Many day traders seem to focus on US markets with a particularly strong information technology sector. But, excluding the NASDAQ – solely based on the technology sector – do the sector weightings vary much between mainstream UK and US indices?
Whether you are just starting your investment journey or perhaps looking at execution-only services in different markets, there will be a virtual trading site to suit your needs. These virtual trading sites are now more complex than their historic counterparts, offering trade execution using real-time prices. However, does virtual trading prepare you for real trading?
There is a general misconception that high inflation will always mean a fall in stock markets. While not to say this does not happen on numerous occasions, the connection between inflation and stock-market performances is not as straightforward as you might assume. A recent report on the S&P 500 index and the impact of inflation has cast a fascinating light on this subject.
While we often hear the term “professional trader”, what differentiates a professional trader from a trader? Is it the level of funding available? Strategy, targets and time spent trading? Is professional trading a career?
Many people will be aware of the LCH, and the services provided but are unlikely to know it has a history dating back to 1888. The company is now 82.61% owned by the London Stock Exchange Group and one of the largest clearinghouses in the world, offering clearing services across the globe.
While there are many economic and sentiment indicators in the modern world, the so-called “Misery Index” is a helpful indicator. Using the combined rate of inflation and unemployment, the index is used to measure people’s misery. Even though this sounds a little far-fetched, it is essential to look at the components. How they interact and how the index has fared in the past.
News that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened investigations into Google and Apple prompts an interesting question; can big tech ever become too big?
Undoubtedly, technology stocks have been a favourite of execution only short-term/day traders for some time. This is because they tend to turn quickly with the market sentiment, and profits and prospects can change at the drop of a hat.
Life as a short-term/day trader has its ups and downs, but there are always opportunities to trade. It is how you react during the more difficult times that will make or break your career. As times get more challenging, it is easy to over-analyse your next investment. We know that 90% of traders will fail in the first few years due to various issues such as fear, greed and over-analysing relatively simple situations.
With a new overseas office planned for Dubai this year, we thought now would be an interesting time to interview John William Gunn, the founder of brokerage Global Investment Strategy Ltd (GIS). The company was founded back in 2004 and continues to go from strength to strength. This interview gives an insight into John Gunn’s early years, the crucial broker/client relationship, his view on changing markets and plans for the future.