LiamTrading – Gold: Wave 5 isn't over yet...Gold: Wave 5 isn't over yet, awaiting ABC corrective wave
According to Elliott Wave perspective, gold is currently in wave 5 and no clear reversal signals have appeared. Once wave 5 is completed, a reasonable scenario would be entering the ABC corrective phase.
Technical Analysis
The current price range remains in an uptrend, supported by the medium-term trendline.
Key resistance – support zones are identified based on Fibonacci, Volume Profile, and strong psychological levels.
RSI indicates gold is approaching the overbought region, hence short-term Sell orders (scalping) around the peak area might offer an advantage.
Trading Plan Reference
Sell: 3840 – 3842, SL 3846. This is a strong resistance zone, prioritise scalping if the downward reaction lacks strength.
Buy: 3783 – 3785, SL 3779, TP 3800 – 3818 – 3838.
Large liquidity Buy: 3740, SL 3733, expecting a strong reaction from this area due to previous accumulation volume.
Important Note
Early in the week, there are often numerous political – economic news causing noise, which might unexpectedly push gold up.
The resistance zones 3840–3850 are strong psychological levels, observe reactions before making decisions.
For short-term trading, adhere closely to the plan, while flexibly adjusting when price paths change to maintain an advantage.
In summary, wave 5 is still developing and trading opportunities mainly focus on key resistance – support zones. Traders need to manage risks well, patiently wait for confirmation, and remain flexible to adapt to fluctuations.
The DXY index fell around 97.95 on Monday, extending the decline into the second session as the risk of a US government shutdown weakens market sentiment and investors await a series of important economic data to be released this week.
Wishing you successful trading, follow me and the trading community!
SPOTGOLD trade ideas
New ATH Above 3800 & FOMO Buying Still Driving the Market📊 Market Context
Gold has once again set a new all-time high above 3800 USD/oz, showing no signs of losing bullish momentum. The surge is fueled by strong FOMO buying flows, as traders continue to pile into safe-haven assets.
Concerns about a possible US government shutdown and renewed discussions around tariff policies have weighed on the dollar, while expectations of upcoming Fed rate cuts keep gold supported. Meanwhile, Fed speeches and incoming US data remain key drivers that could inject short-term volatility, but the broader bullish narrative remains intact.
🔎 Technical Analysis (H1/H4)
Price is firmly holding above the 3800 psychological level, confirming the breakout.
Buy zones remain intact at 3790–3792 and 3784–3782, with solid demand expected on any dip.
Sell liquidity sits around 3823–3825, where short-term profit-taking or traps may emerge before the next leg higher.
🔑 Key Levels
Resistance / Sell Zone: 3823–3825
Support / Buy Zones: 3790–3792, 3784–3782
📈 Scenarios & Trading Plan
BUY ZONE 1: 3790–3792
SL: 3786
TP: 3795 - 3800 - 3810 - 3820 - 3830 - ???
BUY ZONE 2: 3784–3782
SL: 3778
TP: 3790 - 3795 - 3800 - 3810 - 3820 - 3830 - 3840 - ???
SELL ZONE (Liquidity Trap Zone): 3823–3825
SL: 3830
TP: 3818 - 3814 - 3810 - 3805 - 3800 - ???
⚠️ Risk Notes
Beware of liquidity sweeps near 3823–3825 before continuation higher.
Fed comments and macro data may cause sudden spikes — adjust risk accordingly.
Stick to confirmation entries around zones to avoid being trapped by false moves.
✅ Summary
Gold is riding strong FOMO-driven bullish momentum, printing new highs above 3800. Main bias: buy on dips at 3790–3782, while monitoring short-term sell liquidity at 3823–3825 for potential pullbacks. The broader trend remains bullish, so patience and disciplined entries will be key.
XAUUSD – Prioritise waiting to buy after gold hits ATHXAUUSD – Prioritise waiting to buy after gold hits ATH, target 3840
Hello Trader,
Right at the start of the week, gold has set a new ATH, affirming the upward trend remains dominant. The price structure on H1 shows buying pressure remains quite strong, while adjustments are mainly to balance liquidity. In the current context, the preferred trading strategy is still to wait to buy at key support zones, with a target towards 3840.
Basic Context
This week, the usual focus would be on the Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) data. However, the risk of a US Government shutdown might delay this crucial report.
The US fiscal year runs from 1/10 to 30/9. If Congress does not pass all 12 spending bills, agencies without funding will have to cease operations.
In the absence of important economic information, gold continues to benefit from safe-haven sentiment and fiscal policy uncertainty.
Technical View
The price has broken out and created an ATH, with the 3837 – 3840 zone currently being strong resistance (Fibonacci + market psychology).
The 3770 – 3773 zone is near support, coinciding with the trendline and previous liquidity, suitable for buying.
MACD on H1 shows buying momentum is maintained, but a correction is needed for price balance before breaking higher.
Trading Strategy
Short-term Sell (at resistance):
Entry: 3837 – 3840
SL: 3844
TP: 3830 – 3800 – 3770
Note: This is only a reactive order at resistance, going against the main trend, so manage risk tightly.
Preferred Buy (trend-following):
Entry: 3770 – 3773
SL: 3766
TP: 3784 – 3799 – 3810 – 3838
Conclusion
This week, gold still prioritises the Buy strategy at support zones. The main target is towards 3840, an important resistance zone and a benchmark for trend strength. The Sell order is only short-term at resistance, while the main scenario remains waiting for a correction to buy up.
Follow me for short-term scenario updates during the week, especially as news and US fiscal policy changes can significantly impact gold.
Part 6 Institutional TradingPart 1: Role of Implied Volatility
Implied volatility (IV) reflects market expectations of future price movement.
High IV → Expensive options, profitable for sellers if volatility drops.
Low IV → Cheap options, profitable for buyers if volatility rises.
IV is a key factor in selecting strategies and timing trades.
Part 2: Time Decay in Options (Theta)
Options lose value as expiration approaches due to time decay.
Long options: Lose value over time if price doesn’t move.
Short options: Benefit from decay as premium erodes.
Understanding time decay is critical for timing trades.
Part 3: Hedging with Options
Options are powerful hedging tools:
Protect portfolios from market downturns using puts.
Lock in future prices for commodities.
Reduce risk while maintaining upside potential.
Hedging requires understanding correlation and position sizing.
Part 4: Speculation Using Options
Options allow leveraged speculation:
Small capital can control large positions.
Enables directional bets on bullish, bearish, or volatile markets.
High leverage carries high risk and potential loss of the entire premium.
Part 5: Options Market Participants
Key participants include:
Hedgers: Reduce risk from price fluctuations.
Speculators: Take positions for profit from price movements.
Arbitrageurs: Exploit pricing inefficiencies.
Market Makers: Provide liquidity by quoting bid and ask prices.
Part 6: Options on Indices vs Stocks
Stock Options: Based on individual stocks, more sensitive to company events.
Index Options: Based on market indices, less prone to individual stock risk.
Index options often used for hedging broad market exposure.
Part 7: Regulatory Environment
Options trading is regulated to ensure market integrity:
Exchanges like NSE, BSE in India; CBOE in the US.
Margin requirements for sellers.
Reporting and compliance rules.
Surveillance to prevent manipulation.
Part 8: Risks in Option Trading
Risks include:
Market Risk: Price moves against the position.
Time Decay Risk: Value erodes as expiration nears.
Liquidity Risk: Inability to exit positions at fair price.
Volatility Risk: Unexpected market volatility.
Proper risk management is critical for survival in options trading.
Part 9: Trading Platforms and Tools
Options are traded through online brokers and trading platforms:
Real-time data, option chains, and Greeks calculators.
Advanced platforms allow strategy backtesting.
Mobile apps support tracking and execution on-the-go.
Part 10: Conclusion and Best Practices
Option trading is a versatile financial instrument offering leverage, hedging, and income generation opportunities. Key best practices:
Understand the product before trading.
Focus on risk management, not just profit.
Start with simple strategies before moving to complex spreads.
Use Greeks to monitor risk and optimize trades.
Keep learning, as markets and strategies evolve continuously.
Options are powerful tools, but they require knowledge, discipline, and patience to trade successfully.
Elliott Wave Analysis XAUUSD – 28/09/2025
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🔹 Momentum
• D1: Momentum is still declining → next week we may continue to see sideways movement or further downside following D1 momentum.
• H4: Momentum is also decreasing → on Monday, we expect a continuation of the downtrend.
• H1: Momentum is oversold and preparing to rise → during the Asian session on Monday, a short-term upward move is likely.
________________________________________
🔹 Wave Structure
• D1 timeframe:
o Price is still within wave 5 (yellow).
o If D1 momentum enters the oversold zone and then turns upward, but price remains sideways without reaching 3632, then wave 5 (yellow) may still extend toward the second target at 3887.
• H4 timeframe:
o A corrective WXY structure is forming.
o With H4 momentum turning down, it is likely that wave Y is unfolding.
• H1 timeframe:
o A declining ABC (blue) structure appeared, followed by a rising ABC (blue) structure toward 3784.
o Within this, wave B formed a triangle abcde (red).
o This shows two ABC (blue) corrective structures developing within the adjustment, suggesting multiple possibilities for wave Y:
1️⃣ Flat 3-3-5: Wave Y may unfold as a 5-wave sharp decline, with an ideal target around 3713 → this is the expected Buy zone.
2️⃣ Triangle: Price may consolidate sideways above 3718 → patience is required to wait for the pattern to complete.
3️⃣ Large-scale Triangle: If the entire correction is a triangle, price will also sideway above 3718 → wait for completion before acting.
• Note: If price breaks above 3792, it may confirm that the corrective structure is complete → next upside target would be 3810.
________________________________________
🔹 Trade Plan
• Buy Zone: 3714 – 3711
• SL: 3703
• TP: 3733
________________________________________
👉 Conclusion:
The optimal approach is to wait for confirmation:
• Either the triangle structure completes,
• Or price declines into the 3713 – 3711 zone to set up a Buy entry.
LiamTrading – Medium-term Gold Outlook H4Let's prepare the scenario for the new week, folks!
In my opinion, gold in the coming week may start to show a medium-term correction phase. However, it is important to note that nothing is absolutely certain on a larger timeframe. If you are trading intraday, stay closely aligned with price action to ensure higher accuracy.
Gold closed the weekly candle at 3759.85 – a price level that clearly indicates hesitation. The end-of-week session showed a rejection of price increase, mainly due to profit-taking pressure, so it cannot be immediately confirmed that a downtrend will begin.
The upward price channel is still strong, so it is essential to maintain a buying trend mindset to ensure the confidence in holding profits remains firm.
The upward structure is still stable, but the RSI has reflected a weakening in buying sentiment. To confirm a medium-term correction, gold needs to break 3720. At that point, a reasonable strategy would be to wait to sell around 3737–3740 (retracing to the trendline), targeting the support area coinciding with the highest volume profile cluster at 3645.
Conversely, the buying scenario will occur when:
- Price touches the 3735 boundary and a candle rejection reaction appears.
- Or gold breaks above the minor resistance at 3780, in which case you can buy immediately, with expectations towards the 3850 area.
Next week, be patient and wait for market confirmation to increase the probability of success. I will continue to share detailed scenarios in each trading session for everyone to stay updated.
A strong ongoing bullish trend but may be approaching exhaustionAs being in Wave 3, which is typically the longest and most powerful impulse wave in a trend. Within this larger Wave 3, the price appears to be in the final, smaller Wave 5. This suggests the immediate uptrend is still in progress.
Overall trend is clearly upwards, confirmed by the price action consistently making higher highs and higher lows within an ascending channel (blue dashed lines).
The next significant targets appear to be:
$3,836.264 (1.618 extension)
$3,894.613 (2.618 extension)
$3,937.569 (3.0 extension)
Back to 4H Frame – Fed & Inflation Shape Gold PathGold on the 4H timeframe is consolidating near premium supply after multiple liquidity sweeps. Recent U.S. inflation data kept the dollar resilient, while traders anticipate upcoming Fed commentary for clearer policy direction. Price rejected from the 3,795 supply pocket and is now retracing toward discount demand zones. Market structure suggests engineered sweeps below support before bullish continuation into Q4.
________________________________________
📌 Key Structure & Liquidity Zones (4H):
• 🔼 Buy Zone 3,692 – 3,694 (SL 3,685): Discount demand aligned with liquidity grab, ideal for continuation longs.
• 🔽 Sell Zone 3,795 – 3,797 (SL 3,804): Premium supply pocket where liquidity sweeps may trigger short-term rejections.
________________________________________
📊 Trading Ideas (Scenario-Based):
🔺 Buy Setup – Discount Demand Reaction
• Entry: 3,692 – 3,694
• Stop Loss: 3,685
• Take Profits:
TP1: 3,715
TP2: 3,740
TP3: 3,760+
👉 Smart money may engineer a sweep below 3,694 before reversing higher. Watch for bullish rejection patterns at demand.
🔻 Sell Setup – Premium Supply Reaction
• Entry: 3,795 – 3,797
• Stop Loss: 3,804
• Take Profits:
TP1: 3,780
TP2: 3,765
TP3: 3,750
👉 Short-term liquidity scalp opportunity against trend. Valid if price fails to break above breakout point.
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🔑 Strategy Note
Bias remains bullish medium-term, but intraday sweeps into demand zones are expected as Fed officials continue to push cautious monetary guidance. Liquidity hunts around 3,795 supply and 3,694 demand will likely define the week’s volatility before a decisive breakout.
Gold Trading Strategy for Friday Late-Session✅ From the 4-hour chart, gold pulled back after hitting the 3791 high, dropping to the 3717 level, and then consolidating in the 3744–3755 range. The current candlestick has moved back above the MA5 and MA10 and is approaching the upper Bollinger Band, indicating that short-term bullish momentum is regaining strength.
The moving averages are turning upward in the short term, suggesting potential for further upside momentum. The Bollinger Bands are opening upward, with price near the upper band, showing the risk of a short-term rally but also the possibility of a pullback.
At present, gold is in a high-level consolidation phase, with a short-term bullish bias. However, dense resistance above makes a pullback likely after any rally.
✅ From the 1-hour chart, gold rebounded sharply after testing the 3722 level, reaching as high as 3783, and is currently consolidating near 3775. Consecutive bullish candles indicate strong short-term momentum.
The moving averages (MA5 and MA10) have formed a bullish alignment, showing a short-term uptrend. However, with the candlesticks approaching the upper Bollinger Band, a technical pullback may occur. The short-term trend remains bullish, and if price can hold above 3766, it may continue to test the 3783–3791 range, though there is still a risk of a rally followed by a pullback.
🔴 Resistance Levels: 3783 / 3791 / 3805
🟢 Support Levels: 3766 / 3752 / 3742
✅ Trading Strategy Reference:
🔰If gold pulls back to the 3766–3755 support zone and holds, consider entering long positions in batches, targeting 3783–3791.
🔰If gold rallies to 3783–3791 but faces resistance, consider light short positions, targeting 3766–3755.
🔥Trading Reminder: Trading strategies are time-sensitive, and market conditions can change rapidly. Please adjust your trading plan based on real-time market conditions. If you have any questions , feel free to contact me🤝
Part 4 Learn Institutional Trading 1. Introduction to Options and Their Importance
Financial markets have evolved to provide investors with a wide variety of tools to grow wealth, manage risk, and enhance returns. Among these tools, options stand out as one of the most versatile and powerful instruments.
Options belong to the family of derivatives, meaning their value is derived from an underlying asset such as a stock, index, commodity, or currency. Unlike direct ownership (buying a stock outright), options give the investor rights but not obligations, providing flexibility in trading.
Their importance lies in:
Allowing traders to profit in both rising and falling markets.
Offering leverage (control larger positions with smaller capital).
Serving as a hedging instrument to reduce portfolio risks.
Providing a platform for sophisticated strategies that balance risk and reward.
In today’s markets — whether on Wall Street, the NSE, or other global exchanges — option trading has grown from being a niche practice for institutional investors to a mainstream financial strategy accessible to retail traders as well.
2. Basic Concepts: Calls, Puts, and Premiums
At the core of option trading are call options and put options.
Call Option: A financial contract that gives the buyer the right (not obligation) to buy the underlying asset at a predetermined price (strike price) within a specific time frame.
Example: Buying a Reliance call at ₹2,400 strike allows you to buy Reliance shares at ₹2,400 even if the market price rises to ₹2,600.
Put Option: A contract that gives the buyer the right to sell the underlying asset at a fixed strike price within a specific time frame.
Example: Buying a Nifty put at 20,000 strike allows you to sell at 20,000 even if Nifty drops to 19,500.
Premium: The price paid by the option buyer to the seller (writer) for obtaining this right. Premiums are determined by factors like volatility, time to expiry, and demand-supply.
Strike Price: The fixed level at which the buyer can exercise the right.
Expiration Date: Options are time-bound contracts. At expiry, they either get exercised (if in the money) or expire worthless.
These basic concepts form the foundation of all option strategies and trading approaches.
Jobs vs. Inflation: Gold Steady Before PCE ShowdownHello, investors!
Gold saw only a marginal 0.1% gain, closing at $3,739.42/oz on September 25. This struggle was due to better-than-expected US jobs data (jobless claims dropped sharply), which slightly pared back the market's expectation for a Fed rate cut in October (down to 85%).
However, Gold maintains support from dovish Fed comments and potential political instability (like Trump's proposed 100% drug tariff). The entire market focus now shifts to today's (Sept 26) PCE Inflation Report.
Expert Alert: If the PCE data is hotter than anticipated, Gold could face sharp, temporary downward pressure.
Technical Analysis & Strategy
Gold is currently consolidating within a triangle pattern and has yet to break the $375x resistance. While more selling pressure is possible before the PCE release, the long-term trend remains bullish.
Outlook: Prioritize Buy if the price maintains above the Key Level $373x. If the news causes the price to break $373x, be ready to flip the strategy to Sell.
Key Resistance: $3755, $3768, $3778
Key Support: $3738, $3727, $3712
Suggested Trading Strategy (Strict Risk Management):
BUY SCALP
Zone: $3739 - $3737
SL: $3733
TP: $3742 - $3747 - $3752 - $3757 - $3767
BUY ZONE
Zone: $3704 - $3702
SL: $3694
TP: $3712 - $3722 - $3732 - $3742 - $3762
SELL ZONE
Zone: $3776 - $3778
SL: $3786
TP: $3768 - $3758 - $3748 - $3728 - $3708
The market is at a critical juncture. What is your game plan for today? 👇
#Gold #XAUUSD #PCE #Fed #Inflation #TradingView #ATH
Wave 5 is about to start – today just time your Buy right!📊 Wave Perspective
The market is still following the scenario of one more wave 5 increase.
It is expected that on Friday morning, the price may move around 3765 to confirm the continuation trend.
After confirmation, there will be 2 important zones to time your Buy for the big wave.
✅ Trading Plan
Zone 1: High Entry – Main Priority
Entry: 3749 – 3751
SL: 3746
TP: 3792
This is the first buying point, suitable for those who want to enter the wave early following the trend.
Zone 2: Backup Entry – Last Support
Entry: 3738 – 3736
Maximum SL: 3730
TP: 3792
This is a strong support zone, if the price breaks zone 1, this will be the "timing" zone to re-enter.
Note: Since this is a backup entry, reduce Lot size, widen SL a bit, and tighten SL when the price matches to optimize risk.
📌 Capital Management Note
Every order must comply with SL to avoid risks.
Prioritize entering orders according to the big wave plan, avoid FOMO.
EA setup: should be set to Only Buy according to the upward wave perspective.
Analysis perspective is for reference only, combine with personal view before entering orders.
🎯 Expectation
If the scenario is correct, the price may complete wave 5 at target 3792.
Upon reaching TP, partial take profit can be done to secure profits.
XAUUSD – FIBO MATRIX Trading Plan | Key Levels for TodayMarket Snapshot
Gold is attracting steady buying interest as dovish Fed expectations keep the USD capped near 3-week highs.
At the same time, geopolitical tensions and tariff concerns add to safe-haven demand.
Focus now shifts to US PCE inflation data, which could trigger the next big move.
📍 Important Price Zones (M30)
🔴 SELL Reaction Zones
3767 – 377x → Major rejection area (Fibo 0.786).
3810 – 3817 → Strong SELL zone (Fibo 1.5 – 1.618).
🟢 BUY Support Zones
3725 → First support zone.
3690 – 3695 → Deep pullback support (Fibo confluence).
🎯 Trading Ideas
1️⃣ SELL Setup
Entry: 3767 – 377x (if rejection signal shows).
Targets: 3750 → 3725.
SL: Above 3778.
2️⃣ BUY Setup
Entry: 3725 with bullish confirmation.
Targets: 3760 → 377x.
SL: Below 3715.
3️⃣ Deep BUY Opportunity
Entry: 3690 – 3695 zone.
Targets: 3725 → 3760.
SL: Below 3685.
⚡ Trading Insights
Respect the Fibo reaction levels for clean entries.
Risk range: 6–8 USD to avoid stop hunts.
Book profits in steps: 1R → 2R → 3R for strong RR balance.
💬 Community Talk
Do you see gold breaking above 3770 first, or dropping to 3725/3695 before bouncing back? Share your chart view 👇
XAUUSD – Range 3735–3755 now serves as trend confirmation zoneXAUUSD – Range 3735–3755 now serves as trend confirmation zone
Technical Analysis
Gold (XAUUSD) is moving within a narrow range of 3735–3755, and this price zone currently acts as a “pivot point” to confirm the next direction.
Short-term resistance: 3755–3772, price has reacted strongly multiple times. If not decisively broken, selling pressure may continue.
Key support: 3735, this is the decisive zone – breaking it will confirm a downward trend, targeting lower levels.
Stronger resistance: 3790–3793, confluence of several previous peaks, where strong selling pressure may form.
EMA200 H1 (3723) still supports the major uptrend, but the price has moved far and is now in the phase of retesting supply – demand zones.
RSI (14) around 45–48, not yet in oversold territory but leaning towards the sellers.
From a technical perspective, this is a market phase that requires confirmation: breaking above 3755 will reopen the upward momentum, while losing 3735 will reinforce short-term downward pressure.
Trading Scenarios
Sell Scenario (preferred if resistance holds):
Sell 3769–3772, SL 3775, TP: 3755 – 3746 – 3737
Sell 3791–3793, SL 3798, TP: 3783 – 3772 – 3760 – 3745
Sell when price confirms below 3735, SL 3742, TP: 3726 – 3715 – 3702 – 3690
Buy Scenario (trend-following on breakout):
Buy when price confirms above 3755, SL 3747, TP: 3766 – 3778 – 3790
Buy 3705–3702, SL 3697, TP: 3717 – 3726 – 3744 – 3763 – 3780 – 3790
Price Zones to Watch
3735–3755: trend confirmation range, most important in the short term.
3769–3772 and 3791–3793: strong resistance zones, potential Sell zone.
3702–3705: deep Buy zone, combined with strong support and EMA200.
3790: key resistance level, breaking it will reinforce the major uptrend.
Outlook
The gold market is in a decisive phase at the 3735–3755 range. Sellers have a short-term advantage, but if the price exceeds 3755, the uptrend may soon return. The best strategy is to trade based on price confirmation at key zones, combining profit-taking at each successive TP level to optimise gains.
This is a reference scenario based on technical analysis, not an investment recommendation. Stay tuned for earlier analyses in upcoming sessions.
Elliott Wave Analysis XAUUSD – September 26, 2025
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🔹 Momentum
• D1: Currently decreasing → the corrective trend is likely to continue. It may take about 2 more D1 candles for momentum to enter the oversold zone, after which a reversal could occur.
• H4: Momentum is rising → today we may see a bullish move or sideways range.
• H1: About to enter the oversold zone → a short-term bullish reversal is likely.
________________________________________
🔹 Wave Structure
• D1:
o As analyzed previously, wave 5 (yellow) has already reached its first target at 3789.
o It may take around 2 more D1 candles for momentum to enter oversold → showing that the bearish leg is weakening.
o Considering depth and time, the market is likely within wave 4 of wave 5. Once the correction completes, the uptrend should resume toward the second target.
• H4:
o A WXY corrective structure is developing.
o The ABC (blue) has completed wave W → the market may now be in wave X, followed by a Y-wave decline to finish the correction.
• H1:
o Wave X appears to be forming a triangle, currently in the final wave e.
o However:
If price rises sharply above 3762, it would suggest the corrective phase is already completed.
The target area for wave e is around 3752 → potential Sell zone.
If price breaks below 3729, it confirms wave Y is in play, targeting 3713 and 3698 → potential Buy zones.
⚠️ Note: If the Buy target is reached first, the Sell setup will be canceled.
________________________________________
🔹 Trading Plan
🔻 Sell Zone
• Entry: 3751 – 3753
• SL: 3761
• TP: 3729
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🔺 Buy Zone 1
• Entry: 3714 – 3712
• SL: 3704
• TP: 3751
________________________________________
🔺 Buy Zone 2
• Entry: 3699 – 3696
• SL: 3686
• TP: 3751
Public vs Private Banks in Trading1. Introduction
Banking institutions play a crucial role in the financial ecosystem, acting as intermediaries between savers and borrowers, facilitating economic growth, and influencing market stability. Within India, banks are broadly classified into public sector banks and private sector banks, both of which participate in trading activities but with different operational strategies, risk appetites, and market impacts.
Trading by banks refers to activities such as:
Equity trading: Buying and selling shares of companies.
Debt trading: Involving government bonds, corporate bonds, and other fixed-income instruments.
Derivatives trading: Futures, options, swaps for hedging or speculative purposes.
Forex trading: Buying and selling foreign currencies.
Commodity trading: Participation in commodity markets, often indirectly.
The distinction between public and private banks in these trading activities affects liquidity, market volatility, investor confidence, and overall financial stability.
2. Overview of Public and Private Banks
2.1 Public Sector Banks (PSBs)
Public sector banks are banks in which the government holds a majority stake (usually over 50%), giving it significant control over operations and policies. Examples in India include:
State Bank of India (SBI)
Punjab National Bank (PNB)
Bank of Baroda (BoB)
Characteristics:
Government ownership provides implicit trust and perceived safety.
Mandated to serve social and economic objectives, sometimes at the cost of profitability.
Larger branch networks, especially in semi-urban and rural areas.
Regulatory oversight tends to be stricter, focusing on stability rather than aggressive profits.
2.2 Private Sector Banks
Private banks are owned by private entities or shareholders with the primary objective of profit maximization. Examples include:
HDFC Bank
ICICI Bank
Axis Bank
Characteristics:
More technologically advanced and customer-centric.
Flexible, agile, and willing to explore new trading strategies.
High focus on efficiency, profitability, and risk-adjusted returns.
Typically have fewer rural branches but dominate urban and digital banking.
3. Role of Banks in Trading
Banks are central players in the financial markets. Their trading activities can be categorized as:
3.1 Proprietary Trading
Banks trade with their own capital to earn profits. Private banks often engage more aggressively due to higher risk appetite.
3.2 Client Trading
Banks execute trades on behalf of clients, such as corporates, mutual funds, or high-net-worth individuals. Both public and private banks participate, but private banks may offer more advanced advisory and trading platforms.
3.3 Hedging and Risk Management
Banks use derivatives and other instruments to hedge risks associated with:
Currency fluctuations
Interest rate changes
Commodity price movements
Public banks often hedge conservatively due to regulatory oversight, whereas private banks may engage in complex derivative strategies.
4. Trading in Different Market Segments
4.1 Equity Markets
Public Banks: Typically invest in blue-chip companies and government initiatives; tend to hold stable equity portfolios.
Private Banks: Active in IPOs, mutual funds, and portfolio management; may leverage proprietary trading desks for short-term gains.
4.2 Debt Markets
Public Banks: Major participants in government bonds, treasury bills, and large-scale debt issuance.
Private Banks: Active in corporate bonds, debentures, and structured debt instruments.
4.3 Forex Markets
Public Banks: Facilitate trade-related foreign exchange, hedging imports/exports; conservative trading.
Private Banks: Aggressive forex trading, currency swaps, and derivatives to maximize profits.
4.4 Commodity Markets
Public Banks: Minimal direct participation; may finance commodity traders.
Private Banks: May engage in commodity-linked derivatives for proprietary or client trading.
4.5 Derivatives Markets
Public Banks: Hedging-driven; lower exposure to high-risk derivatives.
Private Banks: Speculation and hedging; higher use of futures, options, and structured products.
5. Comparative Performance Analysis
5.1 Profitability
Private banks typically have higher net interest margins and return on equity.
Public banks focus on financial inclusion and stability; profits are secondary.
5.2 Risk Management
Public banks prioritize capital preservation; may carry higher non-performing assets (NPAs).
Private banks employ advanced risk modeling; NPAs are lower, but exposure to market risks is higher.
5.3 Market Impact
Public banks stabilize markets during crises due to government backing.
Private banks drive market innovation through new trading products and digital platforms.
6. Regulation and Compliance
Both public and private banks in India are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Public Banks: Must follow government mandates on priority sector lending, capital adequacy, and lending limits.
Private Banks: While regulated, they enjoy more freedom in investment strategies, provided they adhere to Basel III norms and RBI guidelines.
7. Technological and Digital Edge
Public Banks
Historically slower in adopting technology.
Initiatives like Core Banking Solutions (CBS) have modernized operations.
Digital trading platforms are limited.
Private Banks
Early adopters of digital trading platforms, mobile banking, and AI-based trading analytics.
Focus on client-driven solutions like portfolio optimization, robo-advisory, and high-frequency trading.
8. Case Studies
8.1 State Bank of India (SBI)
Large-scale government bond trading.
Stable equity portfolio; focus on corporate and retail clients.
Conservative derivatives trading.
8.2 HDFC Bank
Active in equity derivatives and forex trading.
Aggressive risk-adjusted proprietary trading strategies.
Strong digital platforms for client trading.
9. Challenges and Opportunities
Public Banks
Challenges:
High NPAs, bureaucratic hurdles, and slower adoption of technology.
Limited risk-taking capacity restricts trading profits.
Opportunities:
Government support can stabilize during crises.
Potential for technology partnerships to modernize trading platforms.
Private Banks
Challenges:
Vulnerable to market volatility and regulatory scrutiny.
Aggressive trading strategies can backfire during crises.
Opportunities:
High profit potential through innovative trading and fintech integration.
Can attract high-net-worth clients and institutional investors.
10. Impact on Financial Markets
Public Banks: Act as stabilizers; provide liquidity during market stress.
Private Banks: Drive market efficiency and innovation; increase competition.
Combined Effect: Both types ensure a balanced ecosystem where stability and growth coexist.
11. Future Trends in Banking and Trading
Integration of AI and Machine Learning:
Private banks leading in algorithmic trading and predictive analytics.
Public banks adopting AI for risk management and operational efficiency.
Blockchain and Digital Assets:
Both sectors exploring blockchain for secure and transparent trading.
Cryptocurrency exposure remains limited but monitored.
Sustainable and ESG Investments:
Increasing focus on green bonds, socially responsible funds, and ESG-compliant derivatives.
Global Market Expansion:
Private banks expanding cross-border trading.
Public banks supporting government-backed international trade financing.
12. Conclusion
Public and private banks serve complementary roles in the trading ecosystem:
Public Banks: Conservative, stable, government-backed, stabilizing force in markets.
Private Banks: Agile, profit-oriented, technologically advanced, driving market innovation.
A robust financial system requires both sectors to function effectively. Public banks ensure economic stability, especially in times of crisis, while private banks provide innovation, efficiency, and competitive trading solutions. For investors, understanding these differences is critical when assessing bank stock investments, trading opportunities, or market trends.
XAUUSD – Trading Plan: Gold Awaits PCE Catalyst📊 Market Context
Gold remains in consolidation mode after a sharp run earlier this week, holding steady below 3750. The market is now laser-focused on the US Core PCE Index, which could provide fresh direction for both the dollar and precious metals. With US yields stabilising and risk sentiment shifting, gold’s safe-haven appeal remains intact — but traders are weighing whether the recent pullback is a healthy correction or the start of a deeper retracement.
Meanwhile, the geopolitical backdrop continues to offer underlying support, while positioning in ETFs and futures suggests investors are cautious, awaiting clearer signals from the Fed. The upcoming data will likely decide whether gold breaks higher towards fresh highs or retests deeper liquidity zones.
🔎 Technical Analysis (H1/H4)
Price capped near short-term resistance at 3770–3772.
Immediate supports are 3741 and 3722, with deeper demand zones at 3690–3688 and 3670–3668.
The structure indicates possible liquidity sweeps before a decisive move.
🔑 Key Levels
Resistance / Sell Zone: 3770–3772
Support / Buy Zones: 3690–3688, 3670–3668
📈 Scenarios & Trading Plan
BUY ZONE 1: 3690–3688
SL: 3684
TP: 3695 - 3700 - 3710 - 3720 - 3730 - ???
BUY ZONE 2: 3670–3668
SL: 3664
TP: 3675 - 3680 - 3690 - 3700 - 3710 - ???
SELL ZONE: 3770–3772
SL: 3777
TP: 3765 - 3760 - 3750 - 3740 - ???
⚠️ Risk Notes
Watch for false breakouts at 3770–3772 before reversal.
PCE release may inject volatility across gold and USD pairs.
Position sizing and risk control are crucial into data.
✅ Summary
Gold is at a crossroads — safe-haven demand is still supportive, but technical resistance near 3770 remains a hurdle. Core strategy: buy dips into 3690–3670 zones, while staying cautious of short-term sell setups at 3770–3772. Manage exposure, wait for confirmation, and be prepared for volatility once PCE data hits.
📢 Follow MMFLOW TRADING for real-time updates and next-level trade setups.
LiamTrading – Gold may fake a move before dropping
Gold is trading around the 375x region and might exhibit a "fake breakout" upwards before adjusting downwards. The price structure on the H4 chart shows:
Strong resistance is located at the 3770–3773 region, coinciding with the 0.786 – 1.0 Fibonacci extension area. This is a confluence zone prone to a downward reaction.
The main trendline remains upward, but the RSI is gradually weakening, indicating that the buying force is not as strong.
Short-term support is at 3710–3713, also the 0.5 – 0.618 fibo zone, suitable for buy scalping orders.
A larger support area is at 3688–3691, where it converges with the trendline bottom and important Fibonacci, considered a sustainable "buy zone."
Trading Plan Reference
Sell: 3770 – 3773, SL 3778, TP 3756 – 3743 – 3725 – 3710
Buy scalping: 3710 – 3713, SL 3705, TP 3725 – 3736 – 3748 – 3760
Buy zone: 3688 – 3691, SL 3684, TP 3699 – 3710 – 3725 – 3736 – 3745 – 3760
In summary, gold may create a false upward move to the resistance zone 3770–3773 before reversing to adjust. Traders should patiently wait for confirmation signals at key price zones to enter optimal orders and manage risks tightly.
This is my personal view on XAUUSD. If you find it useful, follow for the fastest updates on upcoming scenarios, continuously updated at comulity