Master Instructor Tillie Allison joins Merlin for a look at portfolio allocations and when to adjust. A listener sends in a question about his portfolio which he is rightfully worried about as it is very heavily weighted in one area and lacking risk protection for downside risk. The duo discuss this as well as a better balanced portfolio using a variety of different financial instruments. Tillie stresses the benefit of using Options to help increase rate of return while incurring minimal risk.
Editors’ Picks
AUD/USD stays defensive below 0.6700 amid Venezuela turmoil
AUD/USD is on the defensive below 0.6700 in the Asian session on Monday as investors remain risk-averse following the geopolitical fallout between the US and Venezuela over the weekend. Markets look forward to the new year, with weak China's RatingDog Services PMI data adding to the caution.
Gold jumps over 1.5% to near $4,400 on US-Venezuela tensions
Gold holds sizeable gains near $4,400 in the Asian trading hours on Monday. The traditional safe-haven metal capitalizes on escalating geopolitical risks after the United States' capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Traders will closely monitor developments surrounding the US seizure of Maduro and await the US ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index data later on Monday.
USD/JPY holds uptick near 157.00 on rising geopolitical tensions
USD/JPY holds its latest uptick near 157.00 in Asian on Monday. The pair gains ground as the US Dollar finds fresh haven demand in the face of the weekend's United States' capture of Venezuela, which keeps investors on edge and fuels a flight to safety across the board.
Powerful guide to ISM, building permits, NFP and Silver technicals
Next week is important for U.S. markets. We get key economic data that can move stocks, bonds, and the dollar. The main reports are ISM Manufacturing, ISM Services, Building Permits, and Non-Farm Payrolls. Traders will watch these closely.
Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test
After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.
RECOMMENDED LESSONS
Making money in forex is easy if you know how the bankers trade!
I’m often mystified in my educational forex articles why so many traders struggle to make consistent money out of forex trading. The answer has more to do with what they don’t know than what they do know. After working in investment banks for 20 years many of which were as a Chief trader its second knowledge how to extract cash out of the market.
5 Forex News Events You Need To Know
In the fast moving world of currency markets where huge moves can seemingly come from nowhere, it is extremely important for new traders to learn about the various economic indicators and forex news events and releases that shape the markets. Indeed, quickly getting a handle on which data to look out for, what it means, and how to trade it can see new traders quickly become far more profitable and sets up the road to long term success.
Top 10 Chart Patterns Every Trader Should Know
Chart patterns are one of the most effective trading tools for a trader. They are pure price-action, and form on the basis of underlying buying and selling pressure. Chart patterns have a proven track-record, and traders use them to identify continuation or reversal signals, to open positions and identify price targets.
7 Ways to Avoid Forex Scams
The forex industry is recently seeing more and more scams. Here are 7 ways to avoid losing your money in such scams: Forex scams are becoming frequent. Michael Greenberg reports on luxurious expenses, including a submarine bought from the money taken from forex traders. Here’s another report of a forex fraud. So, how can we avoid falling in such forex scams?
What Are the 10 Fatal Mistakes Traders Make
Trading is exciting. Trading is hard. Trading is extremely hard. Some say that it takes more than 10,000 hours to master. Others believe that trading is the way to quick riches. They might be both wrong. What is important to know that no matter how experienced you are, mistakes will be part of the trading process.
The challenge: Timing the market and trader psychology
Successful trading often comes down to timing – entering and exiting trades at the right moments. Yet timing the market is notoriously difficult, largely because human psychology can derail even the best plans. Two powerful emotions in particular – fear and greed – tend to drive trading decisions off course.
