What you're about to read will shock you…
1999 - The Euro came into existence in January which was the goal of the European Union and its predecessors since the 1960s.
Initially there was a negative reaction as the Euro fell below parity (1:1) with the US Dollar for the first time.
After, the dust settled and the EU was finding its feet with regulations, treaties and legislations, the E... ››› more
I was sipping on Frappé, watching the Forex market on Thompson's Bay beach.
I watched the USD Dollar against the Swiss Franc fall a massive 1,451 pips right before my eyes. I didn't even notice my iced-coffee spill onto the sand.
I thought about all of the Forex traders and companies that took a big beating.
It's events like these that prove that the Forex market is a dangerous place an... ››› more
Since the announcement by the European Central Bank (ECB) last week of its massive stimulus programme, the rand has strengthened slightly.
This week, the rand's focus will be closer to home as the Reserve Bank holds its first monetary policy committee meeting of the year. The money's on the bank keeping interest rates unchanged.
Let's take a closer look at what's going on…
The ECB’... ››› more
Last week, the world was waiting to hear the outcome of the European Central Bank's (ECB) meeting.
In fact, analysts waited for the announcement on a massive quantitative easing programme. This is where the ECB could buy bonds up to R670 billion per month, until the end of 2016!
This is double than what any analyst expected. And while they were waiting, the South African Rand was just goin... ››› more
This week, around the globe, investors were waiting for yesterday's announcement from the European Central Bank (ECB). The new stimulus programme exceeded expectations.
The rand rallied on the news, but there are concerns the local currency's signs of strength are going to be short-lived.
Let's take a closer look at what's going on…
The rand rallied strongly on the back of the ECB’... ››› more
After much anticipation, the European Central Bank finally announced its plans to inject billions of euros into its floundering economy.
The Eurozone's economy hasn't recovered since the financial crisis in 2008. The ECB also decided to keep interest rates at a mere 0.5%.
Let's take a closer look…
The ECB keeps rates on hold
Today, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced that it... ››› more
The rand is holding its ground as markets around the world wait to hear the outcome of the European Central Bank's meeting.
Analysts expect the bank to announce a massive quantitative easing programme. But the news will only come out later today.
So if the European Central Bank launches a new stimulus programme, what effect will it have on the rand?
Let's take a closer look…
The r... ››› more
So, you've got your technical analysis in order. You've back tested your strategy and it's highly profitable! You don't see yourself as a new trader anymore… You're ready to apply your strategy for maximum gains and start your journey as a successful trader!
Then, you start trading and after a few successful trades, your strategy falls to pieces! It's just not working anymore and you start lo... ››› more
Today, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced its decision to cut interest rates. This takes the rate down to a new record low.
The central bank also announced its new stimulus programme set to kick off next month.
The ECB is taking steps to ward off deflation as the European economy stagnates.
Let's take a closer look at what this means…
The ECB cuts rates to 0.05%
The ECB su... ››› more
It's been a rather eventful week. The highlight of which, was the ECB's rate announcement and subsequent speech. This after it decided to instate negative interest rates to prevent the eurozone from sliding into deflation.
It was so eventful, in fact, that the normally dominant US Non-Farm Payroll number was pushed into second place.
In local news, the new mining minister met with unions an... ››› more
Last week, the European Central Bank Chief, Mario Draghi took measures to jumpstart the European economy.
He announced that the European Central Bank (ECB) would actually charge banks to deposit money with it. And it's reduced its lending rate to a new record low of just 0.15%.
His reasoning for all this?
He wants to get the banks to lend more money and encourage people in Europe to spend m... ››› more
For weeks the market has been heading steadily higher. And the start of last week was no different.
In fact, our market reached an all-time high by the middle of the week.
And if you've been sitting long in your trading positions, then you've likely been enjoying the ride.
But three positive data figures out last week signal that now's the time for you to start trading smaller… Now's t... ››› more
November isn't turning out to be a good month for the rand so far. Today, the local currency breached a two month low against the dollar. There are a few key issues putting pressure on the rand. There are industrial disputes affecting the platinum sector. And with the European Central Bank (ECB) due to meet on Thursday, there are worries that the bank will cut interest rates. Let's take a closer l... ››› more