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A meteoric event is looming large on our Contentworks calendar. No, not World Book and Copyright Day, we’re talking about the next Bitcoin halving! Today, we’re going over everything you need to know about this landmark event, before wrapping up all of the trading events for your calendar this week.What is a Bitcoin halving?A Bitcoin halving is an event where the reward for mining new blocks is cut in half, dropping from 6.25 BTC to 3.125, so miners receive 50% fewer Bitcoins for verifying transactions. It’s a pre-programmed event designed to control the supply of Bitcoin so it doesn’t run out so fast!Halvings are scheduled to occur once every 210,000 blocks — which is about once every four years. This will keep happening until all 21 million Bitcoins have been mined by the network — but that’s not expected until sometime in 2140. Hold our flying car, please.Why does this happen?Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins. This scarcity is part of its allure and where at least some of its value is derived from. It’s a bit like gold in that respect. Gold nuggets wouldn’t be half as awesome if they were growing on trees.Halvings ensure that new Bitcoins enter the market at a predictable rate, preventing inflation. But that doesn’t mean that the price always remains stable — we’ll get to that in a bit.When to tune inThis time around, the Bitcoin halving is projected to occur sometime between April 19th and April 20th. As the blocks continue to build, we’ll have a better idea of the exact day in the coming days.How to follow the actionOne of the best sources of information for crypto enthusiasts is X (formerly Twitter). Here are a few hashtags to use to stay up-to-date:● #btchalving● #bitcoinhalving● #coinmarketcap● #cryptomarket● #bitcoincharts● #cryptotrading● #bitcoinsallday● #bitcoinnewsWe are also watching the most popular BTC/Crypto Reddit boards to see how the community is reacting. Our faves are:● r/Cryptocurrency● r/BTC● r/Bitcoin● r/CryptoHow could it affect BTC price?This is the question on everyone’s lips. But, this isn’t our first halving, we’ve been through this before and can, therefore, pick apart the data and at least try and work out what could happen.Remember, past performance is not a guarantee for future performance! But. here’s how things have gone in the past:1. Halving #1 — November 2012With 11 million Bitcoins in circulation, the first halving cut the block reward for miners from 50 BTC to 25 BTC.Exactly one year later (November 28, 2013), Bitcoin was up 7,431%. Wow.2. Halving #2 — July 2016The second halving saw miners’ block rewards slashed from 25 BTC to 12.5 BTC.After that, prices spiked again. A year after the halving, prices had increased by 279%.3. Halving #3 — May 2020This was a very interesting one, with Bitcoin’s third halving coinciding with the weirdness of C19. A lot of analysts had their eyes on it, seeing it as an important test for the viability of the leading cryptocurrency.BTC passed the test, and then some! Exactly one year after the halving — Bitcoin’s price had increased by 539%, showing the world just how resilient the commodity has become, even during the most turbulent financial periods.Source: CoincodexHow the market will react next is anyone’s guess…To be clear, no single event has ever dictated Bitcoin’s fate, nor should it. This halving is definitely a significant chapter, but the story’s far from over.Tell us your storyAre you buying BTC in anticipation of a boom? How high can Bitcoin go? Perhaps you’ve been HODLing for this exact moment. We’d love to hear your predictions over on X, @_Contentworks.Top fundamental events week commencing 15/04/24Looks like a relatively quiet week for trading. Here are all of the key events coming up.Monday● USD — Retail Sales MoMTuesday● CNY — Chinese GDP Growth Rate YoY● GBP — Unemployment Rate● CAD — Inflation Rate YoY● USD — Building Permits PrelWednesday● JPY — Balance of Trade● GBP — Inflation Rate YoYThursdayNo events planned.Friday● JPY — Inflation Rate YoY● GBP — Retail Sales MoMHere at Contentworks we closely follow market movements and prep content that we think your traders would love to read. Let’s get you started right here.Speak soon!The Contentworks team
For the most part, financial advice can be dry. That’s precisely the gap in the market that Finfluencers look to exploit. These finance whizz kids are sharing investment tips, recommending banks and payment apps, and teaching us how to save money. But hold up, because regulators like CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) and the UK’s FSA (Financial Conduct Authority) are warning against such “advice”. Today, we’ll find out why, before giving you our regular weekly trading run-down. Let’s do this!Hold on, what’s a Finfluencer?We’re all pretty familiar with the role of “influencers” today. But, now a new breed of financially-focused influencer has emerged — the “finfluencer”.Finfluencers utilise Instagram and TikTok to offer insights into personal finance, investment strategies, and financial education. Many are aligned with finance brands, so the end game is usually to promote a trading platform, credit card or app.Successful people sharing their advice and helping others enjoy some success — sounds awesome! But, there are some controversies surrounding these individuals and they’ve recently been brought into focus by two of the most powerful regulators in finance — CySEC and the FCA.What did the regulators say?The main issue that regulatory authorities have with finfluencers is that they often lack proper financial qualifications, and their recommendations might not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who have little financial education themselves.Additionally, they often promote quick wealth whilst sitting on a tropical beach, making it all look super easy. Largely that’s not the case and falls very much in the non compliant arena.CySEC recently directly warned about the “risks associated with following simplified investment advice on social media.”The regulator even went as far as conducting a study to find out just how popular this method of investing is. According to that study, 31% of respondents make their financial investments based on the advice of a financial influencers from platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.The FCA chimed in too, highlighting the pressure some finfluencers put on viewers to invest quickly, without taking the time to conduct proper research — which we all know is a fundamental part of any successful trading strategy.This is (kinda) old territoryJust in case you didn’t know, this isn’t a brand-new phenomenon in 2024.Social trading — where traders effectively blindly copy the actions of professional traders (sound familiar?) — has been around for years.The difference here is that with social trading, there’s usually an element of proven professionalism. The trader being copied usually has a solid background in trading and some tried and tested method/strategy that they impart for a share of your spoils.The fear with finfluencers is that increasing amounts of people, notably young people, are recklessly trusting strangers with little or no knowledge of the markets themselves. This is dangerous. The lack of regulatory oversight and transparency in finfluencer content, rightly raises concerns about the reliability and objectivity of the information provided. Until the regulators have a clearer picture of how to deal with these individuals, there will always be questions hanging over the practice.Are you being Finfluenced?Do you seek out the wisdom of finfluencers? Or perhaps you’re a finfluencer, yourself — how do you feel about regulatory concerns? Join the debate over on X at @_contentworks.Top fundamental events week commencing 08/04/24It looks to be a super-busy week ahead. Let’s see what’s in store…Monday● EUR — German Balance of TradeTuesday● AUD — Westpac Consumer Confidence Change; NAB Business Confidence● JPY — Consumer ConfidenceWednesday● USD — Inflation Rate MoM; Core Inflation Rate MoM; Core Inflation Rate YoY; Inflation Rate YoY; FOMC Minutes● CAD — BoC Monetary Policy Report; BoC Interest Rate DecisionThursday● EUR — Deposit Facility Rate; ECB Interest Rate Decision; ECB Press Conference● USD — PPI MoMFriday● CNY — Chinese Balance of Trade● GBP — GDP MoM; Manufacturing Production YoY; Manufacturing Production MoM● USD — University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment IndexHere at Contentworks we closely follow market movements and prep content that we think your traders would love to read. Let’s get you started right here.Speak soon!The Contentworks team
April is already upon us so listen up, brokers, because we’re diving into the top trading trends you need to know in 2024! Stick around and we will go over the top tradeable events of the coming week for you.The Big Spenders: What’s Hot (and What’s Not) in Traded AssetsThe King Still Reigns: Forex remains the undisputed champion, with a daily trading volume exceeding $6 trillion. It even hit $7.5 trillion in 2022. That’s enough cash to buy every single island in the Bahamas (and maybe a few yachts for good measure).What’s hot: over 80% of all forex trades include 7 major currency pairs — USD, EUR, JPY, GBP, AUD, CAD, and CHF.The elite trading club: There are around 14.5 million forex traders in the world and 5.9 million of them (41%) are active day traders — that’s your total addressable market right there!Rise of the machines: Algorithmic trading continues its relentless march, with estimates suggesting it accounts for over 70% of forex transactions. Time to brush up on your coding skills, brokers!The Crypto conundrum: The crypto market remains a rollercoaster ride. While Bitcoin still attracts a loyal following, some investors are looking outside the box towards altcoins and DeFi (Decentralised Finance) projects.Commodity chaos: Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions are making commodities like oil and gold more volatile than ever and volatility always brings trading volume.The Green Rush: Sustainability is a growing concern, and the rise of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing means assets tied to clean energy and green initiatives, like Vanguard ESG, are gaining traction.Trade While the Iron’s Hot: Popular Months and DaysJanuary Jitters: The new year often brings a surge in trading activity as investors look to deploy capital and make resolutions stick (hopefully, not ones involving reckless margin calls).FOMC Frenzy: Meetings of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which sets US interest rates, can trigger significant market movements. Be prepared for some pre-meeting anticipation and post-decision volatility.Monday Blues Booms: While some might believe Mondays mean a sluggish start, forex markets often see a spike in activity at the beginning of the week.Beware the Friday Freefall: Some argue that Fridays tend to be quieter, with traders hesitant to hold positions over the weekend. This can present opportunities for savvy brokers who know how to navigate potentially lower liquidity.Location, Location, Location: Where the Trading Action IsLondon Calling: Despite the negative impact of Brexit, London is still the largest hub in the world for foreign exchange currency trading.The Land of the Rising Sun: Japan is also a major forex player, with its strong economy and active retail investor base.European Powerhouse: Europe remains a dominant force, with Germany and France boasting significant forex markets. According to Tradingpedia, transactions executed by German traders account for nearly 20% of all Forex transactions.The American Advantage: The US dollar (USD) is still the world’s reserve currency, and the US is the largest and most liquid financial market in the world.Emerging Markets on the Rise: Countries like China, India, and Brazil are seeing an increase in forex trading activity, reflecting their growing economic clout.Demystifying the Millennial Trader: Age, Demographics, and the Rise of Social MediaYouthful Exuberance: Millennials (born roughly between 1981 and 1996) are now a major force in the trading world and account for as much as 40% in some regions. They’re tech-savvy, risk-tolerant, and drawn to innovative investment opportunities. You’ll want to grab these guys and not let go!Despite that, globally speaking, Forex traders over 40 years old still account for as much as 58% of the market.The Rise of the She-conomy: Women are increasingly participating in the financial markets, with research suggesting a growing number of female forex traders. However, women still only amount to around 8% of all market participants.The Power of Platforms: Trading platforms with user-friendly interfaces and mobile apps are becoming increasingly popular, especially with younger demographics.#ForexLife and Beyond: Social media is awash with forex influencers, offering tips, strategies, and (sometimes questionable) advice. Flashy Instagram posts don’t guarantee trading success!Hashtag Hustle: Popular forex hashtags like #forexsignals, #tradinglifestyle, and #currencytrading can help brokers connect with potential clients. But be sure to offer genuine value, not just empty hype.The Future of Forex: Adapting to Changing TrendsThe Rise of Fintech: Financial technology is revolutionising the forex market, with tools like artificial intelligence and blockchain offering new ways to analyse data and execute trades.Cybersecurity Concerns: As the online presence of forex trading grows, so do cybersecurity threats. Investing in robust security measures is paramount if you want to attract and retain a dedicated user base.Your turn!Did we miss anything? Do you have some top tips for us? We’re waiting for you over on X at @_contentworks.Top fundamental events week commencing 01/04/24Here’s what’s coming up this week. We hope you’re not busy on Thursday.Monday● JPY — Tankan Large Manufacturers Index● CNY — Chinese Caixin Manufacturing PMI● USD — ISM Manufacturing PMITuesday● AUD — RBA Meeting Minutes● EUR — German Inflation Rate YoY Prel● USD — JOLTs Job OpeningsWednesday● EUR — Inflation Rate YoY Flash● USD — ADP National Employment Report; ISM Services PMIThursday● CAD — Balance of TradeFriday● AUD — Balance of Trade● CAD — Unemployment Rate; Ivey PMI s.a● USD — Average Hourly Earnings MoM; Unemployment Rate; Nonfarm Payrolls;Here at Contentworks we closely follow market movements and prep content that we think your traders would love to read. Let’s get you started right here.Speak soon!The Contentworks team
Welcome back to another week of trading! This week, we’re gearing up for Easter festivities with a closer look at the chocolate industry. What’s the current commodity situation and which stocks might come out on top? After that, we’ll go over the top fundamental events for your trading calendar this week. Chocs away!Cocoa at its peakIf ever we’ve seen a bull market, it’s cocoa over the last 12 months. Talk about crazy performance. If you’d invested 1,000 USD in Cocoa a year ago, it’d be worth 3,070 USD today. Just look at this chart…Cocoa12-month performance: +5,968 USD (+207.78%)Cocoa (USD/T)Source: Trading EconomicsCocoa, the primary ingredient in chocolate has long been a globally traded commodity, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better time to trade the brown stuff. Prices are double the highest previous peak and that was back in 1979!What’s driving this huge price hike? It’s mainly due to future supply fears because of tricky weather conditions in supplier nations.But those fears have also already come true in regions of West Africa, like the Ivory Coast and Ghana. Farmers in those two countries produce about 60% of the world’s beans. Poor weather is affecting supply and that’s driven up prices.Throw in the Easter Bunny and things get a little more interesting. How will demand respond to rocketing prices at what is the busiest time of the year? It’s going to be interesting…Easter: The Champion of ChocEaster reigns supreme as the chocolate industry’s main holiday. Statistics suggest that the period gobbles up as much as 75% of annual chocolate spending! That’s enough to make Willy Wonka blush.This seasonal surge translates to big bucks for publicly traded chocolate companies (usually). However, the hike in cocoa prices has sent the price of our seasonal staples soaring.The expectation (hope?) is that people will take the hit and continue to buy chocolate this Easter. So, if you’re a stock market enthusiast with a sweet tooth, here are a few of the big players to keep an eye on.#1 Hershey Company (HSY)Current price: 197.99 USDPrice (YTD): +6.66 USDPrice (1-year): -44.05 USDYTD performance: +3.47%HSY stock, YTDSource: GoogleAn American giant, Hershey’s practically owns Easter in the US with their iconic Kisses and Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs.Over the last two decades, HSY shares have outpaced the broader markets, rising close to 657% after adjusting for dividends. Wow. To put that into perspective, in the same time period, the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has returned less than 550%. It’s staggering.In Q4 of 2024, Hershey reported sales of $2.66 billion, an increase of 0.2% year over year. This was lower than Wall Street projected sales to grow by (2% year over year). While sales fell below estimates, Hershey reported earnings of $2.02 per share in Q4, which was higher than estimates of $1.95 per share.#2 Lindt & Sprüngli (LISN.SW)Current price: 10,890 CHFPrice (YTD): +840 CHFPrice (1-year): +390 CHFYTD performance: +8.36%LISN stock, YTDSource: GoogleThis Swiss chocolatier is synonymous with luxury, and their Easter offerings are no exception. Think beautifully crafted bunnies and exquisitely flavoured eggs.Lindt & Sprungli reported a rise in annual profit earlier in March, as the Swiss chocolate maker managed to pass on higher ingredients costs to customers while maintaining volumes. Nice move!Lindt, which makes Lindor balls, reported a 17.9% rise in net income to 671.4 million Swiss francs ($758 million) for the year to December. 31. In January, the company reported a 10.3% rise in organic sales for the year, as the post-COVID recovery in travel generated demand for higher-value products such as pralines.#3 Mondelez International (MDLZ)Current price: 72.40 USDPrice (YTD): -1.44 USDPrice (1-year): +3.36 USDYTD performance: -1.95%MDLZ stock, YTDSource: GoogleMondelez is a multinational behemoth with a basketful of chocolate brands, including Cadbury, Milka, and Toblerone. Easter is a windfall for their diverse portfolio and it looks like it’s come at exactly the right time.MDLZ stock has seen modest losses in 2024 so far but has been in a generally flat condition for the last year or so. For the fiscal year ending December 2024, Mondelez is expected to earn $3.51 per share, which is a change of 10% from the number reported a year ago.Your turn!How do you think consumers will behave during Easter 2024? Will they still reach for their favourite choccy treats, despite rocketing cocoa prices? Which of these companies will come out on top? We’re waiting for your prediction over on X at @_contentworks.Top fundamental events week commencing 25/03Here’s what’s coming up in a relatively quiet week this week.MondayNo major events are planned.Tuesday● AUD — Westpac Consumer Confidence Change● EUR — German GfK Consumer Confidence● USD — Durable Goods Orders; CB Consumer ConfidenceWednesdayNo major events are planned.Thursday● USD — GDP Growth Rate QoQ Final; UoM Consumer Sentiment IndexFriday● EUR — French Inflation Rate YoY Prel● USD — Personal Income; Personal Spending MoM; Core PCE Price Index MoM; Fed Chair Powell SpeechHere at Contentworks we closely follow market movements and prep content that we think your traders would love to read. Let’s get you started right here.Speak soon!The Contentworks team
Ah, your 20s. A time of endless possibilities, figuring things out (mostly), and navigating that tricky adulting territory. But amidst the whirlwind of social lives, career hustles, and figuring out what sleep is for, there’s also the looming question of finances. Today, we’re looking at how 20-somethings are investing their cash. Plus, we will give you a run-down of the top events you can trade this week.The investment playgroundFor many 20-somethings, personal finance can feel like a confusing web of options and conflicting advice. So, what are 20-somethings sinking their hard-earned cash into? Here’s a peek at the most popular investment areas.StocksOwning a piece of the companies you love, or can at least vaguely recognise, holds a certain allure for those just starting their careers. Fractional shares, where you can buy a tiny amount of a high-priced stock like Amazon or Tesla, can help to make the stock market less intimidating.Stock indexes, like the S&P 500, can also be a great way to diversify a small (or large) investment across multiple companies. With an average annual return percentage of 9% over the last 25 years, it’s easy to see why this particular one is in demand.The access to these markets is so appealing to the younger generation. Trading can be done directly from your Revolut account, for example.CryptocurrencyRemember those friends who wouldn’t shut up about Bitcoin in 2017? Yeah, crypto is still a thing, and many 20-somethings are drawn to its volatility (think rollercoaster, but with money).There’s so much more to crypto than Bitcoin, of course. There are actually more than 2.2 million cryptocurrencies and with a market cap of $2.58 trillion, it’s nothing to be sniffed at — by 20-year-olds and over.However, this is a high-risk, high-reward world and requires even more serious research before diving in.Forex TradingTrading currencies might sound like something only suited for Wall Street wolves. But with user-friendly apps, like Robinhood, some 20-somethings are giving it a go, hoping to capitalise on currency fluctuations.Remember, the forex market can be volatile too and so can many of the brokers!SavingsYes, the good old-fashioned savings account is still alive and kicking. While interest rates might not be setting the world on fire, having a rainy-day fund provides peace of mind and a safety net for unexpected expenses.According to certain experts, you’re supposed to be saving as much as 20% of your monthly income. That said, with rental costs and cost of living at all time highs, this isn’t possible for most.Investing is way more than just numbers on a screen. Here’s what can trigger 20-somethings to get interested:● Social Investing: Seeing what friends and influencers are investing in can pique curiosity. However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s financial situation is different, and blindly following someone else’s lead is never the best strategy.● Socially Responsible Investing (SRI): Many 20-somethings care about the impact their investments have on the world. SRI focuses on companies that prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, allowing them to invest with a conscience. Such companies include tech heavyweights Apple and Google, as well as Qualcomm and Nestle.The Swipe Left List: Financial No-Nos for 20-somethingsWhile exploring different options is great, there are some financial red flags to avoid:● Get-rich-quick schemes: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid any investment promising astronomical returns with little risk. Remember, slow and steady wins the financial race.● Impulse investing: Don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) dictate your investment decisions. Do your research, understand the risks, and invest for the long term.● Living beyond your means: There’s a difference between treating yourself and draining your bank account. Maintaining a budget and prioritising healthy saving habits is a crucial part of your financial future.Apps for the Win: Your Financial ToolkitTechnology makes managing your finances easier than ever. Here are some apps that are popular with 20-somethings:● Budgeting apps: Tools like Mint help you track your income and expenses, categorise your spending, and set realistic budget goals.● Investment apps: Platforms like Lightyear allow you to easily buy and sell stocks and ETFs. Remember, these apps are just tools, the investment decisions are still yours!● Peer-to-peer payment apps: Splitting bills with friends or getting paid for odd jobs? Apps like Cash App make sending and receiving money a breeze.Your turn!Are you in your twenties? How do you invest your money? Or are you waiting for something to tickle your fancy? We can’t wait for you to share more over on X: @_contentworks.Top fundamental events week commencing 18/03/24It looks like it’s going to be a pretty quiet week — let’s check it out.MondayNo major events are scheduled.Tuesday● JPY — BoJ Interest Rate Decision● AUD — RBA Interest Rate Decision● USD — Building Permits (Preliminary)● CAD — Inflation Rate YoYWednesday● GBP — Inflation Rate YoY● USD — Federal Funds Rate; FOMC Economic Projections; Fed Press ConferenceThursday● JPY — Balance of Trade● EUR — German HCOB Manufacturing PMI Flash● GBP — Official Bank Rate; MPC Meeting MinutesFriday● JPY — Inflation Rate YoY● GBP — Retail Sales MoMHere at Contentworks we closely follow market movements and prep content that we think your traders would love to read. Let’s get you started right here.Speak soon!The Contentworks team
The US Presidential election is now just months away and SO much has happened since we last reported on it. Today, we’re rounding up the latest news and assessing the potential market impacts of the main candidates should they win. Without further ado, let’s go!Who’s still in the running?Last week, the list of potential candidates for the 2024 presidency got even thinner. As of now, there are only a handful of people still in the race. They include Democrat front-runner and current President Joe Biden, and the two remaining, yet unlikely hopefuls — Marianne Williamson and Jason Palmer. Now that Nikki Haley dropped out, the only remaining Republican candidate is Donald Trump.NOTE: There are 3 independent candidates, but historically third-parties have never fared well in the US, so we’ll skip them for now, if you don’t mind.As it’s highly likely that Biden will win the Democratic primary race, we’ll focus on him and Trump for today. Let’s take a closer look at their stances and what they might mean for both the US and global economies.Joe Biden (DEM)Oddschecker odds: 2/1President Biden has tried to portray himself as a protector of democracy and a stabilising force after the upheaval of the Trump administration. Few can argue that it’s been more turbulent!This time around, he’s campaigning on his bipartisan accomplishments, like his infrastructure bill, and his support for key topics like abortion rights.Potential impact of re-electionThe US economy has managed to grow throughout most of Biden’s term in office, beginning with a rapid expansion in 2021, followed by more modest growth in 2022 and an upturn in late 2023.Last year, the economy grew at a pace of 2.5%, surprising many analysts who expected slower growth or even the possibility of a recession.Government “interference” was a major positive contributor to that impressive growth. This included an infrastructure investment package and the Inflation Reduction Act, which contained incentives for green energy projects.While stocks have seesawed over the course of the Biden administration — largely thanks to a bear market in 2022 — the S&P 500 recently bounced back to hit all-time highs.The S&P 500 during Biden’s presidencySource: TradingViewSpeaking of the macro-level, the two candidates couldn’t be more opposed in their stance on America’s role on the world stage, NATO and particularly the importance of conflict in Ukraine. Biden is still confident that his $60 billion aid package will go through, but it needs Congressional support. However this is not necessarily a vote winning move.Either way, Biden’s commitment to NATO and its European allies remains a source of strength and confidence that impacts the global markets in a positive manner. His reselection will likely bolster the global economy in that regard. Status quo and all that jazz.However, a number of commentators have expressed concerns over the incumbent president’s age. He’s the oldest president in US history, turning 82 this year. Though Trump is no spring chicken himself, Biden’s age and fears over his health could impact the economy during a potential second term.Donald Trump (REP)Oddschecker odds: 1/1Trump is favourite to win the election and so sit a second term. He’s running to retake the Oval Office that he lost in 2020, which he then denied losing to the point of inciting a mob of his supporters to attack the United States Capitol.His influence within the Republican Party has slightly diminished since last time, Trump retains a large and extremely committed base of supporters, and he’s been aided recently by multiple challengers splitting a limited anti-Trump vote.Potential impact of re-electionDespite Biden’s great record, generally speaking, there’s a belief that stocks perform better under Republican presidents thanks to their hands-off approach to the market.The S&P 500 rose more than 60% during Trump’s tenure, including weathering the initial shock of COVID-19.The S&P 500 during Trump’s presidencySource: TradingViewHowever, the biggest impact of Trump’s potential second term is likely to be felt on a macro-scale. His recent comments on NATO and the repercussions that could have in Europe with the continuing conflict in Ukraine could bring instability on a scale not seen before.An escalation in the trade war with China, including implementing tariffs on US imports, could be what ultimately moves markets. The result could be a drop in US GDP and a hit to corporate profits.Deepening divisions among the US population and potential for the instability that could bring to the US economy is also something likely keeping American execs up at night.Let’s also not forget that Trump has his own personal battles to fight, with the 91 criminal charges hanging over him. He’s the first president in 234 years of the Union to be formally indicted. If even one of those charges sticks, we could see POTUS behind bars. Because of this, a lot of interest over the coming months will be on Trump’s running mate and potential VP.Election timelineIf the election has left you a little dizzy, here’s a reminder of what’s coming up.Note: Between now and the end of June, each state will hold it’s primary or caucus, formally ratifying their candidate.July 15–18Republican Convention (Milwaukee, WI)August 19–22Democratic Convention (Chicago, IL)September 16Presidential Debate (San Marcos, TX)September 25Vice Presidential Debate (Easton, PA)October 1Presidential Debate (Petersburg, VA)October 9Presidential Debate (Salt Lake City, UT)November 52024 Presidential ElectionDecember 17Electors Cast Their VotesAre you ready?Who do you think would be better for the US economy? And the global economy? Join the debate over on X — @_contentworks!Top fundamental events week commencing 11/03/24It’s going to be a pretty calm week in the markets. Let’s see what’s in store.MondayNo major events are scheduled.Tuesday● AUD — NAB Business Confidence● GBP — Unemployment Rate● USD — Inflation Rate MoM; Core Inflation Rate MoM; Core Inflation Rate YoY; Inflation Rate YoYWednesday● GBP — GDP MoM; Manufacturing Production MoM; Manufacturing Production YoYThursday● USD — PPI MoM; Retail Sales MoMFriday● USD — University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment IndexHere at Contentworks we closely follow market movements and prep content that we think your traders would love to read. Let’s get you started right here.Speak soon!The Contentworks team
The world of finance has historically been male dominated, but we’re happy to say the tide is turning. As we enter Women’s History month, we’re celebrating three remarkable women who are crushing it in the stock exchange, leading their companies to impressive heights. After that, we’ll outline the fundamental events you won’t want to miss this week.Image source#1 Whitney Wolfe Herd (Bumble)Whitney Wolfe Herd is the phenomenal co-founder and former CEO of Bumble, the dating app that continues to take the world by storm. She was also a co-founder of Tinder, where she previously served as VP of Marketing.Launched in 2014, Bumble flipped the script by putting women in charge of initiating connections with potential suitors. This bold move resonated with users, and the app quickly gained traction.Bumble’s stock price has been in steady decline for the past year, with BMBL stock price down 53% since this time in 2023. However, under Wolfe Herd’s leadership, the company is diversifying its offering, which could bring a strong upside.Bumble has expanded its reach beyond dating, offering features like Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz. This product diversification has allowed the company to expand its potential audience, and, therefore, capture users who aren’t interested in a dating app, generating additional revenue streams.Wolfe Herd is a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment. She recently pledged $10 million to support women of colour entrepreneurs through Bumble Ventures, further solidifying her commitment to creating positive change.Despite the slightly negative stock result, Wolfe Herd is a powerful leader and deserves her status as a role model to millions.Current price: 11.44 USDYTD Performance: -21.10%1 Year Performance: -53%BMBL stock, YTDSource: Google#2 Mary Barra (General Motors)Mary Barra has been the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of American automotive giant General Motors since 2014.Barra is a force to be reckoned with in the automotive industry and is the first female CEO of a so-called “Big Three” automaker.Since taking the helm at GM, she has steered the company through a period of significant transformation, embracing electric vehicles (EVs) and pushing for a more sustainable future.GM’s stock price has seen a steady rise under Barra’s leadership, not least in 2024 with GM stock jumping almost 14% in the first 2 months of 2024.Barra has spearheaded GM’s aggressive investment in EVs, launching popular models like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the GMC Hummer EV. This commitment to electrification has positioned GM as a leader in the rapidly growing EV market.Barra is a champion for diversity and inclusion. She has increased the number of women in leadership positions at GM and is a vocal advocate for STEM education for girls.Current price: 40.99 USDYTD Performance: +13.7%1 Year Performance: +3.69%GM stock, YTDSource: Google#3 Safra Catz (Oracle)Safra Catz is the CEO of the Oracle Corporation.Catz has transformed Oracle from a traditional software company into a cloud computing powerhouse. Under her leadership, Oracle’s stock price has grown by over 100% in the past five years, exceeding the broader market average.Catz is not only a business leader, but also a champion for diversity and inclusion. She actively supports initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in the tech sector, inspiring countless women to pursue careers in this dynamic field.Oracle stock has been pumping for over a year now, largely due to the successful expansion of the company’s cloud computing and ERP services.Current price: 113.78 USDYTD Performance: +9.34%1 Year Performance: +30.83%ORCL stock, YTDSource: GoogleWho’s your fave?What do you make of our list? Did we miss anyone off? Tell us over on X: @_contentworks.Top fundamental events week commencing 04/03/24It looks like it’s going to be hectic this week. We hope you don’t have too many plans mid-week!MondayNo major events are planned.Tuesday● USD — ISM Services PMIWednesday● AUD — GDP Growth Rate QoQ● EUR — German Balance of Trade● USD — ADP National Employment Report; JOLTs Job Openings; Fed Chair Powell Testimony● CAD — BoC Interest Rate Decision; Ivey PMI s.aThursday● AUD — Balance of Trade● CNY — Chinese Balance of Trade● EUR — Deposit Facility Rate; ECB Interest Rate Decision; ECB Press Conference● CAD — Balance of Trade● USD — Fed Chair Powell TestimonyFriday● CAD — Unemployment Rate● USD — Average Hourly Earnings MoM; Nonfarm Payrolls; Unemployment RateHere at Contentworks we closely follow market movements and prep content that we think your traders would love to read. Let’s get you started right here.Speak soon!The Contentworks team
The word “recession” sends chills through wallets everywhere. But what is a recession and how does it impact individuals? This week, we’ve compiled a short recession guide to help you work out what’s going on with the UK economy and ride the wave. After that, we’ll preview the upcoming events that you can trade this week.Recession declaredYou can’t have escaped the news last week that the British economy is technically in recession after 2023 offering the poorest GDP performance in years. Last year, the economy took a bit of a nosedive, with GDP shrinking for two consecutive quarters.According to the Office for National Statistics, Gross domestic product fell 0.3% in the final three months of 2023, following a 0.1% contraction in the July-to-September period.Source: CNNWhat does this mean?Think higher grocery bills, tighter budgets, and perhaps even job uncertainty in some sectors. That will peg back consumer spending and likely hurt the high street, online retailers and travel, so expect those industries to suffer.Some industries are, however, relatively recession-proof. So, if you’re looking to diversify your portfolio, you might want to check out the following:● Pharmaceuticals● Healthcare● Home maintenance stores● Grocery chains● Bargain/discount stores● Property management companiesThe sectors that may do well during recessions are those that:Provide goods and services that increase in demand directly because of the conditions that the recession has created;Offer cheaper alternatives to desirable products/services;Have such a demand that they’re always needed, regardless of income change — e.g. essential groceries/pharmaceuticals.How long will the UK recession last?Crystal balls are (sadly) out of stock, but let’s get one thing in perspective: most experts predict this recession to be mild and short-lived.The UK economy has fared much better than many economists feared a year ago. Many experts are even rejecting the “recession” label, as they feel the downturn’s length will be so brief.Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics stated, “It’s overly dramatic to label the decline in economic activity in the second half of 2023 a recession, given that employment continued to rise, real wages rebounded and measures of business and consumer confidence returned to levels consistent with rising activity by the end of the year.”Top tips for investorsHold your horses! Panic selling rarely ends well. Particularly if Mr. Tombs is right in his belief that this downturn won’t hang around too long.Recession or not, it’s generally a good strategy to diversify your investments (don’t put all your eggs in one basket) and prioritise needs over wants. Avoid making big financial decisions or home purchases during a recession. Remember, even recessions have an end, and being financially stable when the sun shines again is key.Let us know your thoughtsWhat do you think? Is the UK really in recession? How long will it last? Share your trading strategy with us over on X: @_contentworks.Top fundamental events week commencing 26/02/24It looks like it’s going to be a pretty quiet week — let’s check it out.MondayNo major events are scheduled.Tuesday● JPY — Inflation Rate YoY● EUR — German GfK Consumer Confidence● USD — CB Consumer Confidence; Durable Goods OrdersWednesday● USD — GDP Growth Rate QoQ 2nd EstThursday● EUR — German Inflation Rate YoY Prel; French Inflation Rate YoY Prel● CAD — GDP Growth Rate Annualised; GDP Growth Rate QoQ● USD — Core PCE Price Index MoM; Core PCE Price Index MoM; Personal Income; Personal Spending MoMFriday● CNY — Chinese NBS Manufacturing PMI; Chinese Caixin Manufacturing PMI● JPY — Consumer Confidence● EUR — Inflation Rate YoY Flash● USD — UoM Consumer Sentiment Index; ISM Manufacturing PMIHere at Contentworks we closely follow market movements and prep content that we think your traders would love to read. Let’s get you started right here.Speak soon!The Contentworks team
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