39% of our retail client accounts were profitable in the last quarter*. Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should not trade with money you cannot afford to lose.
Russell Shor
Senior Market Strategist
Russell Shor is a Senior Market Strategist at FXCM, having been promoted to the role in 2025 in recognition of his depth of insight and consistent delivery of high-impact market analysis. He originally joined FXCM in October 2017 as a Senior Market Specialist.
Russell holds an Honours Degree in Economics from the University of South Africa, is a certified FMVA®, and a full member of the Society of Technical Analysts (UK). With over 20 years of experience in financial markets, his work is renowned for its clarity, precision, and strategic value across asset classes.
Despite fears of a “SaaS-pocalypse,” enterprise software companies are integrating AI into their products and developer workflows, with strong adoption and revenue growth showing that AI enhances rather than replaces traditional software.
In early 2026, equal-weight stocks are outperforming mega-caps, signalling a clear rotation away from tech dominance. Broader participation suggests healthier market breadth, but the shift remains macro-dependent.
US equities remain fragile, with AI disruption fears, falling Nasdaq momentum and upcoming Fed minutes and Nvidia earnings keeping sentiment cautious despite softer inflation and rising rate-cut hopes.
Gold surged about 65% in 2025, briefly topping $5,500 in January, supported by record ETF inflows and strong central bank buying. Volatility and options activity signal speculation, but structural demand suggests a supported bull market rather than a bubble.
Broadcom’s post-December pullback has resolved into a bullish breakout, with strengthening technical momentum and accelerating AI chip demand supporting an upside target around 475.
AlphaTrack delivers weekly trading signals and market analysis focused on identifying potential opportunities in trending markets. Each article highlights structured technical setups, key catalysts, and disciplined risk-aware insights designed to support informed trading decisions. With an emphasis on momentum and market structure, AlphaTrack assesses pullbacks within bullish conditions as potential areas of interest, helping traders cut through noise and focus on higher-conviction setups.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 hit record highs as a decisive election outcome lifted political uncertainty and boosted investor confidence. The rally reflects optimism about pro-growth policy direction and a broader re-pricing of risk across markets, not just technical momentum.
Last week Apple beat forecasts on a strong iPhone rebound and lifted guidance. The chart has turned constructive, with bullish EMA crossovers, a trendline break, and RSI holding above 50 supporting improving momentum.
AlphaTrack delivers weekly trading signals and market analysis focused on identifying potential opportunities in trending markets. Each article highlights structured technical setups, key catalysts, and disciplined risk-aware insights designed to support informed trading decisions. With an emphasis on momentum and market structure, AlphaTrack assesses pullbacks within bullish conditions as potential areas of interest, helping traders cut through noise and focus on higher-conviction setups.
The U.S. has cleared Nvidia to sell its H200 chips into China under strict conditions — prioritising domestic supply and tighter security checks — but deliveries are paused as Beijing decides whether to allow them in. Chinese customs officials have reportedly cautioned against purchases, leaving roughly $30 bn of estimated demand in limbo. Nvidia would surrender a 25% revenue cut to Washington under the deal. Markets barely reacted, waiting for…
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* The percentage of our retail client accounts that were profitable in each of the previous most recent quarters was: Quarter 4, 2025: 41% | Quarter 3, 2025: 41% | Quarter 2, 2025: 34%. These figures are provided for transparency purposes only and do not constitute an indication of future performance or results.
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Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this website are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, Friedberg Direct, FXCM or its affiliates takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of Friedberg Direct and FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the Friedberg Direct's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed here.**