40% 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.
China's leaders confirmed recent policy shifts aimed at boosting growth, focusing on higher government spending, long-term bonds, and lower interest rates. A 5% growth target is expected for next year, with more details to be revealed in March.
OPEC+ has extended oil production cuts to 2026 due to weak demand, keeping output capped at 39.725 million bpd. Despite these measures, analysts expect prices to remain low amid uncertainty and potential policy shifts under President-elect Trump.
Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 for the first time, fueled by optimism over SEC leadership under Paul Atkins. Market value reached $2.03 trillion, sparking speculation on future gains despite concerns over volatility.
Oil prices fell over 4% as Israeli airstrikes in Iran avoided oil facilities, calming supply fears. Rising production levels have also added to oversupply pressures on the market.
The dollar climbed to a two-and-a-half-month high, fueled by stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data, indicating the Federal Reserve may cut rates by only 50 basis points this year. With a strong correlation between rising real rates and the dollar's performance, the outlook remains positive for the greenback.
Netflix's Q3 earnings exceeded expectations, with revenue rising 15% to $9.83 billion and EPS at $5.40. The company added 5.07 million subscribers, driven by its ad-supported tier and upcoming content, including "Squid Game" Season 2.
Major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are turning to nuclear energy to power their AI data centres. This shift addresses both rising electricity needs and carbon reduction goals.
Nvidia is experiencing rapid growth, with strong demand for its Blackwell chips and continued momentum from its older Hopper line. Analysts are optimistic about its long-term prospects, predicting market share gains and potential stock value surpassing Apple.
China faces significant economic challenges, with upcoming fiscal measures anticipated to support growth amidst a troubled property market. Despite some positive signs, experts warn that more aggressive interventions are needed to restore confidence and ensure a sustainable recovery.
U.S. equities maintained their upward trend, bolstered by robust job data and anticipated third-quarter earnings. While technology is expected to drive growth, sectors like financials and industrials may face challenges.
China’s stock market has surged following decisive government actions, including interest rate cuts and property sector support. However, deeper concerns about weak consumer confidence and deflation remain. Analysts argue that further fiscal measures are needed to sustain long-term economic recovery.
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* The percentage of our retail client accounts that were profitable in each of the previous most recent quarters was: Quarter 1, 2026: 40% | Quarter 4, 2025: 49% | Quarter 3, 2025: 37% | Quarter 2, 2025: 36%. 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.**