets going forward.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

I recently received this question via email and also have heard it repeatedly asked by students in my classes. I thought it would be fitting to answer the question in this forum.

“I have a question with regard to targets. What do you think of having no targets at all? I am considering not to put any target and continue to trail using a technical stop as long as I can on the ITF. Reason behind considering such a thing is because I do not understand targets at all. Please advise.”
Thanks, K

Well K, in our courses at Online Trading Academy, we teach that prior to entering any trade you should know three things: Your entry price, the stop loss price, and the target price. Basically, we call it S.E.T.ting your trade, (Stop, Entry, Target). It is crucial that you set your trade for several reasons.

When most traders enter the markets, their decisions are often driven by fear and greed. Trading or investing with these emotions is what costs most people their chance at success. Let’s examine these emotions and how they deter from our achieving our trading goals. Then we can look at how S.E.T.ting your trade can help combat this emotional deterrent.

People have fear because of the unknown. When we do not know the outcome of something, our minds race with all of the possibilities and much of that is often negative. As a trader or investor, when you put money into the markets, most will hope for a win but they will often allow fear to dominate as they fear losing and not knowing how much they may lose.

But an educated, Rule-Based trader who identifies their entry and stop loss price BEFORE entering the trade has nothing to fear. That trader already knows the worst case scenario for the trade. If their stop loss is hit, then they will lose X amount. If they proceed to enter the trade, they do so knowing the worst that can happen to them and have accepted it as a possibility.

Of course possible is not the same as probable. We enter trades when there is a high probability of the trade working in our favor. So while there is a possibility of loss occurring, the chances of it happening are low.

So why do we need a target then? Why not just enter the trade and let it run until we are stopped out by a trailing stop? Fear and greed once again are the reason. We identify a target at the highest probable zone where price is likely to stop moving in our favor and reverse or pause the trend.

Fear that pervades our trading will often cause us to panic and exit from a successful trade when there is a small move in price against us. If we have not recognized where the trend is likely to end, we do not know if the small movement is the trend reversing (we would need to exit the trade), or simply a correction, (we can hold on or even add to our winners here).

Greed is also something that will hurt your trading. Without a target set on every trade, there is a high probability that you will try to get too greedy and hold on to a trade longer than you should. If you have ever been in a successful trade you may have experienced this.http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...0701111801.jpg

Imagine you are in a trade where you are profitable Rs. 30 per share. You are still holding while the price corrects down to Rs. 27 a share. Most people are thinking, “I just lose Rs. 3 per share.” They will be tempted to hold on until that gain comes back. Unfortunately it often gets worse. You have to realize in that scenario that you haven’t lost anything. That is greed. You had what we call paper profits. They mean nothing and your still have a Rs. 27 gain!

If you identified your target prior to entering the trade, you would know whether the Rs. 30 per share gain was one you should book by exiting the trade or if you are right to hold on knowing prices are probably heading higher.

The best way for a trader to minimize the effect of emotions on their trading is to trade using a Rule-Based strategy like the one we teach at Online Trading Academy. Come learn the rules for successful trading and join the thousands of graduates who are on the road to thriving in their trading career.


More...

Big market moves to the upside, pushing some indexes to all time highs today! Exuberance or Justified? Merlin takes a look at today’s moves in the major indexes then shifts focus to the Dollar indexes (yes, both DXY and USDOLLAR). Negativity plagued the dollar while sending other currencies higher. This has broader implications for currency markets and Merlin sifts through this using charts of each currency. He also shares his thoughts on how economic announcements should be played.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

New orders for U.S. manufactured goods fell by more than expected in the month of May, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Wednesday.

More...

The emerging markets activity grew further in June at the fastest pace in more than a year, results of a survey by Markit Economics and HSBC Bank showed Monday.

The HSBC Emerging Markets Index, derived from the PMI surveys, rose to 52.3 in June from 50.6 in May. This marked the sharpest increase in activity since March 2013, though the index remained below its long-term average of 53.8. A score above 50 suggests expansion in the sector.

Output in manufacturing sector increased and services activity rose to the highest level in fifteen months in June.

Three of the four largest emerging markets contributed positively to the overall rise in the index with the Chinese output rising at its fastest rate in fifteen months. India's production expanded the most since February 2013 in June.

The Russian private sector output stabilized after declining at the most accelerated pace in five years in May. Brazil's market activity indicated a flat trend in June.

Overall new orders for emerging markets increased at the fastest pace since March 2013. Outstanding business stabilized after a five months of decline.

Input cost inflation reached a four-month high and output prices rose marginally.

The HSBC emerging markets future output index, a measure of perceptions on activity in 12 months, strengthened for the first time since February in June, as three of the four major emerging markets showed improved expectations.

Expectations in the service sector were more positive in June and expectations in the manufacturing sector were least optimistic since September 2012.


More...

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde indicated a slight reduction to the institution's global growth outlook as investment remains subdued.

The global economic outlook to be released later this month would be "slightly different" from previous forecasts, Lagarde said at the Cercle des Economists conference in Aix-en-Provence, France on Sunday.

Nonetheless, she said the global activity is expected to gain momentum in the second half of the year and to accelerate further in 2015 after an unexpectedly weak start to 2014.

In April, the Washington-based lender projected 3.6 percent growth for 2014 and 3.9 percent growth for 2015.

Citing investment shortfalls in virtually all countries, Lagarde said public investment took a hard hit during the sovereign debt crisis in many economies, and private investment has not crowded in.

According to Lagarde, public cutbacks in investment are likely to hold back growth prospects. In the emerging market and developing economies, infrastructure constraints are already hurting growth.

However, accommodative monetary polices are helping to reduce cost of capital.

IMF Chief expects a meaningful rebound in U.S. activity after a more disappointing first quarter. At the same time, the euro area is slowly emerging from recession, but the recovery is not strong enough to reduce unemployment and debt, she noted.

In Japan, Lagarde said greater structural and fiscal reforms are still needed for growth to be sustained.

Although the growth in many of the emerging markets and developing economies hit a soft patch earlier this year, in part due to weaker exports, these countries will continue to provide the bulk of global growth, albeit at a slower pace than before, Lagarde said.

Further, she cited three major risks looming on the horizon for the global economy. Low inflation particularly in the euro area, renewed market volatility in emerging markets, and high debt levels in many economies.

"On balance, global activity is strengthening—but could be weaker than we had expected, as potential growth is lower and investment remains depressed, she said.

More...

Tillie joins the show to talk about current market situations and give listeners a free copy of her DVD: How To Retire With More Money Than You Need. Tillie and Merlin take a look at the current record levels of the Dow, and offer suggestions for those who may have missed the run! They then talk about the bond markets and offer suggestions for using options to generate increased rates of return. Finally, Tillie briefly discusses taking profits and asset allocation concepts for present levels.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

With so many stocks to look at, many traders resort to scans and filters to help whittle down their selection to a select group which meets their specific criteria. Merlin answers a listener question on this and shows how he uses the filter to not only reduce the number of securities he is looking at, but also find trading opportunities. Merlin also talks about how to trade the Harami formation on the Nasdaq 100 and offers a nice trade setup on Texas Instruments.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

For the second day in a row, Merlin is alone in studio and takes the time to answer several listener questions. Using visual examples, he takes a look at how yesterday’s short bearish harami setup on the QQQs panned out, and the logic behind the setup. He also continues his discussion of using scanners on currency pairs, not just equities. Finally, he reviews the performance of the automated trading system account he opened up last month.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

Most people incorrectly assume that trading is all about understanding the fundamentals of the market or knowing the balance sheet of a company. It doesn’t have as much to do with that as it does with understanding people. People’s perceptions or expectations of a company or even the entire economy are what drive prices of securities. Prices of equities, commodities, and currencies are all subject to the same laws of supply and demand as is any other product. In fact, this is why you will often see prices drop after a company meets expectations for an announcement. The demand for the shares prior to the release overwhelmed the supply. Sellers realized this and raised their prices they were asking for shares. Buyers, in a desperate attempt to own shares, will raise the amount they are willing to pay for them.

For instance, if Tata Motors sells a larger amount of cars than expected, but traders have already anticipated this, then the price will not move up as you might expect. The traders who were expecting positive sales results have already bought their shares prior to the announcement. This should have caused a rise in price for the reasons I stated above. Once the data is known by everyone and there is no surprise, some buying may come in. However, the traders who already own shares are disappointed that the price isn’t rising more or they are satisfied with their profits and begin to sell. Without increased buying pressure from interested parties, these sellers must drop their price to attract buyers to take their shares.

So you see how human emotion, basically fear and greed, will motivate traders to act in the market. This is what causes price movement. So to be successful in trading, you need to know how to read this emotion and the strength of it. That is what technical analysis does. The charts show us the actions of the traders who are involved in that security. In looking at candlesticks and technical tools, we can read the strength of the emotion of those who will move the markets. We can see when this emotion is shifting and leading market turns.bullish candles

We can read the price candles for much of this information. If you are in a bullish trend that you expect to continue, you would expect the share price to close at or near to the high of the day or the high from several days. You would be seeing green candles on your chart with very few or small topping tails.

If price closes away from the highs, then the buying pressure has weakened, or selling pressure has gained. Either way, it is not good for the people holding the stock long. If there is a close that occurs significantly far from the highs, it could signal a possible change in trend.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...0715090830.jpg

The same applies to when selling pressure is gaining or weakening. You would expect a very weak stock to be closing at or near the lows. If it doesn’t, then buyers are strengthening or sellers are weakening or both are occurring. So by viewing traders’ actions in a graphical format, we can make assumptions about the strength of the movement of the stock price. These observations are part of our decision making process to time proper entries and exits in the market. That is what technical analysis can offer you as a trader or investor.


More...

Retail sales in the U.S. rose by much less than expected in the month of June, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Tuesday, although the report also showed upward revisions to the sales growth in the two previous months.

Attachment 8603

The Commerce Department said retail sales edged up by 0.2 percent in June compared to economist estimates for an increase of about 0.6 percent.

While the sale growth came in well below estimates, the report also showed that retail sales rose by an upwardly revised 0.5 percent and 0.6 percent in May and April, respectively.

The weaker than expected sales growth in June was partly due to a drop in auto sales, which fell by 0.3 percent after climbing by 0.8 percent in the previous month.

Excluding the drop in auto sales, retail sales rose by 0.4 percent in June, matching the revised increase seen in the previous month. Ex-auto sales had been expected to increase by 0.5 percent.

The report also showed that sales by building materials and supplies dealers pulled back by 1.0 percent in June after rising by 0.6 percent in May.

On the other hand, sales by general merchandise stores jumped by 1.1 percent in June after edging down by 0.1 percent in the previous month.

Notable sales growth was also shown by health and personal care stores, clothing and accessories stores, and non-store retailers.

Closely watched core retail sales, which exclude autos, gasoline, and building materials, increased by a solid 0.6 percent in June after inching up by 0.2 percent in May.

Christoph Balz, an economist at Commerzbank, said, "Don't be misguided by the weak 0.2% increase in U.S. retail sales in June. The offsetting good news is that sales in April and in May rose stronger than previously reported."

"Moreover, even the June figures are more encouraging than they appeared to be at first sight as sales rose by a solid 0.6% in the core business," he added. "All in all, the steady recovery in the labor market increases consumers' willingness and power to spend."

The Commerce Department noted that total retail sales in the month of June were up by 4.3 percent compared to the same month a year ago.



More...

Every trader has to start somewhere! Sunil Mangwani shares, with Merlin, his rocky road from book learning, to understanding the fundamentals of Supply and Demand. Sunil also takes a look into how commodities influence currency action and can be used as an odds enhancer. The duo also look at a variety of yen pairs including AUDUSD, USDJPY and GBPJPY.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

As markets continue to power to new highs, Tillie Allison offers insights as to how to protect profits and reduce risk exposure. She also talks about how she has transitioned into other futures products like Oil to capitalize on volatility. Tillie also discusses her learning path and how she tries to give back by hosting special events at the Online Trading Academy centers when she is teaching.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

DR. Mark Thornton joins John O'Donnell and Merlin Rothfeld for a look at the resurgence of Detroit, and how many Austrian Economic principles are key in the resurrection. The trio also talks about drug policy and how political acceptance is impacting drug cartels around the world. This acceptance provides significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors alike! John also talks about his new weight loss challenge!

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

I’m currently in the middle of a transaction where the question of representation and good representation has been an issue. It got me to thinking about the assumptions many people make when using a real estate agent/broker. It is often funny to me that so many people want to work with the “listing agent” in a “dual agency” situation, I feel most of the time this is not ideal, let me explain.

First, let me define what “dual agency” is: Agency refers to the relationship between a buyer/seller and the real estate agent/broker. Dual agencies can occur with two agents or a single agent. The first kind of dual agency occurs when the buyer and seller are using agents licensed under the same broker. With this kind of dual agency the buyer and seller are both represented, however legally they are represented by the same “Broker.” This must be disclosed by law. I found myself in this situation on a piece of commercial property and felt unrepresented. The agents were more concerned about getting the deal done than both mine and the seller’s interest. In meetings, it was often hard to tell which agent was representing me.

The second kind of “dual agency” is more common for a retail buyer. This is when there is one agent that represents both the seller and buyer. This can happen naturally, like when an agent is holding their own listing open and an unrepresented buyer walks in and falls in love with the property or when an agent gets a listing that is perfect for one of their clients. It can also happen where the buyer seeks out the listing agent (this one I truly don’t understand) thinking they will get a better deal by using the listing agent. In the bible it says “a man can’t serve two masters.” Now a real estate transaction doesn’t have to be a “win” or “lose” negotiation, however it is the listing agent’s responsibility to get “the best and highest offer.” The buying agent’s responsibility is to “represent their client in whatever is their desired outcome” i.e.; lowest price, acquire the property at any cost….

States handle dual agency differently, but I’ve found most do require there be full disclosure. In most states, the agent is also limited to the amount of information that can be shared with the seller and buyer – for example, in New Jersey, the agent cannot advise the buyer on how much to offer nor can the agent advise the seller to accept or reject an offer. In California, the law specifically prohibits someone acting as a dual agent from telling the buyer how low the seller will go, or from telling the seller how high the buyer will go. I appreciate the way the Dept. of Real Estate in New York advises consumers “…when a person enters into a dual agency relationship, they are forfeiting their right to that agent’s loyalty. The agent then cannot advance the interest of either party.”

All situations are different, but I would say that I feel it is healthier as a practice to have your own representation. I’ve even known some agents that have found themselves in a natural position of dual agency to bring an agent in for the buyer so that both parties have their own advocate. My advice to you is that you should always feel that whoever is representing you is moving your agenda forward with their guidance.

More...

Teaching on the road in NC, Scott Greer takes time out of his schedule to join Merlin for a look at the significant currency movers. Scott shares his thoughts on the US Dollar indexes and how they should be adding more thrust for future market moves, until ultimately hitting a wall! Scott and Merlin take listener questions as well, shedding some light on the current trajectory of the Cable, and Loonie.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

New home sales in the U.S. showed a notable decrease in the month of June, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Thursday, with the steep drop offsetting the jump seen in the previous month.

More...

After several years, Dodd-Frank has fallen short of its intended goal, leaving big firms to continue to reap big rewards off the average investor. Master instructor Paul Orme, joins the show to look at the plans shortcomings and what investors should be doing to secure their financial future. The duo also take a look at 401k rollovers and what to look out for.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg
More...

President and CEO of Puplava Financial Services, Jim Puplava, joins Merlin to talk about how advancements in technology have changed our communications and financial landscape. The duo also look at some of the factors that are driving the markets to lofty levels, and the potential obstacles which may push us back into recession.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

Home prices in major U.S. metropolitan areas continued to increase at a slower pace in the month of May, Standard & Poor's revealed in a report released on Tuesday. The report said the S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Home Price Index increased at an annual rate of 9.3 percent in May compared to the 10.8 percent growth reported for April.

More...

Every trader seeks out other traders, yet most only find bad advice and shenanigans. Brandon Tristan is part of a world class team that works with groups of traders from around the world every day. This trading environment, XLT (Extended Learning Track), was designed to help traders share ideas, understand trading concepts and apply Online Trading Academy’s patented trading methodology in a live market environment all led by master instructors. Brandon shares some of his highlights before going onto analyze several listener questions regarding the currency market.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

Haim Bodek, former CEO of Trading Machines, a Prominent High Frequency Trading firm based in Connecticut, joins Merlin for a look into what has been happening in the HFT world. Haim takes a look at some of the significant changes which may ultimately change the landscape of the financial markets just like litigation did back in 1996! The duo also talk about Haim’s new class on HFT and system trading.


http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

The dynamic duo of John and Merlin break down the current weakness in the equity markets and offer insights on where it may be headed. Later they take a look at HFT and how it is transforming the financial landscape, all while being a necessary element of market functionality. Finally, Merlin implements the Beach Body Challenge for John! For the next 21 days, he will be on a strict diet and exercise routine, in an attempt to get back to his ideal weight and fitness level! Are you ready for the challenge?!?

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

India's central bank is widely expected to leave its interest rates unchanged on Tuesday as it awaits more signs on the price front to confirm a slowdown in inflation. The repo rate, the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends to banks, is likely to be maintained at 8.00 percent for the third straight policy meeting.

More...

As trading ranges plummet with most currencies, Master trader, Rick Wright joins Merlin to discuss how he is adapting. He offers some personal insights into how traders should modify plans and tactics to find trading opportunities when seemingly none exist. Merlin and Rick also look at the Euro, Yen, and Pound for potential trading opportunities.

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

With the value of imports showing a significant decrease, the Commerce Department released a report on Wednesday showing that the U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed in the month of June. The report said the U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $41.5 billion in June.

More...

The past 2 weeks have spiked the VIX nearly 70%! For a trader this can be golden, especially for options traders looking to sell options and collect premium. Master trader, Steve Moses, joins Merlin for a look at how his trading has changed over the past 2 weeks due to the increase in volatility. Steve also takes a look at historical market data and what we should have learned from it!

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...

With trading ranges getting smaller and smaller for most of the worlds currencies, Tim Pesut believes this is the calm before the storm. Global events and tensions may bring the storm quicker than expected as well! Tim and Merlin talk about the Euro, Dollar, cross pairs, adaptation and the need for patience in today’s markets. Merlin also shows the results of John O’Donnell’s weekly weigh in!

http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/Repo...1105145132.jpg

More...