Using Big Mac's to Trade Currencies: Big Mac Index

Think valuing currencies across the Globe is difficult? Consider the Big Mac Index:

 

Other links:

http://www.economist.com/markets/bigmac/

http://www.oanda.com/currency/big-mac-index

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Mac_Index

 

While currencies over time will lean toward purchasing power parity, keep in mind any move may take more time than anticipated. Using the index alone may lead someone to blindly enter a trade and be completely early, and therefore wrong. In summary, continue to do your homework, hopefully with a Big Mac near by.

 

Cheers.

Salvador Lara, Head of Education and Research

*There is a subtantial risk of loss trading futures.  Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results."

 

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Futures Trading Recommendations for Tues. Aug. 3rd

Hello All,
 
A great way to start August as investors seeked riskier assets and set the US stock market surging.  Better than excpected manufacturing and construction spending data fueled the fire early.  The dollar continued its decline and inversely the Euro reached our exit target and then some.  Crude prices perched above $81 for the first time since May, and although I think the Euro and Crude can reverse from these levels, I still feel that my 1132 exit target in the S&P still needs to come in.  That being said, we could get another positive day across the board tomorrow, then a possible set-back Wed/Thurs prior to the unemployment data to be reported on Friday.  What we'll continue to keep our eye on is the decoupling of stocks and bonds, although they both ended Friday positively it is now evident that treasuries have been jumping the gun more often than not.
 
1)  Hold Sept. Emini S&P longs, raise protective stop to 1108.  Exit 1132.  At 10 week highs, and above the 200 day moving average, I'm pretty certain we'll be able to reach our exit target.  But the real questions is how much will we be leaving on the table by possibly exiting early?  As the economy continues to grow at a slow yet steady pace, I would have to assume our equity markets will follow the same tempo.  Although it seems all systems are green, we're coming up on our wildcard employment data, so money management is 10x more important than attempting to predict the markets correctly.
 
2)  The Sept Euro contract reached our exit target of 1.3160, and is poised to possibly test 1.3250 in tandem with our higher S&P target.  Not necessarily worth trying to squeeze out the last few drops or even attempting to top pick, but technically we are close to seeing a minimum pullback of about 500 points.  A key indicator is the fact that call pricing is not necessarily being bid up as once would expect with this type of action.  If the premiums aren't there, neither is the consensus and a reversal should be in the works over the next few sessions.  I've held out long enough to implement a credit spread and feel tomorrow will be ideal, get in contact with your respective broker here at the office and we'll be able to get you onboard.
 
3)  Sell Sept. Crude Oil at 83.10, with a 84.50 stop.  Exit $79.  A lower dollar and continued support from equities pushed the market above $80.  The uptrending support channel dating from 5/24-6/26 will now come into play as resistance.  The market has retraced 100% of its fall from 6/20-7/4, and 83.18 would be a 24% extension of this range.  This level interesect directly with the uptrending resistance channel; however we are currently $2 shy.  This implies 2 scenarios: 1) we will hit the 83.18 level early tomorrow morning, or 2) we will initially retrace to the downside over the next couple of sessions and then make an attempt for the extended 84.46 level into the end of the week.  If the latter holds true, we will attempt to buy in lower, but at the moment it does not coincide with my theory for stocks.
 
Best,

Arman Vahdatinia
Futures & Options Strategist
1-877-338-EXPO [3976] ext. 25
www.ExpoFutures.com
 
*There is a substanstial risk of loss trading futures.  Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Trade Recommendations for Tues. Mar. 16th

Hello All,
 
It seems as though our analysis is correct and the markets are topping on schedule.  We have our FOMC rate decision tomorrow around 11:15am PST, and although it's fair to say that the rates will remain unchanged, the focus will be on the verbage of the minutes.  Rates have remained near 0 since Dec. 2008, and with the given economic recovery it is only a matter of time before we really have to jumpstart the capital markets by getting interbank lending on its own feet.  Could we be in store for rate hike verbage as early as the next meeting(April 27th)?  As soon as they decide to drop the phrase "extended period", it would be extremely dollar bullish.  My assumption is that tomorrows reaction will be in support of the dollar with continued hawkish speculation, which will continue to pressure commodities and foreign currencies.  If that is the case, then we can see continued downward pressure in 3 waves through April 20th, with a slight corrective rally March 25th-30th.
 
1)  Sell June Emini S&P at 1154.00, with a 1165.75 stop.  Exit to be determined.
 
2)  Hold April Crude oil shorts from 81.12.  Use a 81.15 protective stop.  Exit 77.00.  She's the leader, so watch her take out the low of the day and the surrounding markets will tumble.  It's funny how 'now' they realize demand isn't keeping up.  Reactions are either too quick or too slow nowadays.
 
3)  Sell June Euro at 1.3720, with a 1.3766 stop.  Exit 1.3488.  The market should remain steady going into the report, and then we should see a sell the fact reaction.  And surprisingly, I anticipate we will continue to be rangebound for at least another week or two before descending to new lows.
 
Best,

 
Arman Vahdatinia
Futures & Options Strategist
1-877-338-EXPO [3976] ext. 25
www.ExpoFutures.com
 
*There is a risk of loss trading futures.  Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Trade Recommendations for Fri. Mar. 12th

Hello All,
 
I'm glad we didn't place any trades today as their wasn't much going on, we would have been sitting ducks.  The markets were little changed with a stable dollar after government reports showed that the trade deficit narrowed, indicating a slowing economic recovery.  We've been covering the same ground for the past 3 days and we're close to topping.  The FOMC minutes may be the catalyst to push these markets lower, so there is still the possibility of making new highs into Sunday/Monday.
 
1)  June Emini S&P probably will be stagnant in the 1140-1150 region.  Not worth trading tomorrow, but if you must you should be trading from the longside just in case the market takes off to end the week at a new high.
 
2)  Buy June Euro at 1.3670, with a 1.3604 stop.  Exit 1.3782.  The march currency contracts are expiring on Monday and major rollover took place today with a huge spike in volume.  The market has put in a bowl type of bottom and we'll have to see how she reacts to resistance at 1.38 going into the FOMC meeting.  But I suspect the announcement will be bullish for the dollar and inversely send all related markets lower after Tuesday.
 
3)  Sell April Crude on a stop at 81.12, with a 82.45 protective stop.  The market has respected the uptrend channel since the beginning of Feb. and as soon as we breach it look out below.  We've been in a congestion pattern which should come to a climax tomorrow.  If we break above 83 then we may very well see the 85 region for a double top before we descend back below 75.  If we cannot get a rally above 83 by Sunday then the market should be heading straight for 77, then a minor bounce to 81, before ultimately heading towards 70-72.  Along with the FOMC meeting on Tuesday, we have crude option expiration on Wednesday along with another inventory report, so it will be interesting to see how they end this week.
 
Best,
 
Arman Vahdatinia
Futures & Options Strategist
1-877-338-EXPO [3976] ext. 25
www.ExpoFutures.com
 
*There is a risk of loss trading futures.  Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Trade Recommendations for Tues. Mar. 9th

Hello All,
 
We had a fairly uneventful Monday aside from the dip and recovery in oil.  Focus still seems to be on the dollar so we'll have to see what the change in commitment of traders will be tomorrow in reference to last weeks 50/50.  There aren't any major reports out tomorrow, so the lack of fundamentals may provide for another slow session.
 
1)  Hold Mar. Emini S&P shorts from 1133, with a 1144 stop.  Exit 1120.  Floor support is at 1120, and given the markets inability to muster up a significant rally today we should see a slight setback tomorrow.  At best we may only see 1125 where we may want to exit and re-enter after Wed. Crude inventory report.  The calm before the storm with Wierd Wally Wednesday as a precursor to next weeks option expirations.
 
2)  Hold Mar. Crude oil shorts from 81.80, with a 83.20 stop.  We were able to get a glimpse of how quickly this market can begin to slide, but were also reminded of the current markets trend and its ability to ignore fundamentals.  We have API and DOE data coming up, but with all the bearish news over the past few weeks we may actually need to get a bullish report to crack this market to the downside.  With stockpiles rising week after week we have to note that the forward curve is flattening out considerably. A 12 month contango has dropped from $8.32 per barrel to about $2.50 per barrel in the last 3 months.  If we can get a close below $81 tomorrow, I am confident we will see $77 into next week.
 
3)  Sell Mar. Euro on a stop at 1.3544, with a 1.3605 stop. Given its current weakness and the fact that gold and silver are also looking weak, leads me to believe that any flight to quality will go direcly to the dollar which will inevitably fuel the downside pressure.  A stronger dollar goes hand in hand with higher yields which plays into the big sell-off in bonds on Friday.  Resistance on the dollar is 80.90, so a breach of that level to the upside should coincide with our entry.
 
Best,

Arman Vahdatinia
Futures & Options Strategist
1-877-338-EXPO [3976] ext. 25
www.ExpoFutures.com
 
*There is a risk of loss trading futures.  Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Trade Recommendations for Tues. Dec. 29th

Hello All,
 
I hope everyone had a joyous holiday with friends and family. 
 
It surprises me that we can't get through a holiday without a major worldwide event occuring.  First it was Dubai's credit crisis on Thanksgiving, and now we've had a thwarted terrorist bombing attempt on an airline, in addition to Iranian riots escalating in the last 6 months to their worst level since the rigged Iranian elections.  Regarding the terrorist attack, we must note that US stocks held firmly and the Euro also held its ground as crude ticks higher.  Historically I would have expected stocks and the euro to fall in face of terrorism, so the bullish case cannot be ignored.  We must note the Sanctions on Iran since 1987, the recent Iran gasoline sanctions bill, and the fact that the vote should be by new years and all of this is in conjunction with riots.
 
1)  Buy Mar. Emini S&P at 1117.75, with a 1110.50 stop.  Exit 1134.  The latest rally from mid Dec. provides a 24% retracement level of 1117, and a 38% retracement level of 1111.50. The Holiday to Holiday rally (the low on Thanksgiving to todays high) provides a 24% retracement level of 1111.50, which should provide key support.  The upward trending channel bisects directly at 1111 at this point in time, and since the market is considerably higher afterhours, I would hope that the channel would bisect 1117.50 by tomorrow morning to provide a nice precise fill (in a perfect world).
 
2)  Buy Mar. Euro at the market (1.4350), with a 1.4264 stop.  Exit 1.4494.  The market has fallen a bit afterhours and we are currently hovering around the 200 hour moving average.  It's possible we could continue to tick lower prior to the open of the European markets but the 38% retracement is a proper area to be filled with respect to current fundamentals.  If the market can takeout the 1.4420 area, first are of resistance would be the 1.4465 area, but ultimately 1.45 is the target.
 
3)  Buy Feb Crude oil at the market (78.50), with a 77.50 stop.  Exit 82.23.  Technically speaking, the downward sloping resistance level is just above 79, and if the market can accelerate past todays high, the next 2 levels of resistance are 80.65, and 82.23.  The 82.50 region would be making a double top, but if the market can push through, then 83.12, 84.08, and 85.27 would be the next targets.  Fundamentally it seems as though these riots will not end as the Iranian people want an end to this 30 year regime.  The U.S. is finally imposing additional sanctions on any country that is in direct trade with Iran.  What does this mean?  The Swiss are the main exporters of Gasoline to Iran.  So essentially this new bill is a crackdown on the Swiss, where we must note the recent Credit Suisse $536 million fine over Iran sanctions.  With 40% of Iran's gasoline being imported with the possibility of all this ending by next week if the Swiss comply, is a recipe for disaster.
 
4)  Hold Feb Gold longs from 1180, with a 1195 stop.  Exit 1120.  If crude escalates, we will easily reach our target.
 
Best,

 
Arman Vahdatinia
Futures & Options Strategist

*There is a risk of loss when trading futures.

 

Timing Timing Timing

Timing is everything. We've all heard of the phrase "being in the right place, at the right time" and it is specifically true to investing. Knowing when to get in, and when to get out is a lot more important than the actual price of an underlying commodity. As a speculator you should be interested in trading price movement, and not its relevance to what you think or perceive the price of a commodity will be. Ultimately, the markets sentiment decides what the price will be, and focusing on direction rather than actual prices will help in your success.

Nobody can pick a top or a bottom, and if they do, its shear luck. Most novices will enter a market too early, and exit too late. What does this tell us? Novices are too anxious to try and make a profit, and typically exit too late because they don't like to admit they're wrong. You have to get in the mindset, that there is no mind-SET. You have to be willing to switch your thinking and ideology as quick as the market changes direction.

A trading motto that I like to practice is "I'd rather be late to the party, than the one paying for it." It is prudent to wait for confirmation of a change in direction, or continuance of a trend before establishing or adding to a position. A retest of support or resistance, will provide you the best entry point, with the least possible risk just above/below the support or resistance.

As a beginner you most likely will not have the knowledge to utilize certain indicators to pinpoint support and resistance and for this very reason we provide technical analysis free to all of our clients. Research is updated daily and can be accessed via our web-based trading platform under the 'Quotes & Research' menu.

Feel free to contact any one of our qualified brokers for a tutorial of all the services we offer and how they may benefit you.

Futures Trading and Diversifying Investments

We’ve all heard the lifelong investment motto of diversifying and not putting all your eggs in one basket. But in order to actually apply this strategy, we must analyze it a little further. If we had various baskets (markets) to invest in, how do we determine how many eggs (funds) to deposit in each? If we were to spread out our portfolio evenly across the board, it would be the same as investing in the CCI Index. How do we begin choosing where to weigh more or less on investments?

Depending on the total amount of funds available to invest, you should never risk more than 3-5% on a single trade. Taking this into consideration, you must also evaluate the typical daily price fluctuation in each given commodity, also known as the standard deviation. Now that we know on average how much each commodity fluctuates in one day, we must standardize the movement in dollars. Not all commodities have the same tick value, thus we must calculate how many contracts within various commodities will result in the same fluctuation in relation to your account value.

If we have noticed that Crude Oil on average moves $2/day ($2,000). And we’ve noticed that Corn on average moves 10 cents/day ($500). We would play 1 contact of Crude Oil, against 4 contracts of Corn.

A simpler way to look at this is to evaluate the margin requirements for each particular commodity. The margin requirement already takes into consideration the volatility of the market, and margins are put in place to protect the client from over-leveraging. Taking the example above into consideration, the margin requirement for Crude Oil is $7,100 and the margin requirement for Corn is $2,000. Nearly a 4:1 ratio.

If you were to standardize this method if investing to have an equal weight on each individual trade, you will be able to realize a more balanced profit/loss on each investment. Creating a more systematic methodology towards investing will begin to take the emotion out of trading.

If you have any inquiries about other investment methodologies, please feel free to contact any one of our licensed brokers.

How to Select your Futures Broker

Anyone can become a successful futures trader, but one needs to put in the right amount of time and effort into it. However, not all of us have that kind of time to perform thorough market research. Moreover, when new to futures trading you might require some assistance with the basics. A simple mistake can lead to a considerable loss if you are unacquainted with common trading practices. A variety of factors make it necessary to search for a futures broker to suit your needs as an investor.

A decent amount of consideration is required before choosing a futures broker. hen entrusting your hard-earned capital, you must look into a number of factors before identifying the right firm or person. he NFA is our regulatory body, and provides individual broker/firm data upon request.

The first and most obvious factor to be taken into consideration is the commodity trading experience of the futures broker. Simply being licensed to conduct business is not enough. You may request for a track history of whomever you inquire about, but it is illegal for a futures broker to even state what they have done in the past. Past results are not indicative of future performance. At Expo Futures, all of our brokers offer free trading assistance on a trial basis. Rather than tell you how we perform, we prove it to you. For a trial period you can track our recommendations and progress, and decide for yourself if our abilities and strategies meet your needs as an investor.

The scope of services offered by a futures broker varies depending on how you would like to make use of their services. There are various levels of broker assistance, whether it be to take full control of your account, or to simply ask a question from time to time. We like to empower our clients to become confident traders by educating them. With a private client 24 hour support desk, we make ourselves readily available to answer any questions or inquiries.

Financial Recap and why you really need to consider Alternative Investments

Obama’s new mortgage plan is suppose to help the honest homeowner down on their luck and not reward the irresponsible speculators by throwing good taxpayer money after bad loans. $275 billion is structured to help around 8 million homeowners. We’ve heard all along, that in order to get the economy out of this rut we need to fix the housing market. Even though $275 billion is a drop in the bucket compared to the size of the the US housing market, it is definitely a start in the right direction.

The UK is the first country to admit that it has nationalized some banks. It will start including the liabilities of Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds on the government balance sheet. Are we slowly shifting from states of capitalism to communism? Socialism?

We are definitely in a restructuring process, and it is evident that we are no where near the end. With stocks near their lows, there isn’t any positive news being released to entice confidence in traders. With Gold near all time highs it is evident that a flight to quality/safety is the only play individuals and institutions are making.

The Fed has revised forecasts down so that this year may not see a year-end recovery and will contract between 0.5% and 1.3%. Also, we have to keep in mind that the unemployment numbers undercount considerably and unemployment is really already at 10-12%. Bad news all across the board, and the only way to profit in light of bad news is to invest in various derivatives.

The futures market allows you to either buy or sell any investment vehicle, and with the ongoing changes in our government policy we must all become traders for the most part rather than investors. As of late, a long term trade in my mind is considered to be 6 hours. With the given volatility you cannot be trigger shy, and must be quick to react. Add to winners, and amputate the losers.