FXCM Research Team

Uncertainty plays a key role in active trading. A breaking news item, surprise economic fundamental, or geopolitical event may send markets reeling at a moment's notice. Whether one is trading equities, futures, or forex, it is wise to be aware of how unexpected events can impact profitability. However, what happens when an unexpected event prompts a disconnect from the market? While uncommon, systemic failures can make trade execution impossible and…

A collar strategy is a defensive equity play in which an investor seeks to limit the downside in a stock in exchange for forgoing some of the upside potential. This strategy is also known as a hedge wrapper. The investor buys a long position in a stock, in which he will benefit if the price goes up, although the strategy can also be accomplished without actually buying the underlying stock.…

Probably no other American president has expressed so much public displeasure with his own choice to head the U.S. Federal Reserve as has Donald Trump with Jerome Powell. It actually reached the point that much speculation has arisen as to whether or not he can fire the Fed chair if he wishes. The quick answer seems to be no, but there may be some highly political and difficult means for…

In the mammoth foreign exchange trade market known as the forex, participants from around the globe pursue a broad spectrum of financial goals. From institutional investors hedging portfolio risk to independent retail traders seeking profits, the global currency exchange is rich in opportunity. No matter the extent of your capital resources, the forex market is a viable avenue by which to pursue almost any trade-related objective. Due to the availability…

Monetary policy is made up of the decisions and actions taken by a central bank to achieve its goals, which are typically to promote economic growth, create jobs and lower interest rates and inflation.

The money supply is the amount of currency available to consumers and businesses to make payments, in addition to the money held in checking and savings accounts. It is also made up of different components.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are pooled investment vehicles that track an underlying asset class or security. Physical ETFs have a direct ownership interest in the asset or security in question, while synthetic ETFs use derivative products in lieu of ownership.

Price discovery is the mechanism by which buyers and sellers on an open market determine an asset's premium. In contemporary finance, the process of price discovery is carried out electronically in the markets of equities, futures, options and currencies.

Liquidity is the ability of an asset or security to be readily converted into cash. In active trading and finance, high degrees of liquidity are desirable. Liquid markets promote efficient trade, while corporate and personal solvency boost creditworthiness and value.

The U.S. government shutdown of 2018-19 was the longest in history, illustrating a growing division in American politics. The product of a budgetary impasse, issues such as immigration reform and federal spending spurred the closure.

Influencing interest rates is one of the most important things central banks do, because interest rates have a profound effect on economic growth, job creation and inflation. But how does it happen? Learn more in this FXCM Insights article.