Hello traders,
It’s July 16, and the market is serving up a classic geopolitical cocktail.
We’ve got tariff threats hanging over the EU, the European Central Bank prepping stress tests, and Nvidia’s CEO shaking hands in Beijing. As a futures trader, this is exactly the sort of landscape I live for – one where clear narratives can translate into well-measured positions.
President Trump’s message of a 30 percent tariff on EU and Mexican exports risks blowing a hole in transatlantic trade. EU ministers gathered in Brussels are pushing back, warning it could force them to rethink an export-led growth model – EU exports to the U.S. made up 20 percent of total last year. That tells me risk is escalating, but market consequences won’t be immediate.
Global equities risk a tariff‑doom loop
A surprising rebound in equities has fueled concerns of a “doom loop” – strong markets emboldening tariff escalation, which then threatens those same markets.
I’m watching the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 closely. Curious how a real NASDAQ trade unfolds – from setup to smart exit at breakeven? I break down the logic here, the signals, and the mindset behind a no-regret trade. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind that keeps you consistent.
Meanwhile, U.S. export controls still block advanced AI chips. How well Huang navigates this visit could reprice chipmakers. I’m trying to capture any positive signals on Nvidia without overexposure.
I just broke down how I spot key levels, read volume, and watch trades unfold right to target. No stress, just smart planning. Check on how I line up trades with total confidence, pinpointing levels and letting the market do the work.
My futures book is balanced. Slightly defensive on European equities, neutral to lightly long on U.S. indexes, a small bund hedge, and a tactical bias to buy Nasdaq futures if Nvidia’s Beijing trip looks productive.
That’s how I keep capital engaged without getting steamrolled by another surprise headline.
It pays to stay flexible and today demands exactly that.
See you in the next one.
Imre Gams
Editor, The Trading Room
