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BRITISH POUND, GBP/USD, US DOLLAR, FED, FOMC, TREASURIES - TALKING POINTS
The British Pound held firm against a hawkish Fed lifting USD
Higher yields hit tech stocks in the FOMC meeting minutes aftermath
Sterling could be gaining momentum. Will GBP/USD break higher?

Watch out for a potential short-term reversal in Apple

Apple stock is at risk of a short-term reversal, even as the company becomes the first to reach a $3 trillion stock market valuation.

GBP/USD Price, Chart, and Analysis:
Cable nears a fresh two-month high.
US Jobs Report the standout dollar risk.

US DOLLAR, US-CHINA TRADE WAR, TAIWAN, IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL, - TALKING POINTS:
COVID-19, rising interest rates likely to magnify shocks of geopolitical risks.
US-China tension and the upcoming US midterm elections are top of the list.
Iran nuclear deal, precarious fundamentals could amplify market turbulence.

Lagging indicators are often misunderstood in their foundations however, they are a great way to analyse financial markets. This article will outline:
What lagging indicators are
Examples of lagging indicators
Benefits of lagging indicators

The below commentary highlights some of the key factors affecting US monetary policy which should in turn dictate future price movements for the US dollar.

The first week of the new year begins quietly, but it rapidly heats up. Key data such as China PMI figures and US ISM numbers are matched by the monthly US ADP and NFP reports, as the focus on the global economy and inflation returns. Corporate news remains quiet, although UK retail giant Next is the first of the sector to provide an update on the all-important Christmas trading period. Video

Human error in the forex market is common and often leads to familiar trading mistakes. These trading mistakes crop up particularly with novice traders on a regular basis. Being aware of these errors, can help traders become more efficient in their forex trading. Although all traders make trading mistakes regardless of experience, understanding the logic behind these mistakes may limit the snowball effect of trading impediments. This article will outline the top ten trading mistakes and ways to overcome them. These mistakes are part of a constant learning process whereby traders need habitually familiarise themselves with them to avoid repeat wrongdoings.

As inflation surges, many more savers are beginning to see the value in investing their money for better returns. And getting started with IG is easier than ever.

Please see the expected dividend adjustment figures for a number of our major indices for the week commencing 3rd January 2022. These are projected dividends and likely to change. IG cannot be held responsible for any changes made.
Dividends highlighted in red include a special dividend, therefore some or all of the amount will not be adjusted. Amount in brackets is the expected adjustment after special dividends excluded (where shown on major indices). Dividend adjustments due to be posted on a bank holiday will usually be posted on the previous working day. 

If you have any queries or questions on this please let us know in the comments section below. For further information regarding dividend adjustments, and how they affect  your positions, please take a look at the video.

 


NB: All dividend adjustments are forecasts and therefore speculative.
A dividend adjustment is a cash neutral adjustment on your account.

 

Special Dividends:

 

Index

Bloomberg Code

Effective Date

Summary

Dividend Amount

RTY

ZYXI US

5/01/2022

Special Div

0.1

RTY

THFF US

6/01/2022

Special Div

0.53

RTY

WSBF US

7/01/2022

Special Div

0.5

 

 

How do dividend adjustments work? 

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

The year 2021 may have marked a real turning point in the markets. The coronavirus continues to spread via a new variant, while the threat of high inflation is increasing. Cryptocurrencies are back in the forefront of investors' minds, commodities have soared and currencies are facing volatility. Equity markets, on the other hand, have continued to rise, or at least the major indices.

The year 2021 is rapidly drawing to a close, and while it has been a significant improvement, market-wise, to the previous year, there was plenty of volatility along the way. As we move into 2022, here's a look back at the year that was.

During the festive period there will be some changes to our normal opening hours.
We have tried to make this information as accurate as possible, but it is intended for guidance only and is subject to change. Please contact our Helpdesk on 0800 409 6789 for the latest information.

Penny stocks, or penny shares, remain a firm favourite among traders. Check out our top penny stock trading tips for beginners – and find out how you can buy, trade or invest in these shares with us.

Many people think that trading foreign exchange (FX) requires a lot of time to research the market and to identify trading opportunities. However, the 24-hour nature of FX makes it easier for part time day traders to take advantage of trends in currencies because they are not bound by when an exchange allows them to trade. Therefore, forex trading can be convenient for individuals who cannot afford to invest large quantities of time on trading.

Bitcoin hit a record £50,000 high in November, but has fallen to under £35,000 today. And as cryptocurrency goes mainstream, it's coming under increasing regulatory pressure.

Tesla’s (TSLA) 2021 return of 57% may not be quite as impressive as the parabolic, 740% return of 2020, but it still stands out against indices like the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500. Tesla now sits firmly in the top 10 components of both indices, making it a target of investors and traders around the world as everyone waits to see what 2022 will bring for the dominant electric vehicle manufacturer.

The New York forex session is one of the most liquid forex trading sessions. When the US session overlaps with the London forex market session it is considered to be the most liquid period of the day.

Canada is grappling with a housing market crisis that has seen the median family home soar 20% in a year to C$720,850. As inflation surges, will the Bank of Canada raise interest rates in 2022?

Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google are five of the largest companies in the world. Could they grow even further as the global economy reopens?

As the UK’s energy crisis unfurls in the wake of the COP26 climate summit, investors are turning their eyes to SSE. The stalwart could boom next year on the back of its renewable transition

WALL STREET, TECH STOCKS, GOLD, US DOLLAR, CRUDE OIL – TALKING POINTS:
S&P 500 surges to record high in thin trade on hopes for strong holiday sales.
Gold prices up as inflation expectations rise, pulling real interest rates lower.
Crude oil prices up in risk-on trade, eyeing API data as chart resistance nears.

WHAT ARE CANDLESTICKS IN FOREX?
Forex candlesticks provide a range of information about currency price movements, helping to inform trading strategies. Trading forex using candlestick charts is a useful skill to have and can be applied to all markets

The next two weeks are, as is usual, quite. Only Nike on 20 December is of note on the corporate front. Meanwhile, US durable goods orders in the first week, and then Chinese PMI data right at the end of the year, provide the only real major economic events to watch.

Please see the expected dividend adjustment figures for a number of our major indices for the week commencing 27th December 2021. These are projected dividends and likely to change. IG cannot be held responsible for any changes made.