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On April 24, US President Joe Biden signed a bill to ban TikTok, the short-form video app owned by Chinese company ByteDance. But will it happen? And if so, what impact will it have? Explore these questions with us today. After that, we’ll go over all of the top fundamental events you can trade this week. Let’s go!Wait a tik, what’s this all about?The new law states that ByteDance must sell the platform to a US company within a year to avoid such an outright ban. The Chinese company then has nine months from that date to divest itself from the app, with a potential three-month extension if the authorities are feeling nice at the time.This isn’t a bolt out of the blue. Discussions about banning TikTok have been going on for a few years, with some politicians around the world accusing it of being a tool for Chinese propaganda and a security risk.Even before the law’s signing a bunch of TikTok bans across the US had barred the app from devices tied to universities and government hardware at the state, local, and federal levels.We know you didn’t ask, but if you want our opinion, we think the whole thing is pretty silly and probably emphasises that those in power don’t really understand social media, why it’s so popular and what it’s used for. Most experts agree that there’s no evidence the app has done any more damage or risked user privacy beyond what we’ve seen from companies like Facebook or Google.The bill — entitled The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (H.R. 7521) — passed the House of Representatives by 325–65. Though, we’re happy that Congress finally found something they agree on, it would be nice if it was something more important.Potential impact on businesses and creatorsIf the company doesn’t comply with the law and fails to find a US buyer, an outright ban would have a huge short-term impact on many content creators and small businesses who rely on the app.In case you didn’t know, there are a few different ways that people make money on the platform.TikTok pays some content creators based on views, but the payouts tend to be smaller than those offered by YouTube.Creators can also receive virtual gifts from viewers, meaning additional payouts.Creators make the most money by producing sponsored videos that advertise products.Many businesses produce their own TikTok content to reach new customers. According to TikTok, around 7 million US businesses rely on the platform and, in 2023, 224,000 jobs were supported by small business activity there.Last year, TikTok Shop, the platform’s e-commerce platform generated $1.1bn in gross merchandise revenue in the US. This is less than 1 per cent of Amazon’s GMR, but it’s growing fast.Quarterly revenues, 2017–2023Source: Business of AppsWill TikTok be bought?You might say the clock is tiktok-ing…Despite the growing popularity of the platform — boasting 150 million users in the US — so far, no one has come forward with a bid for the company. Some experts say that the business is likely valued at over $100 billion, so there aren’t many who can afford it even if they wanted to.The tech giants — Amazon, Microsoft, Google, or Meta — can all easily cough up this kind of cash, as could Mr. Musk. But most of them could get into some deep antitrust water for buying a direct competitor, which is a big no-no.Meta has already started working on coaxing tiktokkers over to its rival platform, Instagram, attempting to wipe the business out of the market altogether.It’s also unclear how much the business is worth the money that would need to be shelled out. TikTok’s number of active users declined in the final three months of last year and its downloads only increased by 4%. By comparison, Instagram saw an increase in active users of 13 million and a 20% increase in downloads.What will happen remains to be seen, but it’s hard to believe that one of the biggest social platforms in the world will be allowed to simply fizzle out in one of its most important markets.Popcorn at the ready!What’s your take?Do you think TikTok is a legitimate security threat to the US for it to be banned? What’s going to happen over the next 12 months? Share your thoughts with us on X at @_contentworks.Top fundamental events week commencing 06/05/24Here’s what’s coming up this week.MondayNo major events are scheduled.Tuesday● AUD — RBA Interest Rate Decision● EUR — German Balance of Trade● CAD — Ivey PMI s.aWednesdayNo major events are scheduled.Thursday● CNY — Chinese Balance of Trade● GBP — Official Bank Rate; MPC Meeting MinutesFriday● GBP — Manufacturing Production MoM; Manufacturing Production YoY; GDP Growth Rate YoY Prel; GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel; GDP MoM;● CAD — Unemployment Rate● 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
Join us as we wind the Contentworks time machine back 8 years — it’s 23 June 2016, and the UK population is about to make a decision that will drastically impact the regional and global economy. Was it the right decision? Well, flux capacitor on as we assess how Brexit is going, 4 years after the “official” split. After that, we’ll preview the top fundamental events you can trade this week.Wait, I need a refresher…In 2016, the British public voted to leave the European Union, with 52% voting out. The move shocked the world and instantly panicked markets, businesses and consumers alike.After a lengthy negotiation process, four years later the UK officially departed the EU on January 31st, 2020.Today, we’re going to examine the tangible effects of Brexit on the British economy, currency, trade, and — of course — people’s wallets. Then we’ll see what’s coming next.Pound for pound — how is GBP doing?Quite astoundingly, the GBP seems to be relatively strong against the dollar. Certainly when compared to the euro, the quid is holding its own.🔵GBP/USD🟡EUR/USDSource: GoogleThe EUR currently sits -4.75% vs. USD, with GBP -2.75%. It’s hardly cause for celebration, but the fact that, over the past 5 years, the pound only briefly fell out of correlation with the euro and that was when the split first happened. This could easily be counted as a relative success — if you’re a glass-half-full kinda gal/guy.Even better, there are increasing signs that the pound is set to embark on an upward trend. Rapid fall in UK inflation since its peak in 2022 has propelled the GBP forward. There’s an expectation that, as soon as macroeconomic effects improve, the GBP will thrive. If it comes, the question is: how long will it last?Don’t shout about that too loudly though, yeah?Trade disruptionNon-tariff barriers (NTBs) caused massive delays at ports in the early days of Brexit. Fundamentally, no one knew what on earth to do and how to get things moving again.There were increased administrative requirements for businesses, disrupted supply chains and don’t even mention how badly that impacted consumers. To date, the UK has signed trade deals and agreements in principle with about 70 countries and, importantly, one with the EU.Most of these deals are essentially just carbon copies of deals the UK previously had when it was an EU member, rather than creating new trading arrangements, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. For example, the UK no longer has to follow EU rules on product standards.Economic growthRemember that inflation drop we talked about? That’s really good news for people’s back pockets. The last few years have not been plain sailing for the UK public who have experienced the longest period of falling living standards since the Napoleonic wars! Yeah, that was over 200 years ago!Because of the tightness of the labour market, average wage growth is probably going to remain well above inflation levels over the coming two years. That means a lot more money sloshing around in people’s bank accounts and if people do what they tend to do when they suddenly have some spare change for the first time in a while, they will look to spend it — which is great for the economy.What’s next?The mood between London and Brussels has definitely become more amicable since 2022, though core issues remain unresolved.One biggie is that post-Brexit tensions have continued in Scotland where a majority voted to remain in the EU. That whole Scottish independence situation still needs sorting out, though the SNP have conveniently, and involuntarily, all but removed themselves from the situation.Another imminent update is actually happening tomorrow (April 30) — when the second phase of Britain’s border controls on food imports from the EU kicks off. This will introduce physical checks for ”medium risk” animal products, plants and plant products, things like frozen meat, fish, cheese, eggs, dairy products and certain cut flowers and seeds. Let’s see how that goes…With a good chance that the UK will have a new (Labour-led) government in January 2025, there’s optimism that such change may bring an opportunity to negotiate.Who knows, the future of the UK might well be back in the EU. John Curtice, a prominent professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde and a well-respected pollster in Westminster recently stated that he “wouldn’t be surprised if (another referendum) happens before 2040.”We’ll leave it there…What’s your opinion?If you voted in the referendum in 2016, are you happy with how it played out? Has Brexit been a success in your eyes? Join the debate over on X at @_contentworks.Top fundamental events week commencing 29/04/24We hope you had a quiet weekend because this week is going to feel like a year! Ready?Monday● EUR — German Inflation Rate YoY PrelTuesday● CNY — Chinese NBS Manufacturing PMI; Chinese Caixin Manufacturing PMI● EUR — French GDP Growth Rate YoY Prel; French Inflation Rate YoY Prel; German GDP Growth Rate YoY Flash; Inflation Rate YoY Flash;● USD — Employment Cost — Wages QoQ; Employment Cost Index QoQ; CB Consumer ConfidenceWednesday● USD — ADP National Employment Report; Treasury Refunding Announcement; ISM Manufacturing PMI; JOLTs Job Openings; Federal Funds Rate; Fed Press ConferenceThursday● AUD — Balance of Trade● JPY — Consumer Confidence● CAD — Balance of TradeFriday● USD — Average Hourly Earnings MoM; Nonfarm Payrolls; Unemployment Rate; ISM Services 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
Wars are, unfortunately, a constant. And it’s a sad reflection on humanity that companies and individuals can profit from conflict. The current international turmoil is sending shockwaves through the global economy, impacting everything from currency exchange rates to the performance of specific industries. Today, we’re exploring the complex relationship between war and finance. After that, we’ll take a glance at the top tradable events this coming week.Count the conflictsIt’s difficult to keep track of all the conflicts that are going on around the world, currently.Aside from the various, devastating ongoing national and regional conflicts in Africa, right now we’re experiencing major conflicts on a scale unheard of, including flare-ups in the following:● Russia vs. Ukraine (backed by Western allies)● Israel vs. Hamas● Israel (supported by US, UK) vs. Iran● West (chiefly US, UK) vs. Houthi rebels in Yemen● West (chiefly US, UK, France) vs. Islamic State in MENA (Somalia, Syria, Iraq)The latest unravelling of Middle Eastern peace last week saw Iran attack Israel with 300 missiles and drones, following Israel’s strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria. This attack was repelled, with 99% of the missiles being shot down by Israeli, US and UK forces before reaching their targets. Israel retaliated, attacking Isfahan on Friday.This latest rise in hostilities and the long list above it, is exactly why the US fiscal National Defence Authorization Act 2024 requested $886.3 billion in US defence spending for this year, an increase of 3.3% year-over-year.Ultimately there is only one winner. Defence companies and those who invest in them.4 Defence stocks that are booming right nowLet’s look at some of the largest defence companies looking to profit from the current situation.1. Lockheed Martin (LMT)Current price: 463.87 USDYTD: +1.70%1 Year Performance: -3.87%5 Year Performance: +41.28%LMT stock, 2024Source: GoogleLockheed Martin is an American aerospace defence giant, founded in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta. It has since solidified its position as a leader in the industry. Headquartered near Washington D.C., Lockheed Martin boasts a workforce of over 115,000 employees.LMT stock has made steady gains in 2024 so far. 2023 was a bit of a bust year for the company, with growth hindered by heavy investment in a classified missile programme. This has been compounded by the news that the company would only deliver 75 to 110 F-35 fighter aircraft in 2024, following missing the target in 2023, delivering only 98 of the 120 promised.But all of that comes on the back of the previous 4 years being absolute stonkers, with the stock price up over 41% since 2019. With only modest growth in 2023, and plenty of demand, LMT stock probably looks quite attractive to certain investors right now.2. General Dynamics Corp. (GD)Current price: 288.62 USDYTD: +11.61%1 Year Performance: +28.26%5 Year Performance: +62.08%GD stock, 2024Source: GoogleThe General Dynamics Corporation produces a range of vehicles and systems specifically for the US military, including combat vehicles, submarines, surface ships, aircraft, and weapons systems. The American company has 100,000 employees worldwide.Lockheed Martin may be a more efficient and profitable company, but it’s not growing as fast as General Dynamics.Compared to Lockheed Martin, the company has a clear growth advantage at the moment. It also has multiple revenue streams outside government contacts, like its private-sector aerospace segment. This sector can grow relatively unconstrained thanks to not being beholden to government spending approvals and the political delays that may come with them.3. KBR Inc. (KBR)Current price: 62.67 USDYTD: +12.11%1 Year Performance: +9.91%5 Year Performance: +182.81%KBR stock, 2024Source: GoogleKBR Inc., formerly Kellog Brown & Root, is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and has over 20,000 employees worldwide. The company’s government solutions segment is in line to get a boost from the ramp-up of the $20B Homesafe project in mid-2024.KBR stock is already outperforming 2023 growth. The company has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The average growth for the last two quarters was 2.11%.Like General Dynamics, KBR’s business is not wholly tied to government contracts, quite the opposite. Because it’s an “engineering company” first and a “defence contractor” second, its major customers come from the petro-chemical industry — international and national oil and gas companies, independent refiners, petrochemical producers, and fertiliser producers and manufacturers.That stock performance over the last 5 years is enough to make any investor jump for joy!4. Leidos Holdings Inc. (LDOS)Current price: 124.91 USDYTD: +15.66%1 Year Performance: +36.14%5 Year Performance: +87.69%LDOS stock, 2024Source: GoogleLeidos Holdings Inc. provides a range of services to US government and commercial clients, including engineering, logistics, information technology, and scientific research. Leidos has over 38,000 employees worldwide.Outside the United States, the company’s international customers include foreign governments and their agencies, primarily located in the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Australia.The company was recently awarded a new prime contract to perform aviation training services and operations support for the Army National Guard. With a 5-year stock performance almost in triple figures, it seems business is good at home and abroad.War never changesIt’s clear to see the influence of near-constant conflict on defence and infrastructure companies like those listed here. Sadly, that also means that a profit can be made from savvy investment in these “war stocks”.On a macro scale, the circumstance of having so many simultaneous conflicts can bring an air of panic to the markets that usually thrive on stability and predictability. This can mean pulling money out of other stocks, particularly those tied to sectors directly impacted by the conflict, and seeking refuge in “safe havens” — assets perceived as less volatile during turbulent times.Gold prices have increased 15.9% since January, and that’s a sign that the markets at large are starting to get twitchy.Source: BullionVaultYour thoughts?Are you investing in defence stocks? Have you stocked up on your safe havens? Let us know over on X: @_contentworks.Top fundamental events week commencing 22/04/24It looks like a fairly busy week in the markets. Here’s what’s in store.MondayNo major events are planned.Tuesday● EUR — German HCOB Manufacturing PMI FlashWednesday● AUD — Inflation Rate YoY● EUR — German Ifo Business Climate● USD — Durable Goods OrdersThursday● EUR — German GfK Consumer Confidence● USD — GDP Growth Rate QoQ AdvFriday● JPY — BoJ Interest Rate Decision● USD — Core PCE Price Index MoM; Personal Income Spending MoM; UoM 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
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
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