Power Trading Radio - A Trader's Perspective On Investing In Stocks, Futures, Forex, Options Podcast

As the new year starts, all traders should already be thinking about getting their taxes done. Trader Tax professional Michael Atias of OTA Tax Pro’s joins the show to answer listener questions about a wide variety of taxation topics. Michael covers some of the primary criteria the IRS is looking as far as establishing “Trader Status”, as well as some of the reasons traders should think about setting up a trading entity early on in their career. PowerPick: AGU

Special guest and XLT instructor Brandon Tristan joins Power Trading Radio to share some of the tools he uses to help forecast the market’s direction. Many use things like S&P futures, or indicators to help assist them. Brandon uses something much bigger and far more powerful! The Dollar Index! The duo analyze the current action of the Dixie, and help explain what its implications mean for traders regardless of their trading time frame. Later Merlin sparks a discussion on OCO orders, the USDJPY and relative market strength.

Mike McMahon and Merlin Rothfeld start off the new year with a look at some of the classic historical events that have pinpointed significant market turning points. Namely, mad media articles and publications boasting one thing, and actually leading to the opposite. Traders must be aware of how news impacts the markets and specifically, each asset class. Merlin takes a look at the current PMI and Construction numbers as a possible catalyst for future upside movements, but cautions on the broader negative picture. Later, the duo takes a look at the Aussie dollar and the Euro for trading opportunities. PowerPick: DECK

As the year winds down, many questions have come in regarding Market Timing and Fibonacci tools. Master trader Jeff Manson joins Power Trading Radio to discuss his trading style and the unique way he uses readily available tools to plan and execute his trades. The duo talk about moving averages in conjunction with Fibonacci extensions as well as retracements to help pinpoint entries, stops and targets. More importantly, when multiple pieces line up and confluence is present, the trading risk can be reduced even further. Jeff also talks about his Live Trading Event in San Jose and New York in January. To find out more information, click here: http://bit.ly/bN7tsL

As 2011 quickly comes to an end, Tillie and Merlin take a look at a couple of standout items from the past year. Volatility & Uncertainty dominated the market, leading investors to run to bonds. Will this uncertainty continue in 2012? Tillie also breaks down some important correlation factors between Gold, Oil, S&P and Bonds. Later in the program, Tillie touches on how rebalancing portfolios is paramount in achieving a pre determined rate of return on your investments.

Early on in her life Joanne Farley learned the importance of discipline and rules. Her jobs as a bartender taught her many ways to implement discipline on her patrons, and as a Trader & Mentor, she still finds ways to help others find their way. Joanne and Merlin talk about her rise to prominence in the Online Trading Academy community not only as one of the top instructors, but also the invisible hand behind the scenes of the XLT mentoring program. Discipline and rules have been her keys to success, and she has no problem sharing that with Power Trading Radio! Joanne also backs up her conversation with recent examples right out of the XLT live trading session.

In a dramatic reversal of market behavior, markets shot dramatically to the upside leaving many frustrated with the erratic behavior. Merlin and Mike McMahon tackle several question relating to the topic before diving into several segments on Price behavior and Technical Analysis. Rounding out the show, the duo looks at a few currency pairs using several technical indicators.

Merlin is joined by XLT instructor Brandon Tristan for a show filled with market psychology and stock analysis. To start things off, Merlin and Brandon talk about market patterns and actions around holidays. Both share their routines and trading thoughts for end of year trading, then move on to current market analysis. The duo then tackles a variety of listener questions on several Equities, including: KOG, SWKS, GOOG, AMAT, IVN, ZNGA

John O’Donnell, Merlin Rothfeld and Tom Sosnoff take a walk down memory lane as they talk about the innovations that have shaped the landscape of the financial markets over the last 20+ years. Technology, transparency, and efficiency have leveled the playing field for traders and given them powerful tools to compete in the markets. According to Sosnoff, “If you can order a pizza, you can trade.” The trio go on to talk about social networks and how community plays a major part in the development of traders.

Diana Hill joins Merlin for a year end review of the current status of the Housing Markets. Diana talks about recent reports about the increase in Women buying real estate as well as other trends that are adding stability to the market. After a listener question about “Nontraditional” sources of funding to buy a home, the duo dives into a variety of market statistics which support current talk about stability in housing prices and growing confidence.

Commodities took a pretty big hit as the dollar continued to surge. This move sent the equity markets down over 1%, and momentum looks like it will continue. Craig Weil, 37 year trading veteran, weighs in with his thoughts on the current market behavior. Over the years he has seen his share of volatile markets, is this one any different? Craig and Merlin take a look at Gold as well as S&P futures to look for key levels where the slide may stop.

The market tanked on the FOMC statement, as traders were expecting a little more support from the Fed. This sent the dollar index through key resistance levels and surging upward to the next. Mike McMahon joins the show to talk about how the dollar is impacting global currency markets like the Euro, Aussie Dollar and Yen. Mike and Merlin map out key levels and zones which may pose problems for global currencies going forward. PowerPick: ESV

Former Online Trading Academy graduate, Brandon Tristan, walks us through his trading career and some of the twists and turns he has faced along the way. After completing the ProTrader course, Brandon went on to assist in the XLT, Extended Learning Track, where he became one of the favorites! After seeing a significant impact on his account from following rules and helping others Brandon talks about mentoring and his role in the process.

Merlin and John take a look at the weeks market numbers for signs of strength or weakness going forward. Of particular interest is the S&P 500 and its recent attacks at overhead price levels. John also takes a look at some international events moving our markets, and what the prognosis is going forward. The volatility continues, creating havoc for investors, but a fantastic environment for short term traders. PowerPick: SFLY

Due to overwhelming demand for advice on trader taxation, Power Trading Radio brings on an expert in the matter. Michael Atias, Director of Tax Services at OTA Tax Pros, joins the show to share a broad overview of some of the pros and cons associated with declaring trader status or maintaining individual status. Michael and Merlin discuss a wide variety of topics including: Corporations, 401k’s, wash sale rules, Mark-to-market accounting, writing off losses, and much more. PowerPick: URBN

Merlin and Debbie start right off by breaking down the current action of the S&P 500 futures which have had a few days of struggle at present levels. The duo talks about the relative strength of the current impulse moves to the downside, as well as the current erosion the current overhead supply level. Later in the show, focus turns to the importance of a trading plan, and what really goes into it.

Merlin and Justin Krebs talk about how a true professional trader does not look back at a trade that missed their entry by a tick. Instead, they feel confident that they followed their plan and move on to the next trade. To many traders whine and moan about a missed trade, get over it and find the next one! After handling a couple of listener questions on Financials and proper stop execution, Justin talks about his current ProPick on the AUDUSD, as well as the impact of Oil and interest rates. PowerPick: EURUSD

Marty Dim joins Power Trading Radio to shed some light on what news to watch and what to discard. As the markets evolve, some information becomes more relevant than others, and it can change quickly! The duo also talk about why some ETF’s don’t accurately track the underlying indexes, then ultimately take a look at the current market for clues on where its headed: PowerPick KLAC

Merlin Rothfeld and John O’Donnell wrap up the trading weeks activity and discuss many of the lingering topics impacting our markets. Of particular interest is a report that 1 in 4 fund managers beat the market this year. Pretty Pathetic! PowerPick: WSM

Guest Bob Heitner shares some excerpts from his Proactive Investor course which emphasizes following a strict set of rules regardless of market conditions. Using his tools, Bob is always in 1 of 2 modes: Bull or Bear. Whichever market condition his indicator indicates, he applies that strategy and stays with it until the indicator changes back to the other direction. This proactive approach allows you to catch 80% of the upside move and miss 80% of the downside move with a simple to follow strategy using a variety of asset classes. Bob shares a little of his thoughts on the European situation and its potential impact on our markets. PowerPick: ESV