This Metal Is About to Go BANG!

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Here's what we have covered today:

☕ Why the Biggest Commodities Traders are Shifting to Metals

☕ Is News Trading the Path to Quick Profits?

☕ The Misunderstood Path to Trading Mastery



The Biggest Commodities Traders are Shifting to Metals

Trader Vitol Hires Iron Ore Veteran as It Mulls Return to Metals

The largest independent commodity trading entity, Vitol, has recently focused on the metal industry, signalling a strategic shift in its investment focus.

What's Happening?

Traditionally known for its hefty earnings from energy-related investments, including oil, natural gas, and power generation, Vitol reported a staggering profit of $13 billion last year. However, the firm is now channelling its expertise and resources into the metals market, a move underscored by its prediction of significant growth in this sector over the next decade. Trafigura, the second-largest commodity trader, shares this outlook, which anticipates an unprecedented demand for copper fueled by the surge in electric-powered technologies, such as electric vehicle charging stations, renewable energy solutions, and artificial intelligence (AI) data centres.

Why This Matters?

Trafigura's analysis suggests a looming supply shortfall for copper, projecting a deficit of four to five million metric tons by 2030. This gap could widen further by an additional million metric tons due to the burgeoning requirements of AI systems and data centres. With companies prepared to invest heavily in securing copper to support their technological advancements, the price of this essential metal is expected to soar. Indeed, the upward trend is already evident, with copper prices reaching a 15-month peak recently and the valuation of copper mining companies climbing in response to the anticipated increase in their profit margins.

Copper has reached a 15-month high. (Source: London Metals Exchange)

The Larger Implication:

The rising costs of commodities like copper affect the production expenses across various industries and pose a risk of inflating the prices of everyday goods. This scenario could potentially trigger a new wave of inflation, complicating the efforts of central banks to lower interest rates. Given the historical impact of higher interest rates on the stock market, investors are advised to consider commodities as a strategic component of their portfolios. Investing in commodities now could not only provide returns while the prices are on an upward trajectory but also serve as a safeguard against inflation and market volatility, offering a balanced and diversified investment approach.


Is News Trading the Path to Quick Profits? 🧐

Let's tackle a common Forex myth: "Trading around news events guarantees quick profits."

Spoiler alert: It's not that simple. While news events do trigger significant market movements, they're not the foolproof profit-makers some traders expect. Here's the reality check:

Why News Trading Is Risky:

  1. Unpredictability: Markets can react unexpectedly to news, making it hard to predict outcomes.
  2. Widening Spreads: Brokers often increase spreads during volatile periods, complicating trade entries and exits.
  3. Slippage: You might not get the price you want due to rapid market movements.

Smart Ways To Navigate Market News:

  • Stay Informed: Use an economic calendar to be aware of upcoming news and adjust your strategy accordingly.
  • Protect Your Trades: If you're in a position and big news is coming, consider adjusting your stop-loss to protect against losses.
  • Avoid Last-Minute Bets: Entering trades right before news releases is highly speculative and risky.

It's important to remember big institutions have often positioned themselves well before major news, making it tough for individual traders to compete at the last minute. Instead of chasing news, focus on a disciplined trading plan that accounts for market volatility.


SIP, LAUGH, TRADE 😁


The Misunderstood Path to Trading Mastery

Several white arrows pointing upwards on a wooden wall
Photo by Jungwoo Hong / Unsplash

Over my years as a trader and having worked with hundreds of traders globally, I've observed a common theme: many approach the market in a fundamentally incorrect way. To be frank, it's not entirely their fault. The conventional wisdom surrounding success and how it's achieved in trading is often misleading, setting many up for disappointment.

What if I told you that a pivotal insight has been overlooked, one that could revolutionize your trading approach? Curious?

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