Gold sets new record

Happy Friday!

What a year 2024 turned out to be - and what a start we’re having in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣!

Gold just crushed its best annual performance since 2010, Bitcoin’s on the edge of a breakout (or breakdown?), and stocks are coming off a two-year streak that’s one for the history books.

Add in a dollar ready to flex  its muscle as the most dominant currency in the market and tech stocks preparing to lead the charge, and you’ve got plenty to dig into.

Ready to unpack it all?

Let’s dive into the stories shaping the markets right now!

🏆 Gold Best Annual Performance Since 2010!
In 2024, gold prices surged by 26.7%, marking their most significant annual gain since 2010. See what was responsible for this impressive performance.

💰 Will 2025 Bring Needed Volume for Bitcoin?
As 2024 came to a close, Bitcoin's price hovered between $91,000 and $96,000, caught in a liquidity void. Analysts are closely watching the $94,000 support level, with hopes that the new year will usher in increased trading volume and a potential rally toward $98,800.

🧿 Investors Anticipate Stock Market Gains Amid Rising Global, Political Conflict
A recent Gallup survey reveals that two-thirds of Americans expect the stock market to rise in 2025, a significant increase from previous years. What’s driving this optimistic sentiment?

🗽Dollar Dominates on Cautious Fed and Trump's Trade Policies
The U.S. dollar concluded 2024 with substantial gains against major currencies, reaching a two-year high. Get more insight on what is driving its strength?

🥂 Stocks Achieve Best Two-Year Performance in 25 Years!
US markets wrapped up a blockbuster 2024 by marking an achievement so rare that it’s only ever happened a handful of times.

🏛️ Wall Street Wraps Up a Winning Year with a Quiet Finish
Despite ending 2024 with a down day, Wall Street celebrated an incredible year, driven by AI's meteoric rise and the Fed's interest rate cuts.

🚀 Discover the Top-Performing Stocks of 2024
The technology sector has once again demonstrated its dominance, with companies like Nvidia and Palantir Technologies delivering exceptional returns. See other top performing stocks here.

SCHLUMBERGER (SLB)

Last week, we added a third position, and as of last night, the stock finally climbed above our breakeven price of $39.21.  

After a few weeks of holding, I decided it was time to pull the plug and exit this trade.  

I closed the position at $39.39, locking in a modest profit of 0.47%.

We’re kicking off the New Year with fresh stock recommendations! 

The markets are waking up post-holiday, and it’s time to seize new opportunities. 

Here’s what’s on the radar

Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN)

I recommend a buy position at $5.61.

This trade is all about playing it smart with a small risk. 

The breakout in RSI is catching our attention, hinting at a potential momentum shift. 

It’s a cautious entry, but the setup looks promising.

Buy at $5.61

TP1: $6

TP2: $6.30

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU)

Next, we’re eyeing Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) at a buy position at $87.33.

This isn’t just about charts - it’s a bet on strong fundamentals and a clear technical breakout. 

Micron’s momentum is building, and it’s shaping up to be a great candidate for upward action.

Buy at $87.33

TP1: $90.10

TP2 $92.60

Two different setups, two exciting opportunities. 

Let’s keep an eye on these and see how they play out - patience pays!

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Dark Cloud Cover

The Dark Cloud Cover is a bearish reversal candlestick pattern that signals a potential downtrend after an uptrend.

It occurs when a large bullish candle is followed by a bearish candle that opens above the close of the previous bullish candle and then closes below its midpoint.

What to Look For:

• Two Candles: A Dark Cloud Cover pattern consists of two candles.
  
  
• Bullish Candle: The first candle is a large bullish candle, indicating an uptrend.
  
  
• Bearish Candle: The second candle is a bearish candle that opens above the close of the previous bullish candle and then closes below its midpoint.

Takashi Kotegawa - he’s the kind of trading legend that makes you double-check your trading goals. Imagine flipping $13k into over $200 million, all from the comfort of his bedroom.

Sounds too good to be true, right?

But before you start calculating how soon you’ll hit your first billion, let’s break this story down.

Kotegawa’s success wasn’t an overnight miracle.

It took years of grinding during Japan’s post-2000s economic recovery.

The markets were highly volatile, creating opportunities that Kotegawa knew how to exploit.

His strategy?

Aggressive day trading in stocks, not forex.

Here are the key takeaways:

1️⃣ Market Timing Matters
Kotegawa’s rise happened during a unique period of Japan’s market recovery. Volatility was his best friend, but not every market offers those conditions.

2️⃣ Extreme Risk, Extreme Results
Let’s be honest - most traders couldn’t stomach Kotegawa’s risk tolerance. He played big, and that came with the possibility of losing it all.

3️⃣ Leverage + Reinvestment
Japan’s stock market rules allowed him to leverage heavily. He compounded his gains by reinvesting profits aggressively—a strategy that only works if you’re on a winning streak.

Here’s the reality check: Kotegawa’s story is inspiring, but it’s not a blueprint.

Stories like his are exceptions, not the rule.

For the average trader, turning $13k into $200 million is more lottery than strategy.

However, we shouldn’t lose sight of the lesson here which is:

Learn from the legends, but focus on building a repeatable, sustainable trading approach.

Remember, steady growth beats flashy wins every time. Let’s trade smart in 2025!