Author: Lucas

Leverage and margin 101 Leverage is a tool used when spread betting and trading CFDs. It enables you to open a position using margin (a deposit) while still getting full exposure to an underlying asset. This means you’re paying an initial deposit, that’s a fraction of the full value of your trade, with your provider loaning you the rest. For example, at a margin requirement of 20%, you’d need to deposit £200 to open a shares position worth £1000. In the case of indices, a 5% margin would require a £50 to open a position at £1000. And for forex,…

Did our AI summary help? At some point, most investors move beyond fixed deposits and equities and start looking at bonds. The appeal is obvious. They feel more stable than stocks and, at least on … Source link

The outlook for new home construction and purchases appears brighter going into 2026. After contracting last year, housing stats are forecast to rise 3% this year.  A few favorable factors are lining up to boost buyer demand. Affordability is improving: wage growth is outpacing inflation, and home prices are moderating. Mortgage rates have trended down by half a point over the last several months, and they could see a further slight decline over the course of this year. Lower interest rates are also helping builders finance new community projects. The combination of these factors, along with pent-up buyer demand during…

Silver price (XAG/USD) extends its early advance to near $76.30 during the European trading session on Wednesday. The white metal trades firmly ahead of the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes of the January policy meeting at 19:00 GMT.Investors will pay close attention to FOMC minutes to get fresh cues on the United States (US) interest rate outlook. In the policy meeting, the Federal Reserve (Fed) announced a pause in the monetary easing cycle after three consecutive rate cuts and signaled a data-dependent approach for upcoming policy meetings.Currently, the CME FedWatch tool shows that the Fed will…

These growth stocks are big names, but they can still produce big returns.You don’t have to look at the path less traveled to beat the S&P 500. Some of the best growth stocks are hiding in plain sight and look poised to rally despite being mega-caps. Two of them are already household names, and the third pick on this list is well on its way to a $1 trillion valuation and becoming yet another household name for investors who are monitoring artificial intelligence (AI). If you have $500 available to invest that isn’t needed for monthly bills, to pay down…

Whilst it’s not without its challenges, a number of factors are resulting in a confidence boost, with Rightmove’s latest Commercial Insights Tracker predicting that 2026 will be ‘a more positive year for commercial property’, which will see a ‘recovery in investment activity’. Certainly the downward trend in interest rates, coupled with a widespread expectation that inflation will be back down to a more acceptable 2pc, perhaps as early as Q2, is contributing to a sense of optimism that was lacking during the months of uncertainty leading up to the November Budget. So what does this mean for the market in…

A regular charity shop supporter has highlighted a key issue that is impacting charity shop sales.Katie-Ann Gupwell and Eilidh Farquhar Trainee Trends, Showbiz and Lifestyle Writer09:20, 18 Feb 2026A charity shop enthusiast has shared the key issue that is stopping charities from making money.(Image: Getty Images)While some people have their favourite stores and brands that they regularly visit while shopping on the highstreet, a frequent stop for many is a charity shop. Laden with hidden gems and quality products that are priced lower than the retailer tag, many people enjoy browsing the racks while giving a bit of money to…

How Optimal aims to shake up US retail options trading – Risk.net Skip to main content End of drawer navigation content New wholesaler has assembled a team of market-makers to compete with Citadel, IMC/Dash and Jane Street Brian Donnelly almost gave up on competing for US retail options order flow a little over a year ago.  Volant Trading, the global market making firm Donnelly founded in 2006, struggled for three years to establish itself as a wholesaler to WeBull.Retail brokers such as Robinhood and WeBull require wholesalers to handle all types of options – from single names to indexes and zero-day…

Like many other countries, the UK has developed a plan for a central bank digital currency (CBDC). A digital pound would essentially act like an online form of cash suitable for everyday payments. It would not earn any interest like a standard savings account (or even some current accounts), but it could increase access to financial services in the UK.   The Bank of England recently proposed a general framework for how a digital pound would work. It has suggested an ambitious timeline for introducing one by 2025. You have until June 7 2023 to tell the bank what you think…

Subscribe To NotificationsScan QR code to install appImportant DisclaimersFXEmpire is owned and operated by Empire Media Network LTD., Company Registration Number 514641786, registered at 7 Jabotinsky Road, Ramat Gan 5252007, Israel. The content provided on this website includes general news and publications, our personal analysis and opinions, and materials provided by third parties. This content is intended for educational and research purposes only. It does not constitute, and should not be interpreted as, a recommendation or advice to take any action, including making any investment or purchasing any product. Before making any financial decision, you should conduct your own due…