Daily Analysis – Markets Rally, Dollar Tumbles on Fed Statement

Equities Asian markets once again ended mixes, as the Nikkei rallied 1.4%, following US markets higher, while the ASX dropped .8% as the market reopened for the first day this week.  In China the Shanghai Composite and Hang Seng both lost .5%. European markets ended mostly higher, as the CAC40 rose .6% and the Dax rallied .7%.  The FTSE closed flat, as Barclay’s steep 4.8% drop weighed on the index after announcing weak earnings. In the US, Bernanke’s commitment to continued easing sent stocks higher, as the Dow rose 9 6 points to 12691, and the Nasdaq gained .8%. Amazon shares jumped 7.9% after raising revenue guidance.  The stock had fallen nearly 2% after hours on Tuesday when the company first released its earnings data. Broadcom tumbled 12.3% after cutting revenue forecasts.  Several brokerages cut their ourlook on the stock. Treasuries and Commodities Bonds fell as the Fed acknowledged that inflation was becoming more significant.  10-year notes fell 11/32 to yield 3.35% and 30-year notes sank 1...
  Full Coverage         Comments      

Should You Spread Bet with Guaranteed Stops?

Posted 10/04/11
Spread betting is a risky game of trading in which you can lose more than you have in your account. That's because of leverage. Every time you buy or sell a market, you just need a small fraction of your total trade – a margin, which can be as low as 1-2%. If the market goes against you quickly, then you could be in trouble. That's what most people think – but are they correct? Spread betting has in fact some risks, and losing more than what you have in your account is a real possibility, but depending on your provider and on the type of trades you carry, it can be a really low one. Before going broke, there is a margin call trigger, in which most providers will automatically start closing positions you have in your account until the margin is again satisfied.
  Full Coverage         Comments