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Bullish Percent Index Confirms Short-Term Rebound

Stock 4 Mins Read

One of my favorite market breadth indicators remained in an extreme bearish reading through the end of last week, standing in stark contrast to growing optimism after last Wednesday’s sudden spike higher.  Monday’s session saw the Bullish Percent Indexes cross above the crucial 30% level for both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100.  While I remain skeptical of meaningful upside without further confirmation, this bullish rotation does seem to confirm a short-term tactical rally for stocks.

Bullish Percent Index Shows Improved Breadth for S&P 500

The Bullish Percent Index uses point & figure charts to analyze the percentage of stocks in a universe that are in uptrends.  By looking at the most recent buy or sell signal on each individual point & figure chart, the indicator can help validate when a critical mass of stocks have rotated from a bearish phase to a bullish phase.

At the end of September 2024, the S&P 500 Bullish Percent Index showed a reading just above 80%.  By early December, the indicator was down to around 70%, and at the February 2025 high had reached 55%.  Last week, the S&P 500 Bullish Percent Index was just above 10%.  Indeed, almost all of the S&P 500 members were in confirmed point & figure downtrends.

Breadth Surge Similar to Previous Lows

The Bullish Percent Index for the Nasdaq 100 as well as the S&P 500 both spiked higher by the end of last week following the latest changes to US tariff policy.  As of Monday’s close the Nasdaq 100 Bullish Percent Index had reached 39%, up from 6% a week earlier. 

We can see four other times in the last two years where the Bullish Percent Index has touched the 30% level, and in three of the four times this reversal marked a significant low for the Nasdaq 100.  The most recent observation was last month, which saw a brief upswing before the latest downturn for the major equity averages.

So for both the Nasdaq 100 as well as the S&P 500, a move back above the 30% threshold appears to indicate a decent chance at a tradable move higher.  But will that upswing necessarily lead to sustainable gains?

Long-Term Review Yields Mixed Results

Let’s take a longer look back to the year 2000 and see what has happened following a move below the 30% level for the S&P 500 Bullish Percent Index.  Now we can see that while major lows often coincide with the indicator moving back above 30%, we can also see plenty of times where an initial bounce higher was eventually met with further selling.

Note the extreme low readings in June 2022, August 2015, and January 2009.  Even though there was an initial swing higher in all three cases, the market made a new swing low before achieving an eventual bottom for the bear cycle.

With the Bullish Percent Indexes rotating back to a more neutral reading this week, we are seeing plenty of signs of a tactical rally.  We may even see our Market Trend Model turn bullish on the short-term time frame as early as this Friday.  But with the major averages still making a clear pattern of lower lows and lower highs, we feel further confirmation is necessary before declaring any sort of “all clear” for US stocks.

RR#6,

Dave

PS- Ready to upgrade your investment process?  Check out my free behavioral investing course!

David Keller, CMT

President and Chief Strategist

Sierra Alpha Research LLC

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.  The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.  

The author does not have a position in mentioned securities at the time of publication.    Any opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of any other person or entity.

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Ole Hansen: Gold, Silver, Copper, Oil — Prices, Supply, Demand in 2025

Investing 1 Min Read

Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, shares his outlook for the gold, silver, copper and oil sectors as tariff uncertainty continues.

‘If you’re actively trading these markets, keep your position to a level that reflects the new and higher volatility,’ he said, urging investors to be mindful amid the current turmoil.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Copper and Consequences: US Tariffs Stir Uncertainty in Australian Mining

Investing 4 Mins Read

Australia’s copper industry could be facing supply chain disruptions and market trade uncertainty following US President Donald Trump’s imposed 10 percent tariffs on certain goods.

While the red metal is exempted from the imposition to protect US industries reliant on imported raw materials, the tariffs have caused a shift to the copper industry in general.

Australia, a key player in the industry, forms part of the broader market experiencing significant volatility.

Over the years, Australia has been recognized as a major copper producer, ranking eighth in global production. Major reserves can be found in South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.

On top of these deposits, copper is also extracted as a by-product in several nickel and gold mines in the country.

A study by Dr. Scott French of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Business School said that it’s hard to predict precisely where the tariff’s impact will be greatest given complex global supply chains, “but the overall effect is going to be negative.”

Weaker prices and production

It is no secret that global trade tensions have led to weaker prices for major metals, including copper.

Prices reached a record of US$5.24 per pound towards the end of March, but quickly fell down after the tariff announcements due to fears of reduced industrial demand and global economic slowdown.

This is attributed to unsettled global markets, mainly as investors are losing confidence given the constant change in traditional trade flows.

Copper supplies are also subjected to rerouting, with approximately 100,000–150,000 tonnes redirected to the US ahead of potential tariffs.

Globally, copper smelting activity also took quite the fall. Data from geospatial intelligence company Earth-i said that inactivity capacity index rose from 3.4 percent to 14.9 percent in March.

This marks the lowest inactivity record since May 2023, with smelting activity outside China now five percent lower compared to January.

With this, Australia, among other producers, is encouraged to up its game.

“One should also keep in mind that one of the reasons Trump imposed these tariffs is to on shore, to bring manufacturing back home,” Benchmark said in a copper webinar in April. “So, it would rather see these projects in the US than in other parts of the world.”

Benchmark also believes that amid all these changes, the US is facing supply deficits for other minerals, so it may in the end need to secure from other producers such as Australia.

Import and export

US and Australian copper may not necessarily have a direct cause-and-effect relationship, but the imposition of tariffs poses major threats to Australia’s import and export relationships with other countries.

China, among the countries largely impacted by the tariffs, is a significant importer of Australian copper. Investors and companies have already seen reduced or inconsistent demand, which could lead to a slowdown in the country’s economy.

Should this slowdown result in a lesser need for raw materials, then Australian miners would potentially deal with unexpected oversupply.

Still, economists and advisors say that Australia must remain competitive.

“I can already feel the push for protective tariffs to keep out foreign products competing with domestic production. I’m very, very wary of something like that because I find that Australia has done well by having very low trade barriers,” added Dr. French of UNSW.

“We don’t want to go back to the experience from earlier decades where local manufacturing was very highly protected and very uncompetitive … “So that’s why I think maintaining competitiveness is important, and I would strongly caution against trying to enact any sort of protective tariffs to isolate the domestic market for these products.”

Copper in the next years

While copper and other essential minerals for decarbonisation are facing uncertainties at the present, the fact that they will be needed in the future has not changed.

In the Benchmark webinar, it was mentioned that a strong outlook for copper demand is highly possible over the long run.

“We’re folding in the energy transition, route to 2030, 2040 and 2050. I don’t think copper is going anywhere,” said Benchmark Head of Strategic Initiatives Mike Finch.

The Minerals Council of Australia, in a commentary on the imposition of tariffs, said that Trump’s decision is “a stark reminder of the disruptive consequences that can arise from trade volatility and economic uncertainty.”

“(While) details remain unclear, this development further reinforces the need for Australia to get the economic fundamentals right to protect and enhance our global competitiveness; to better position ourselves in times of economic uncertainty,” the council wrote.

“It also underscores the need for Australia to accelerate free trade deals and secure supply chain partnerships with like-minded economies.”

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Crypto Market Recap: Kraken Expands Services, EURC Momentum Grows

Investing 7 Mins Read

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (April 14) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

At the time of this writing, Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$84,833.31 and is up 1.2 percent in 24 hours. The day’s range has seen a low of US$84,050.56 and a high of US$85,667.65.

Bitcoin performance, April 11, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

The recovery appears to be related to last week’s announcement of partial import tariff relief, but the uncertainty of ongoing US-China trade tensions kept Bitcoin from rallying above US$86,000.

Ethereum (ETH) is priced at US$1,635.11, a 3.1 percent increase over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency reached an intraday low of US$1,624.37 and a high of US$1,677.74.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) is currently valued at US$131.19, up 2.4 percent over the past 24 hours. SOL experienced a low of US$128.75 and a high of US$134.05 on Monday.
  • XRP is trading at US$2.15, reflecting a 1.8 percent decrease over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency recorded an intraday low of US$2.11 and a high of US$2.18.
  • Sui (SUI) is priced at US$2.21, showing a decreaseof 0.9 percent over the past 24 hours. It achieved a daily low of US$2.20 and a high of US$2.33.
  • Cardano (ADA) is trading at US$0.6397, trading flat over 24 hours. Its lowest price on Monday was US$0.6314, with a high of US$0.6548.

Crypto news to know

Kraken expands into stock and ETF trading

Kraken announced on Monday that it will expand beyond cryptocurrencies to offer eligible users trade services for over 11,000 US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds through Kraken Securities.

Users will be able to trade traditional assets and cryptocurrencies within a single Kraken account. The service is available to select states as part of a phased rollout, with plans to expand to all states and the UK, Europe and Australia.

Euro-sacked stablecoin EURC sees growth amidst strengthening Euro

Circle’s Euro-backed stablecoin, EURC, is experiencing growth amidst a strengthening Euro, its market cap growing from around $83 million at the beginning of 2025 to $204 million at the time of writing.

The euro has been rallying while the dollar falls amidst escalating trade tensions between the US and the rest of the world. Obchakevich Research founder Alex Obchakevich expects Euro Coin will continue to grow even as nations reach a trade deal that he projects will stabilize the Euro at around $1.11.

“I predict EURC to grow to 400 million euros by the end of this year. This will be further impacted by MiCa regulatory support and economic challenges,” he said.

MANTRA (OM) token price collapse and aftermath

Following a dramatic price collapse in the MANTRA (OM) token on Sunday (April 13) that wiped out billions of dollars in market cap, CEO John Mullin spoke in a now-deleted AMA thread hosted by Cointelegraph on X.

During the Monday discussion, Mullin denied accusations of insider selling or “rug pulling,” saying the plunge occurred after exchanges closed positions without notice.

On-chain data revealed that around US$227 million worth of OM was deposited from 17 wallets, with two linked to strategic investor Laser Digital. Arkham data revealed those wallets moved millions of OM to OKX and Binance in the days leading up to the collapse.

“The Mantra association, our key investors, our advisers — no one has sold, and we are going to categorically deny and also provide verifiable proof onchain proof that this is the case,” Mullin stated in the AMA, adding that he “(doesn’t) know who those wallets belong to.”

Mantra is up 10.8 percent to US$0.65 at the time of writing, far below its April 9 price of US$6.76.

Strategy buys US$285 million in BTC amid volatility

Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, capitalized on sharp equity market swings last week, purchasing 3,459 more BTC valued at US$285.8 million between April 7 to 13.

The buy was funded through its at-the-market equity offering as shares fluctuated from -11 percent to +25 percent, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to BTC accumulation even during periods of financial instability. Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings now total around US$45 billion, representing about 2.5 percent of the total BTC supply.

The firm also disclosed a forthcoming US$5.9 billion unrealized loss due to new accounting rules requiring market-based valuations for digital assets. Even so, Strategy remains on track with its plan to raise US$42 billion through 2027 for continuous Bitcoin acquisitions, reinforcing its identity as a long-term Bitcoin maximalist corporate play.

Metaplanet now 9th largest public Bitcoin holder

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has acquired 319 BTC at an average price of US$83,147, bringing its total treasury to 4,525 BTC. That makes it the ninth largest publicly traded Bitcoin holding company.

This acquisition is part of its broader treasury strategy to build shareholder value through Bitcoin accumulation, initiated in December 2024. The company now has a cost basis of US$408.1 million and evaluates its Bitcoin performance using Bitcoin yield, which hit 95.6 percent in the first quarter of 2025.

Backed by sophisticated financial engineering such as bond issuances and stock acquisition rights, Metaplanet has executed over 41 percent of its “210 million plan,” demonstrating significant momentum.

The firm’s bold approach also reflects Japan’s evolving stance toward crypto as a mainstream asset class and could influence similar treasury strategies in Asia.

CeFi lending drops from 2021 peak, DeFi borrowing soars

The crypto lending market remains well below its former highs, down from US$64.4 billion in 2021 to US$36.5 billion at the close of 2024, according to a new report by Galaxy Digital.

This contraction is largely due to the collapse of major centralized finance (CeFi) lenders like Genesis, BlockFi, Celsius, and Voyager, which together lost 82 percent of their lending capacity during the bear market.

However, decentralized finance (DeFi) has made a stunning recovery, with open borrows jumping from US$1.8 billion in late 2022 to US$19.1 billion across 20 platforms and 12 blockchains — a 959 percent increase. Galaxy attributes this to DeFi’s permissionless nature, transparency, and its resilience during market turmoil that crushed CeFi players.

Today, Tether, Galaxy, and Ledn dominate the surviving CeFi space, accounting for nearly 89 percent of its total activity, while DeFi’s growth hints at a larger shift toward decentralized, non-custodial financial infrastructure in the post-crash era.

Google to enforce MiCA rules on crypto ads

Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) will begin enforcing stricter ad policies across 27 European countries beginning on April 23, requiring all crypto advertisers to comply with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation or be licensed under the Crypto Asset Service Provider framework.

All crypto exchanges and wallet providers advertising on Google must now also be certified by Google, and meet additional national-level legal obligations, further tightening the regulatory net on digital asset marketing.

This marks a significant shift in how crypto services are promoted in the EU and could weed out illicit players while boosting trust in licensed entities. Noncompliance will first trigger a warning before eventual account suspensions, giving advertisers a brief grace period to align with the rules.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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The Trader’s Flashlight in a Market Fog: What are Candlestick Patterns?

Investing 10 Mins Read

From Tokyo rice markets to Wall Street trading floors, candlestick patterns have stood the test of time.

Now, in the high-stakes world of cryptocurrency trading, where government policies can shift the market overnight, understanding these patterns could mean the difference between profit and loss.

In such a volatile environment, traders have continuously searched for signals amid the chaos, and many have claimed that these patterns offer a guiding light.

But how do these candlestick patterns work, and why do traders rely on them? Here’s what you need to know.

History of candlestick patterns

Candlestick charting traces its origins to 18th century Japan, where Munehisa Homma, a wealthy rice trader from Sakata, developed a system to analyze price movements in the rice futures market.

Homma meticulously recorded price fluctuations and identified patterns that reflected market sentiment, realizing that emotions such as fear and greed played a crucial role in price action. His insights allowed him to anticipate market trends, reportedly leading to immense trading success.

Homma’s techniques evolved into a structured system known as the Sakata Rules, which later laid the foundation for modern candlestick patterns. These rules emphasized the importance of recognizing repetitive price formations and interpreting their psychological implications.

Homma’s pioneering work made him legendary in Japan’s trading circles, with some historical accounts claiming he executed 100 consecutive winning trades using his methodology.

Candlestick charts remained largely unknown outside Japan until the late 20th century, where Steve Nison, an American technical analyst, introduced candlestick charting to Western financial markets in the 1980s.

Through extensive research, Nison translated and refined Japanese candlestick techniques, integrating them into modern technical analysis. His 1991 book, Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques, became a seminal work, widely regarded as the definitive guide on the subject.

Key candlestick patterns you need to know

Candlestick patterns provide traders with crucial insights into market sentiment, signaling potential reversals, continuations, or periods of indecision. These patterns are categorized into three main types:

  1. Bullish patterns indicating possible uptrends
  2. Bearish patterns signaling potential downtrends
  3. Neutral patterns suggesting indecision or continuation

Bullish patterns

Bullish candlestick patterns typically appear after a downtrend, signaling a potential shift in momentum as buying pressure increases. These patterns suggest that buyers are stepping in and that a reversal to the upside may be underway.

Bullish engulfing

Bullish engulfing candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Bullish engulfing: A two-candle pattern where a small bearish candle is followed by a larger bullish candle that completely engulfs the previous day’s body. This formation suggests a strong shift in momentum, as buying pressure overwhelms selling pressure. The larger the engulfing candle, the more powerful the signal.

Hammer

Hammer candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Hammer: A single candlestick with a small body near the top of its range and a long lower shadow. It appears after a downtrend and signals that despite initial selling pressure, buyers regained control and pushed prices back up. A hammer is more reliable when it forms near a significant support level.

Inverted hammer

Inverted hammer candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Inverted hammer: Similar to the hammer, but with a small body at the lower end of the range and a long upper shadow. This pattern suggests that buyers attempted to push prices higher after a decline, potentially signaling a reversal. It requires confirmation from the next candle closing higher.

Morning star

Morning star candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Morning star: A three-candle formation that signifies a trend reversal. It starts with a long bearish candle, followed by a small-bodied candle (which may be bullish or bearish) that gaps down, and finally, a strong bullish candle that closes well into the first candle’s body. This pattern suggests that bearish momentum is weakening and buyers are taking control.

Three white soldiers

Three white soldiers candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Three white soldiers: A powerful bullish pattern made up of three consecutive long bullish candles with small or no wicks. Each candle opens within the previous candle’s body and closes progressively higher. This pattern suggests a strong and sustained uptrend, particularly when accompanied by high volume.

Bearish patterns

Bearish candlestick patterns appear after an uptrend, signaling a potential reversal as selling pressure increases. These formations suggest that buyers are losing momentum, and a downward move may be imminent.

Bearish engulfing

Bearish engulfing candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Bearish engulfing: The opposite of the bullish engulfing pattern, this formation occurs when a small bullish candle is followed by a larger bearish candle that completely engulfs the previous day’s body. This suggests a shift from buying to selling pressure, often signaling the start of a downtrend.

Shooting star

Shooting star candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Shooting star: The shooting star is a single candle with a small body near the lower end of the trading range and a long upper shadow. It indicates that buyers pushed prices higher, but strong selling pressure forced prices back down, making it a potential reversal signal.

Hanging man

Hanging man candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Hanging man: Resembling the hammer, the hanging man appears at the top of an uptrend instead of the bottom. It has a small body and a long lower shadow, signaling that selling pressure is starting to emerge. A confirmation from the next candle closing lower strengthens this bearish signal.

Evening star

Evening star candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Evening star: The bearish counterpart to the morning star, this three-candle pattern starts with a strong bullish candle, followed by a small-bodied candle that gaps up, and then a long bearish candle that closes well into the first candle’s body. This signals a transition from bullish to bearish momentum.

Three black crows

Three black crows candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Three black crows: This pattern consists of three consecutive long bearish candles with small wicks, each opening within the previous candle’s body and closing progressively lower. It signals strong selling pressure and the likelihood of a continued downtrend.

Neutral patterns

Neutral candlestick patterns signal market indecision and can lead to either a continuation of the existing trend or a reversal. Traders should consider additional indicators or confirmation signals before acting on these patterns.

Doji

Doji candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Doji: A candlestick where the opening and closing prices are nearly identical, resulting in a small or nonexistent body. Doji patterns indicate market indecision and can appear in various forms:
    • Standard doji: Signals uncertainty, often preceding a breakout or reversal.
    • Gravestone doji: A bearish signal, with a long upper shadow and no lower shadow, indicating rejection at higher prices.
    • Dragonfly doji: A bullish signal, with a long lower shadow and no upper shadow, showing strong buying interest.

Spinning top

Spinning top candlestick pattern.

Image via commons.wikimedia.org.

  • Spinning top: Featuring a small body with long upper and lower shadows, the spinning top reflects a tug-of-war between buyers and sellers, often signaling consolidation or a possible trend reversal.

Combining candlestick patterns with indicators

While candlestick patterns provide valuable insights into market sentiment, relying on them alone can lead to false signals, especially in a volatile market like Bitcoin.

To increase accuracy, traders often combine these patterns with technical indicators that help confirm trends, momentum and potential reversals. Below are some of the most effective indicators to use alongside candlestick patterns:

  1. Moving averages — Moving averages smooth out price fluctuations and help traders identify the prevailing trend. They can also act as dynamic support and resistance levels.

Application: If a bullish candlestick pattern (eg., bullish engulfing, morning star) appears while Bitcoin’s price is above a key moving average (such as the 50 day or 200 day MA), this strengthens the signal that an uptrend may continue.

Conversely, if a bearish candlestick pattern (eg., bearish engulfing, shooting star) forms below a moving average, it increases the likelihood of further downside.

  1. Relative Strength Index (RSI) — RSI measures the speed and magnitude of price movements on a scale of zero to 100. A reading above 70 suggests overbought conditions (potential reversal or pullback), while a reading below 30 suggests oversold conditions (potential buying opportunity).

Application: A bullish candlestick pattern forming when RSI is below 30 strengthens the case for a trend reversal (eg., a Hammer appearing in oversold conditions could indicate a strong buying opportunity).

A bearish candlestick pattern forming when RSI is above 70 suggests that the price may be primed for a pullback (eg., a Shooting Star forming in overbought conditions signals potential downside).

  1. Volume analysis – Volume represents the number of trades executed and provides insight into the strength behind price movements. A price move with high volume is more significant than one with low volume.

Application: If a bullish reversal pattern (eg., morning star) appears with high volume, it confirms strong buyer interest and increases the likelihood of a sustained uptrend.

If a bearish reversal pattern (eg., bearish engulfing) forms with high volume, it signals aggressive selling pressure and strengthens the bearish outlook.

Common mistakes to avoid

While candlestick patterns are valuable tools, it is very easy to misuse them—leading to unnecessary losses. Understanding common pitfalls can help investors refine their strategies and improve decision making.

  1. Trading candlestick patterns without confirmation
    Many traders see a single candlestick pattern, such as a Bullish Engulfing or Shooting Star, and immediately enter a trade without waiting for additional confirmation. This leads to false signals and premature decisions.

How to avoid it: Always combine candlestick patterns with other indicators (eg., RSI, moving averages, volume analysis). Furthermore, look for follow-through price action — a second candle that confirms the expected move.

  1. Ignoring the importance of timeframes
    A common trap is assuming that a candlestick pattern on a 5 minute chart carries the same weight as one on a daily or weekly chart. Shorter timeframes are more prone to noise and false signals.

How to avoid it: Prioritize patterns on higher timeframes (daily, weekly) for more reliable signals. If trading lower timeframes (eg. 15 minute chart), ensure the pattern aligns with the higher timeframe trend.

  1. Overtrading and chasing every pattern
    Some traders try to trade every candlestick pattern they see, leading to excessive trades, emotional decision making and mounting losses. Overtrading often results from fear of missing out or lack of patience

How to avoid it: Stick to high-probability setups where multiple factors confirm the trade. Wait for patterns to form at key levels, not in random price areas. Set clear entry and exit rules instead of reacting impulsively.

  1. Failing to adapt to market conditions
    Candlestick patterns do not work the same way in all market environments. Some traders blindly follow textbook interpretations without considering other factors. Candlestick patterns are purely technical, but the market is heavily influenced by fundamental news. Ignoring events like ETF approvals, regulatory shifts, or major financial institution involvement can lead to poor trading decisions.

How to avoid it: Always check news before trading, especially for large moves. Avoid trading right before or after high-impact events, as volatility can distort patterns. Use candlestick analysis in combination with fundamental trends.

Final thoughts

Candlestick patterns have stood the test of time, but while these patterns offer valuable insights into market sentiment, they are not foolproof signals. Successful trading is a holistic skill — it means understanding that context, confirmation and discipline are just as important as recognizing the patterns themselves.

By combining these patterns with other essential factors and indicators, traders can refine their strategies and make more informed decisions.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Politics

Air Direct Capture – Reducing CO2 from the Atmosphere

Politics 5 Mins Read

Air Direct Capture – Reducing CO2 from the Atmosphere

 

Air Direct Capture (ADC) is an innovative technology that has gained significant attention in recent years as a means of addressing the pressing issue of climate change. This process involves the direct extraction of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the ambient air, with the goal of reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The development of ADC technology has been driven by the growing urgency to find effective solutions to mitigate the impact of human-induced climate change.


The concept of Air Direct Capture is not entirely new, as it has been studied and experimented with for several decades. However, in recent years, the technology has undergone significant advancements, driven by the increasing awareness of the need for innovative climate change mitigation strategies.

The foundations of ADC technology were laid in the 1930s when scientists began exploring the possibility of directly capturing CO2 from the atmosphere. These early experiments laid the groundwork for the development of more sophisticated techniques and technologies.

Significant progress has been made in the field over the past few decades. Researchers and engineers have developed more efficient and cost-effective methods of capturing and storing CO2, utilizing various techniques such as chemical absorption, physical adsorption, and membrane separation.

The growing urgency to address climate change has led to increased funding and collaborative efforts between governments, research institutions, and private companies to accelerate the development and deployment of ADC technology.

As the technology behind Air Direct Capture has evolved, it has found various applications across different industries and sectors. One of the primary applications of ADC is the sequestration of captured CO2, which can be stored underground or used in various industrial processes, such as the production of synthetic fuels or the enhancement of oil recovery. The captured CO2 can also be used in the production of building materials, such as concrete and cement, reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry. ADC technology is also being used to produce carbon-neutral fuels, such as synthetic aviation fuel, by combining the captured CO2 with hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources. In addition, ADC technology is directly removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, contributing to the overall efforts to mitigate climate change.

Despite the promising advancements in Air Direct Capture technology, there are still significant challenges and limitations that must be addressed. These challenges include the energy-intensive nature of the ADC process, as the capture and separation of CO2 from the air require large amounts of energy, which impacts the overall sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The high capital and operational costs associated with ADC systems are also a barrier to widespread adoption. Scaling up ADC technology to meet the huge global demand for greenhouse gas removal also remains a significant challenge.

Notwithstanding the challenges, the future of Air Direct Capture technology looks promising. As research and development continue, and as the technology becomes more cost-effective and scalable, the potential for ADC to play a significant role in addressing climate change is expected to grow.

While planting trees is a common option for carbon removal, it has its drawbacks as trees can burn or be cut down, releasing the stored carbon. Leading the pack to operate Air Direct Capture plants is ‘Climeworks’ which has opened the world’s largest operational direct air capture plant to suck carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere; the facility, known as Orca in Iceland harnesses the country’s geothermal power and is almost ten times larger than the next biggest plant. The plant is due to be fully operational by the end of 2024

The Orca plant offers an alternative solution, using chemical filters to capture CO2 from the air, which is then converted into rock by being pumped into volcanic basalts. The trials have shown that this process can sequester CO2 in solid rock within two years. One issue with this method is its limited capacity, as the Orca plant can only capture 4,000 tonnes of CO2 per year out of the 35bn tonnes produced by fossil fuels globally. However, the company is confident that it can eventually reach millions of tonnes of captured CO2.

The process cost is high, estimated at $600-800 per tonne, although the company says it aims to reduce costs to $400-600 per ton by 2030 and $200-350 per ton by 2040. Despite its high cost, there seems to be no shortage of customers looking to offset their carbon footprint. Swiss Re has signed a 10-year contract worth $10 million. Other clients include Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Stripe, and Lufthansa.

In Conclusion, the amount of CO2 sequestered is tiny compared to the amount produced. As technology advances, costs are reduced, and more plants come online, it is hoped that ADC can play an important role in the fight against climate change.
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Stock Market News UK Update: FTSE 100 & 250 Rise

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Stock Market News: UK Forecast and Technical Analysis

Today, the UK stock market saw the FTSE 250 increase by 195 points (0.9%) to 21,628, nearly matching the 1.2% increase in the FTSE 100, driven largely by gains in mining stocks. This positive momentum is creating a bullish sentiment in the market.

The two London indices are leading the European market this morning. The DAX is up 0.7% in Germany, followed by the FTSE MIB in Italy, the CAC 40 in France, and the IBEX 35 in Spain, all of which are up 0.4%, reinforcing the optimistic outlook across Europe.

The gain for the Euro Stoxx 600 is just under 1%. Risers include Just Eat Takeaway, rising 17%; TeamViewer, the software company and owner of Kenco, JD Peet.

Among the higher risers, Wickes Group PLC, one of the UK’s listed companies, has seen a 3.3% increase in revenue despite facing difficulties retaining customers for its custom kitchen, home office installation, and bathroom services.

In the first half, this segment’s revenues were destroyed by 17%, offsetting the 1% growth in revenue in its core retail offering.

GSK Shares Decline

GSK PLC, the drugmaker listed on the FTSE 100, raised its annual earnings and sales forecasts due to strong second-quarter performance from HIV and cancer treatments, but the stock is currently down 2.5%.

Core EPS profits are now expected to increase by 10-12% in 2024, up from the previous guidance of 8-10%. Meanwhile, the overall profits are expected to increase by 7-9%, compared to the earlier estimate of 5-7%.

Nonetheless, there were some omissions in the data: vaccination profit fell 9% short of expectations as shingles treatment Shingrix was a 20% disappointment as US sales plummeted 36%.

This is due to decreased demand and inventory reductions. However, it is important to note that international sales make up about 64% of total revenue.

General medicine, oncology, and HIV all performed better than anticipated.

GSK/GBX 5-Day Chart

Growth Expectation For FTSE 250

In the last five years, Greggs’ shares have increased by 40%, outpacing the FTSE 250 London stock. The company’s first-half (H1) results have given them an additional 5% boost.

The most recent data shows a 16% increase in profit before taxes and a 14% increase in sales.

However, despite these gains, projections indicate a minor decline in Greggs’ EPS for the full year 2024. However, the company’s first-half revenue increased by only 15%.

It is a basic diluted estimate that does not account for anomalies. However, it raises the possibility that projections are simply exaggerating the situation.

Thanks to these expenditures and a well-defined expansion plan, Greggs has produced substantial returns for its owners.

For the 2023 fiscal year, Greggs reported record yearly sales of £1.8 billion and a profit before taxes of £188.3 million.

The company also disclosed a significant capital investment program aimed at enhancing its manufacturing capacity and expanding its capacity to accommodate approximately 3,500 stores throughout the United Kingdom.

UK Stock Market Today: FTSE Stock Surge

Among the top risers in the FTSE, Antofagasta PLC and Rio Tinto have shown significant gains. Antofagasta PLC saw notable gains despite no specific news being released. Rio Tinto’s positive results, which included a 1.8% increase in first-half profit, contributed to a 1% rise in its shares and may have influenced the broader market.

More significantly, there are rumours that the Anglo-Australian miner Antofagasta is eyeing a major opportunity in the copper industry, further boosting investor confidence.

The Footsie has continued to rise, hitting a two-month peak of nearly 8,374 following a 1.2% increase. This is the highest value for the London standard since May 22nd, topping 8,368.

HSBC Makes a £3 Billion Buyback

Following a largely flat first half of the year, HSBC Holdings PLC announced an additional interim dividend and a £3 billion share buyback.

For the first half of 2024, the £0.10 per share dividend will equate to 20 cents, unchanged from the previous year. The share buyback is anticipated to be finished in three months.

The bank, with a focus on Asia, reported a first-half pre-tax profit of $21.6 billion, which was marginally lower than the same period last year, even though revenue increased 1% to $37.3 billion and certain “strategic transactions” had a net positive revenue impact of $0.2 billion.

The second quarter’s $16.5 billion in revenues exceeded analysts’ expectations, and the quarter’s $8.9 billion profit before taxes was significantly more than the $7.8 billion they had predicted.

Despite being lower than the 1.53% consensus estimate, the net interest margin improved from 1.7% to 1.62% a year ago due to an increase in the finance cost of average profit liabilities. These developments are significant for the stock market news UK, as they may influence investor sentiment and market trends.

FTSE 250 Share Price

  • Value: 21,572.34
  • Net Variation: 139.83
  • High/Low: 21,649.47 / 21,430.07
  • Previously closed price: 21,432.51
  • 52WK range: 16,783.09 – 21,432.51
  • Launch date: October 12th 1992
  • Constituents number: 250
  • Net MCap: 324,478
  • Dividend Yield: 3.35%
  • Average: 1,298
  • Largest: 4,059
  • Smallest: 81
  • Median: 1,085

FTSE 100 Share Price

  • Value: 8,390.33
  • Previous Close: 8,292.35
  • Open Price: 8,292.35
  • Day low: 8,235.55
  • Day High: 8,297.92
  • 52-week low: 7,215.76
  • 52-week high: 8,474.41

In summary, today’s gains on the stock market news UK are remarkable, as the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indices both saw an increase. Mining stocks, especially in the FTSE 100, have primarily driven these gains. Major indices have also increased throughout Europe, indicating an optimistic trend in the market.

While GSK continues to face difficulties even after increasing its earnings projections, Greggs has shown remarkable growth in both its stock price as well as profitability. Despite a little fluctuation in its profit margins, HSBC’s announcement of a significant share buyback and dividend demonstrates the strength of its financial position.

The post Stock Market News UK Update: FTSE 100 & 250 Rise appeared first on FinanceBrokerage.

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Q1 2025 Global PC Shipments Surge on Tariff Fears

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Global PC shipments rose 9.4% in Q1 2025, totaling 62.7 million units. This spike was driven by fears of new U.S. tariffs. Companies rushed deliveries to avoid increased costs.

Why Global PC Shipments Jumped

Many manufacturers increased their shipments to the U.S. in early 2025. They feared higher import taxes due to potential tariffs. By acting early, they aimed to keep costs down and maintain profit margins.

Big players like Lenovo and HP saw strong results. Lenovo’s shipments to the U.S. jumped by 20%, while HP increased theirs by 13%. These early moves gave them an edge over competitors.

What This Means for the Market

Analysts say this growth may not last. Since many shipments were front-loaded in Q1, future quarters could see weaker performance. Customers might delay purchases due to higher prices and full inventory levels.

The rise in global PC shipments may lead to a short-term oversupply. That could force companies to offer discounts in Q2 and Q3.

How Companies Are Adapting

To reduce future risks, PC makers are changing where they build their products. Many are shifting production out of China to countries like Vietnam and Mexico. This move helps them avoid tariffs and manage costs better.

Conclusion

Q1 2025 saw a sharp increase in global PC shipments. While this boost came from tariff concerns, it also shows how fast companies can adapt. Moving forward, the focus will shift to long-term strategies like supply chain diversification.

Key takeaway: The PC shipments spike in early 2025 may be short-lived, but it highlights the importance of flexibility in today’s trade environment.

Source: Reuters

Related: Technology News | Global Markets

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Bitcoin Price Dip Below $80K Amid Trade Tariff Fears

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As of April 9, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at approximately $77,766, marking a significant drop from its January peak of over $109,000. This Bitcoin price dip highlights the heightened volatility in the cryptocurrency market, influenced by growing geopolitical tensions and recent tariff announcements.

Bitcoin Volatility: A Reflection of Global Uncertainty

Bitcoin price dip have always been a hallmark of its market behavior, but recent economic indicators have intensified these movements. The cryptocurrency fell sharply amid a global crypto selloff, with Ether also leading declines. Analysts attribute this to risk-off sentiment in broader financial markets as investors react to rising inflation, interest rates, and the ripple effects of U.S. trade policies.

Data from Yahoo Finance and MarketWatch show that Bitcoin touched an intraday low of $74,772 before recovering slightly. This steep drop comes just weeks after the coin hovered comfortably above the $100,000 mark, signaling increasing trader hesitation.

Tariff Announcements Add Fuel to the Fire

The reintroduction of aggressive U.S. trade tariffs has significantly impacted global markets. In particular, investors fear that escalating trade tensions with China and other nations may trigger another round of economic slowdown. These fears have not spared cryptocurrencies. Despite being considered a hedge against fiat inflation, Bitcoin is still viewed as a risky asset in volatile climates, prompting panic-selling among short-term holders.

Much like traditional equities, the crypto market responded sharply to news of fresh tariffs, with traders offloading high-volatility assets. Analysts suggest that institutional investors, who played a major role in Bitcoin’s surge to all-time highs, are now reassessing their exposure amid macroeconomic headwinds.

Broader Crypto Selloff Led by Ether and Altcoins

Ether (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, saw a similar downward trend, falling more than 5% in the same trading window. Other major altcoins like Solana (SOL), XRP, and Cardano (ADA) also posted significant losses. This coordinated pullback across the crypto landscape underlines the interconnectedness of digital asset markets and investor sentiment.

The crypto fear and greed index, which gauges market emotion, has shifted sharply toward “fear,” reinforcing the cautious outlook across the sector.

Investor Sentiment and Portfolio Rebalancing

The current Bitcoin price dip has prompted both retail and institutional investors to rebalance their portfolios. Many are shifting towards less volatile assets like gold and U.S. treasury bonds, leading to short-term sell pressure in Bitcoin. With upcoming halving cycles and continued interest from global regulators, the long-term trajectory of Bitcoin remains uncertain but still promising for long-term believers.

Expert Opinions and What Comes Next

Market strategists from Barron’s and Bloomberg suggest that this dip may be temporary, especially if inflation and interest rates stabilize in the coming months. Some see the correction as a healthy reset, paving the way for sustainable future growth. Others warn that if geopolitical tensions worsen, Bitcoin could revisit sub-$70K levels.

Investors are encouraged to monitor developments in the global economic landscape, including central bank actions and trade negotiations, which will undoubtedly shape Bitcoin’s next moves.

Conclusion: A Temporary Setback or Trend Reversal?

Bitcoin’s price dip below $80,000 in April 2025 signals a broader market correction triggered by trade war fears and shifting economic policies. However, history shows that Bitcoin has often rebounded stronger after periods of doubt. Whether this is a short-term drop or a longer-term reset, one thing is certain: Bitcoin continues to mirror the complexities of the global financial landscape, and investors must stay informed and adaptable.

Key takeaway: As global tariffs return and inflation lingers, Bitcoin’s short-term volatility may persist. Long-term investors, however, still view dips as potential entry points into a decentralized future.

Source 1: Yahoo Finance

Source 2: Yahoo Finance

Source 3: MarketWatch

Source 4: Barron’s

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