December 2016 - Frugaling

There is no doubt about it – living in the digital age is always changing and this dynamic environment means that we are no longer restricted to working at desks behind computers or laptops. Today it’s all about mobile usage and application platforms. This of course means that traders can engage with and ultimately trade CFD’s and the likes thereof from absolutely anywhere.

The ease of use that comes with being able to trade online via CFD trading platforms is immeasurable. It allows trader to place and manage their individual trades through a simpler user interface, while making use of the essential tools for in-depth research and analysis through CFD trading platforms, as well as the ability to view real time prices and trade options.

Applications designed for trading on Android phones provide the perfect opportunity for mobile trading and of course ease of access to the markets. All day, every day from anywhere. The truth is – that while we have moved toward a more dynamic and mobile world, we are also part of a global population that is focussed on the protection and conservation of the planet. So, with this ease of access, and all the time, traders can now continuously select to trade CFD online with companies that are also known to be investing in and making greater use of technologies that are considered “green”. So, while simultaneously trading CFD online, traders are also doing their bit for the environment.

There are a variety of different companies that offer “green” initiatives. These range from the Ford Motor Company to Telsa Motors with their focus on and development of electronic energies. Other companies worth looking at when selecting CFD trading platforms for trading are Johnson & Johnson, who aim to manufacture products with sustainable packaging – the list is endless, but you need to be made aware of the company’s developments and commitments to “Going Green”.

The correct broker with the necessary information will ensure that your trading experience will ensure that you – the trader – find the right balance within your own personal trading strategy and trade with the right type of company in order to make sure that your trade is helping to protect the planet. Making the right decision, while using the right CFD trading platforms for sustainable and green investments and trades will make sure that you are part of the people doing their bit to make a difference.

How Will Trump’s Presidency Affect Trading Markets? — Photo Credit

In one of the biggest political upsets in recent memory, Donald Trump was named President-elect following the results on November 8. While he will not be inaugurated until early next year, we are already seeing the effects of his campaign in the market. Here we take a look at three popular trading markets and assess the changes that Trump’s future presidency could prompt.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange was the first market investors expected to see the influence of Trump’s presidency. Election night is typically a time of volatility for the market anyway, but what we saw last week had even experienced investors scrambling. During the course of the evening, we saw GBP/USD slightly rise before crashing and then surging to new heights as the night went on. As we can see from FxPro, the election also played a huge role in emerging markets, with the Mexican peso plunging to a new low following the shock results.

While in the short-term it’s safe to say that the market will remain volatile, predicting anything further into the future will be more difficult. The Federal Reserve meeting in December should give us our first insight into how the market views the situation. Last year, we saw the Federal Reserve raise interests rate by a quarter of a percent and Chairwoman Janet Yellen recently gave an indication to expect more of the same next month.

Precious Metals

Just like with Brexit earlier in the year, economic uncertainty resulted in a significant rise in the number of people looking to invest in precious metals. By the time it emerged that Trump had triumphed over rival candidate Hillary Clinton in the election race, gold had surged to nearly a six-week high of $1,337.40 an ounce. In the following days, the market began to stabilize, especially after Trump’s conciliatory speech in which the Republican candidate appeared to tone down his typically exuberant rhetoric.

Since then, the market has continued to react. The Wall Street Journal reports that gold prices are now at a 5-month low due to the stronger dollar and renewed optimism over potential growth under Trump. Those who rushed to buy have been advised to hold on to their assets for now, though, as the price is expected to rise in the medium-to-long-term as we learn more about Trump’s geopolitical policies.

Real Estate

Of course, Trump himself made his name in real estate so his impact on the market will be interesting to see during his tenure as President. During the course of the election, Trump made big promises to invest heavily in the nation’s infrastructure. On his website, the President-elect notes that he wants to transform America’s “crumbling infrastructure into a golden opportunity for accelerated economic growth” with over $1 trillion of investment over the next decade.

In an industry where optimism and consumer confidence count for almost everything, it is perhaps not surprising that many investors are optimistic about the future. However, others have noted that Trump’s potentially strict immigration policies could be problematic. According to a report by Bloomberg, one in four constructions workers are foreign born and 40% of new home buyers are expected to come from overseas in the next ten years.