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The Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares (QQQE) provide significant exposure to large-cap growth.

Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares (QQQE) is a smart beta ETF within the Style Box – Large Cap Growth category. Launched in March 2012, its goal is to mirror the NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index, focusing less on market capitalization. Smart beta ETFs provide alternatives for investors who don’t want to rely only on market cap indexes. They use different strategies, such as equal weighting, to aim for improved risk-return performance. Some methods focus on volatility-based weighting.

Focusing on Assets and Expenses

Managed by Direxion, QQQE has over $1.13 billion in assets. Its annual operating expenses are 0.35%, which is competitive with similar ETFs. The fund offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.59%. In terms of sectors, the fund invests 40.3% in Information Technology, with Consumer Discretionary and Healthcare sectors following. Major holdings include Advanced Micro Devices, Intel, and Marvell Technology, with the top ten holdings accounting for 11.97% of total assets. Performance-wise, the ETF has risen about 8.14% over the past year, with a 52-week trading range between $76.98 and $105.23. With 102 holdings, QQQE effectively spreads out risk. Alternatives include the Vanguard Growth ETF and Invesco QQQ, both of which have substantial assets and lower expense ratios. The key point is that QQQE allows trading in the NASDAQ-100 without heavy reliance on a few mega-cap stocks. Since the top ten stocks in the market-cap-weighted NASDAQ-100 make up over 55% of the index, QQQE offers exposure to a broader market rally. This presents an opportunity for a “catch-up” trade among the other 90 stocks in the index.

Outlook and Trading Strategies

With the latest October 2025 CPI report showing a cooler-than-expected rate of 2.8%, we believe the Federal Reserve’s cycle of rate hikes may be finished. Historically, this environment benefits smaller, high-growth companies that are more sensitive to rising interest rates. For derivative traders, this could create an opportunity to invest in the equal-weighted index, potentially outperforming its market-cap-weighted counterpart, QQQ. The fund’s beta is 1.09, indicating it carries slightly more systematic risk, which could enhance gains in a market rally. Following the inflation news, the VIX dropped from over 22 to nearly 18, suggesting a decrease in overall market fear. Traders might consider buying call spreads on QQQE to take advantage of a possible price increase while minimizing premium costs. This potential shift isn’t new; similar patterns were seen during the market recoveries in late 2022 and early 2024. During those times, market breadth improved, and equal-weight strategies briefly outperformed as capital flowed beyond the largest tech firms. Looking at options open interest, we’re already noticing an increase in call buying for QQQE compared to puts for the December 2025 expirations. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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In September, Canada’s wholesale sales surpassed expectations with a 0.6% increase.

In September, Canada’s wholesale sales exceeded expectations, showing a growth rate of 0.6%, while forecasts predicted no growth. This growth signals increased activity in the wholesale sector, suggesting a positive trend compared to earlier predictions.

Improvement in Economic Conditions

The data highlights better economic conditions. The unexpected jump in sales is significant for Canada’s market during that time. These figures show overall economic resilience. Surpassing forecasts gives us a hopeful outlook for future reports. With the surprising 0.6% increase in wholesale sales for September 2025, it seems the Canadian economy has more momentum than we thought. This rise against a zero-growth prediction challenges the notion of a rapidly cooling economy, adding complexity to the Bank of Canada’s perspective for the upcoming months. This report builds on recent data, like October 2025’s CPI figures, which came in at 2.9%, higher than the 2.7% expected. Coupled with a strong job market, the wholesale numbers suggest that demand isn’t dropping off as quickly as we feared. The market may be underestimating the Bank of Canada’s commitment to maintain restrictive rates into early 2026.

Interest Rate Implications

For interest rate traders, this means the chances of a rate cut at the Bank of Canada’s December 2025 meeting are decreasing. We should consider strategies that benefit from stable rates, like selling CORRA futures or buying options to protect against unexpected rate increases. Looking back to 2023, we saw central banks willing to keep rates high for longer, ensuring inflation remains controlled. In currency markets, this economic strength is positive for the Canadian dollar. A less accommodating Bank of Canada, especially while the US Federal Reserve appears to be in a prolonged pause, could lower the USD/CAD exchange rate. We are monitoring whether options markets start pricing in a higher chance of breaking below the 1.3500 support level tested last month. On the equity side, conditions are mixed, so we should be cautious. A stronger economy generally boosts corporate earnings, but the possibility of sustained higher interest rates may put pressure on the S&P/TSX 60 valuations. We are considering purchasing call options on interest-sensitive sectors, such as Canadian financials that thrive in a stable rate environment, while also looking at index puts for protection against broader market weakness. The main point is that implied volatility may increase as we approach the next Bank of Canada meeting. This uncertainty, similar to what we experienced in early 2024, offers opportunities for strategies that can take advantage of price fluctuations. We are exploring options spreads that can benefit from this elevated uncertainty without taking a definitive position. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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In September, Russia’s foreign trade increased to $13.595 billion, up from $7.466 billion.

In September, Russia’s foreign trade hit $13.595 billion, up from $7.466 billion. This growth signals a change in the country’s economic activity and trade patterns. Other market trends were also noted. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged due to a recovery in AI stocks and delays in data release. Gold prices dropped below $4,100, influenced by a stronger US dollar and comments from the Federal Reserve.

The Foreign Exchange Market

The GBP/USD exchange rate fell to 1.3140 as the dollar gained strength, with UK political and financial issues putting additional pressure on the currency. In contrast, cryptocurrencies struggled, with Bitcoin trading above $97,000 but experiencing lower demand overall. VeChain made a significant upgrade to its network, moving from a Proof of Authority system to Delegated Proof of Stake. This change aims to support the network’s growth, even though the digital asset faces a 15% downside risk. This week’s market focus is on analyzing US data released after the shutdown and its potential impact on investor sentiment. It’s crucial to note that no investment advice is given, stressing the importance of personal research and assessing risk before making financial decisions. Given the Federal Reserve’s firm approach, market expectations for a December rate cut have decreased significantly. Recent inflation data, while slightly lower, remains above the Fed’s target. The Consumer Price Index for October 2025 showed an increase of 3.4%. Consequently, the chance of a rate cut has dropped to 15%, down from over 50% a month ago, according to CME Group’s FedWatch tool.

Impact Of Interest Rates On Market Trends

This change is pushing the US Dollar higher, which is affecting major currency pairs. The EUR/USD rate struggles to maintain the 1.1600 level, while the GBP/USD rate is sliding toward 1.3140, weighed down by weak UK retail sales and uncertainty around government financial plans. Strategies that favor a stronger dollar, like buying puts on the EUR or GBP, seem well-positioned for the upcoming weeks. Gold is suffering in this environment, falling below the important $4,100 mark as rising US Treasury yields make the non-yielding metal less appealing. The US 10-year yield has risen to 4.75% this week, and if this trend continues, gold may test the psychological support level of $4,000 per ounce. Traders should think about short positions or protective puts on gold-related assets until the Fed’s stance changes. We are also witnessing a risk-off sentiment spill into more speculative assets, such as cryptocurrencies. With both institutional and retail demand fading, Bitcoin has retreated from recent highs and is around $97,000. Recent data indicates ongoing weekly outflows from digital asset investment products over the last month, suggesting that in a tighter monetary policy environment, capital is moving away from high-risk assets. The unexpected rise in Russia’s foreign trade surplus to nearly $13.6 billion is significant, likely influenced by steady energy prices during the third quarter of 2025. While this offers some fundamental support for Russian assets, the global picture is dominated by the strong US dollar. It would be risky to go against the broad market trend based on a single piece of country-specific data. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The GBP/USD pair fell to 1.3149, remaining near seven-month lows due to tax changes.

The GBP/USD pair has dropped to 1.3149, close to a seven-month low. This decline happened after the UK government decided to cancel planned income tax increases. The current government, led by Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, is trying to address a £30 billion budget deficit through indirect measures. Forecasts predicted the GBP/USD could fall to between 1.3050 and 1.3139, and it did reach a low of 1.3010. Experts believe that if this low holds, we might see a significant rally in the GBP/USD.

Wave Pattern Analysis

On September 17, the GBP/USD reached a wave ((x)) high at 1.3726. Following that, it declined, fitting the wave ((y)) pattern labeled as (a)-(b)-(c). In other market news, the DOW JONES has rebounded after fluctuations in AI stocks, while gold dipped below $4,100. At the same time, the USD/JPY is nearing a nine-month high due to a stable US Dollar. FXStreet notes that all market information should be taken lightly, and personal research is essential before making any investments. This article is not a financial recommendation, and FXStreet is not responsible for any investment results. As of November 14, 2025, the pound is struggling near a seven-month low against the dollar, trading around 1.3149. This weakness is due to the government canceling tax increases, causing uncertainty ahead of the Autumn Statement scheduled for November 26. Traders are concerned about how the UK will manage its £30 billion budget deficit. However, we believe the decline that started in July may have finally ended with the low of 1.3010 on November 5. From a technical perspective, this completes a specific wave pattern and suggests a strong rally could be on the way. This sell-off may represent a bottoming process rather than the beginning of a new downward trend.

Derivative Trading Strategy

Derivative traders might want to prepare for a possible rebound in GBP/USD in the coming weeks. Buying call options could be a smart way to take advantage of this expected rally while keeping downside risk limited. The goal is to act on the belief that the pound is oversold due to recent political news. This positive outlook is backed by new economic data that could influence the Bank of England’s decisions. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showed UK core inflation unexpectedly rose to 2.9% in October, slowing its decline towards the 2% target. This ongoing inflation reduces the chances of any rate cuts from the BoE soon, which is favorable for the pound. We’ve seen similar situations before, especially after the turbulent “mini-budget” in autumn 2022. Following that initial dramatic fall due to fiscal policy fears, the pound recovered over several months once a clearer policy emerged. The current situation might follow this pattern—initial shock giving way to a sustained recovery. Thus, the recent low of 1.3010 appears to be a vital support level. As long as the price stays above this mark, the positive outlook for a significant rally remains intact. However, a drop below this level would indicate that the corrective phase is still ongoing, prompting a reevaluation of any bullish positions. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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EUR/USD holds steady at 1.1630 near three-week highs in risk-averse markets

The Euro is stable against the US Dollar, trading just above 1.1600, after reaching a recent peak of 1.1655. The Eurozone grew by 0.2% in Q3 and had a trade surplus of EUR 19.4 billion in September. The EUR/USD has increased by nearly 0.6% this week, despite market worries and hawkish comments from Fed officials. The annual growth rate in the Eurozone is now at 1.4%.

US Dollar Challenges

The US Dollar is facing challenges as Federal Reserve policymakers focus on inflation rather than the labor market. Comments from officials like Mussalem, Hammack, and Kashkari show some differences but keep interest rates and inflation at the forefront. Currently, EUR/USD is above a key trendline, suggesting some consolidation. However, caution is advised as the RSI approaches overbought levels. Understanding support and resistance levels is crucial, as further movements depend on these indicators. In “risk-off” market conditions, stable currencies like the JPY and CHF are preferred, while “risk-on” situations could strengthen commodity-linked currencies like the AUD and CAD. These dynamics reflect investor sentiment about future economic activity. The EUR/USD is consolidating near 1.1650, indicating a disconnect between the market and Fed officials. The pair’s strength is mainly due to US Dollar weakness, not positive developments in the Eurozone. This could lead to volatility in the coming weeks, with traders momentarily disregarding hawkish Fed comments. **Impact of Inflation Data** The reluctance to buy the Dollar is partly due to recent US Consumer Price Index data, released on November 12, 2025, which showed inflation cooling slightly to 3.1%. While this is still above the Fed’s target, it raises speculation that rate cuts might be closer than officials indicate. The market seems to expect a softer economic landing, despite strong job growth in October with 180,000 new positions added. Next week, backlogged US economic data will be released, which could confirm the market’s view or challenge the Fed’s cautious stance. Implied volatility is increasing, with the VIX index rising from 14 to 17 over the past ten days. This suggests that options-based strategies might be particularly useful right now. For traders expecting significant price movement but unsure of the direction, buying a long straddle on EUR/USD with an early December 2025 expiry could be wise. This strategy involves purchasing both a call and a put option at the same strike price, allowing for profit if the pair sharply moves out of the 1.1600-1.1650 range following the data releases. Traders confident that the current bullish momentum will continue may want to buy call options with strike prices above immediate resistance at 1.1670. If the upcoming US data disappoints, the pair could quickly aim for the next technical level around 1.1730. Call spreads can help reduce costs while managing risk. On the other hand, if the US data comes in strong, it will support the Fed’s hawkish stance, leading to a likely downturn in the EUR/USD. This scenario mirrors events from parts of 2024 when strong data challenged market hopes for early rate cuts, strengthening the Dollar. In this case, buying put options with strikes below the 1.1610 support level would be an effective strategy to profit from a drop toward 1.1575 or 1.1530. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The strength of the US dollar is causing gold prices (XAU/USD) to decline during volatile trading sessions.

Gold prices are falling during a volatile trading session. This drop is driven by a strong US Dollar as investors become more cautious. Gold fell below the key level of $4,150 before the US market opened and reached intraday lows of about $4,130. Indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) signal a bearish trend. Current support is at $4,100, close to a trendline from early November, with another key level at $4,050.

Resistance Levels For Gold

Immediate resistance is found at $4,210 and $4,245. For gold to rise towards $4,380, it needs to break these levels. Gold has historically been a safe investment during uncertain times. In 2022, central banks, the biggest holders of gold, purchased 1,136 tonnes. Countries like China, India, and Turkey increased their gold buying, reflecting strong demand. Gold usually goes up when the US Dollar and Treasuries fall, making it a good option for diversification. Geopolitical issues and fears of recession can push gold prices up, especially when interest rates are low. The behavior of the US Dollar greatly affects gold prices. With the current decline in gold, we need to monitor the strength of the US Dollar closely. The Dollar Index (DXY) has risen above 106.00 this week, following signals from Federal Reserve officials that a rate cut in December 2025 is now less likely. This news is putting pressure on gold, pushing it below the crucial $4,150 support level.

Fed’s Influence On Gold

The Federal Reserve’s strong stance is backed by recent economic data. The latest Consumer Price Index showed inflation stubbornly high at 3.5%, and the jobs report added 210,000 nonfarm payrolls. This solid data gives the central bank reason to delay easing, which impacts non-yielding assets like gold. In the coming weeks, the bearish technical signals suggest we should adopt a cautious approach. The drop below $4,150 opens the way to the next support level at $4,100. Derivative traders might think about buying put options with a strike price around $4,100 or using bear call spreads to profit from a potential decline or sideways movement. However, we must remember the ongoing strong support from central bank purchases, a trend that has continued since record highs in 2022. The World Gold Council reported that more than 1,000 tonnes were added to reserves in 2024, and another 950 tonnes were bought in the first three quarters of 2025. This consistent demand suggests that if prices drop closer to $4,050, it could present a significant buying opportunity for long-term investors. As a result, a contrarian strategy could be to prepare for a rebound from these lower levels. Selling cash-secured puts with a strike price around $4,050 could bring in premium while waiting for a good entry point. If the market starts showing signs of recovery at that trendline support, we would consider adjusting our strategy from defensive to cautiously bullish. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Commerzbank’s Thu Lan Nguyen says copper price briefly exceeded $11,000 per ton.

The price of Copper briefly went above $11,000 per ton, but recent supply changes and economic reports have affected its price trends. Weak economic signals from China and the reopening of Indonesia’s Grasberg mine have both impacted Copper prices. While China’s industrial production has increased compared to last year, growth is slowing down. This slowdown includes a drop in metal production, which typically supports higher Copper prices. Domestic demand for Copper is weak, especially from China’s struggling real estate market, which dampens the outlook for demand. As production remains high and domestic consumption is low, China is likely to ramp up its metal exports. Reports indicate that Copper exports in October surpassed 100,000 tons, potentially breaking an annual record. Both local and global factors, including high LME Copper prices, are boosting exports. Although China’s inventory levels have slightly risen this month, the overall trend suggests a possible drop in Copper prices. The information comes from a collection of market insights and analyses by well-known industry experts. The recent rise in Copper seems to be losing momentum after failing to maintain the $11,000 per ton mark. Fundamental reasons indicate a price correction may be on the way. Traders should be careful with long positions, as the market dynamics are clearly changing. The main worry is the decline in demand from China, supported by the latest economic data. The preliminary Manufacturing PMI for November shows a reading of 49.7, indicating a contraction and a slowdown in factory activity. This new drop in the real estate market further complicates the outlook for industrial metal use. At the same time, China’s strong metal production is creating a surplus that is affecting global markets. Reports reveal that Copper exports from China reached over 110,000 tons in October 2025. This trend is likely to continue as high LME prices encourage sales abroad. On the global supply side, the partial reopening of the Grasberg mine adds to the bearish outlook. This is already reflected in LME inventory data, showing a net increase for the third week in a row, bringing total stocks to their highest level in seven months. Historically, such inventory builds have preceded price drops, as seen in 2023. Considering these challenges, it’s wise to prepare for a possible drop in prices. Setting up short positions through futures or buying put options could be a good strategy to benefit from the expected weakness. The inability to keep prices above the key $11,000 mark should be viewed as a significant technical warning.

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Silver prices are approaching their recent peak of $54.5 per ounce, according to Commerzbank’s Carsten Fritsch.

Silver prices recently hit a high of $54.50 per troy ounce but then fell by nearly 2%. This decline followed a drop in gold prices and an overestimation of silver’s price rise, bringing the Gold/Silver ratio down to below 78. Despite this drop, silver is on track for its highest weekly gain in five months. If it reaches $52, it could also mark its highest weekly close. The International Energy Agency expects electricity demand to rise, which will benefit silver because of its use in power generation and electric vehicles.

Silver’s Current Industrial Demand

Almost 70% of industrial silver demand comes from electrical and electronic applications, according to the Silver Institute. The FXStreet Insights Team shares expert market observations without just repeating headlines. FXStreet also offers insights into various markets, including stocks, currencies, and commodities, along with forecasts and trading advice. They cover movements in indices, currency pairs, gold, cryptocurrencies, and identify potential trading brokers expected to perform well by 2025. After nearly hitting the record high of $54.50 set about a month ago, silver is now pulling back. This reversal indicates strong resistance at these peak levels, creating some uncertainty. Traders should be aware of a possible double-top pattern, which might signal a larger market correction.

Gold Silver Ratio And Market Trends

The price drop was closely linked to a decline in gold, which lowered the Gold/Silver ratio to nearly 78. This ratio is now a key indicator as it approaches the yearly low seen in mid-October. Historically, the average ratio for 2023 and 2024 was much higher, highlighting silver’s current strong performance. Even with this pullback, the long-term outlook for silver remains positive due to strong industrial demand. Recent reports indicate that silver demand for photovoltaics could rise by over 20% by 2025, driven by global energy initiatives. Industrial consumption is now a larger part of overall demand than ever before. On the supply side, reports suggest that mining output from key regions in Mexico and Peru is slightly below third-quarter projections. The latest World Silver Survey data forecasts a growing supply deficit for the third straight year. This supply tightness offers strong support for prices. For traders in derivatives, the heightened volatility near the record high makes options strategies appealing for capitalizing on sharp movements. Given the low Gold/Silver ratio, traders might consider shorting silver against gold as a way to revert to historical norms. However, the strong narrative around industrial demand could justify the new, lower ratio. Those with a longer-term view might see significant price drops as good buying opportunities. The structural demand from electrification and green energy is not just a short-term trend. Using long-dated call options when prices dip below $50 could position traders for the next upward movement. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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UOB Group analysts suggest that the USD may decline further, facing resistance at 7.0885.

### USD/CNH Market Insights FXStreet shares insights from various analysts to help understand market changes. These insights are meant to assist in currency trading, but they do not give specific investment advice. The US dollar is falling quickly against the offshore yuan, and we expect this trend to keep going in the next few weeks. The dollar dropped to 7.0918 faster than we thought, indicating strong downward momentum. We are now focusing on the key support level of 7.0885 as the next target. ### Broader Economic Trends This outlook aligns with broader economic trends we’ve seen since 2024. China’s targeted stimulus appears to be working, with their Q3 2025 GDP at 4.9%, slightly above expectations. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve’s ongoing dovish stance, maintaining rates at 4.75% last week, puts continued pressure on the dollar. For traders, consider positioning for more USD/CNH weakness using options. Buying put options with strike prices close to 7.0900 could be a smart strategy. The market is already oversold, which might slow the decline. Additionally, creating a bear put spread by selling a lower strike put could lower the initial premium cost. It’s important to manage risk by monitoring the 7.1170 level, which is now seen as strong resistance. If the price goes above this level, it would contradict our bearish view and indicate it’s time to exit short positions. As long as the pair remains below this level, we will keep our negative outlook. The dollar’s weakness is affecting other currencies too, such as the Australian and New Zealand dollars. The broader US Dollar Index (DXY) has dropped about 1.5% just in November 2025, sitting near 102.50. This overall decline of the greenback strengthens our belief that USD/CNH is likely to continue lowering. **Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.**

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Uncertainty about US interest rate cuts affects gold prices, according to Commerzbank’s remarks on data release delays.

The price of gold has dipped slightly due to uncertainty about when key US economic data will be released. These reports were delayed by the US government shutdown, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics will announce new dates soon. However, upcoming data to assess the economy may not be available right away. The shutdown likely hindered data collection, which will impact October’s labor market report, particularly leaving out the unemployment rate.

Federal Reserve Concerns

Some members of the Federal Open Market Committee are uneasy about making further interest rate cuts without reliable data, especially regarding the labor market and inflation. Consequently, the majority may decide to hold off on any interest rate changes in December while waiting for clearer economic indicators. The FXStreet Insights Team consists of journalists who gather market insights from various experts. Their reports include notes and observations from both internal and external analysts, but do not provide personalized investment advice. We are currently facing significant uncertainty after the US government shutdown, which has disrupted important economic data. This complicates predictions about the Federal Reserve’s next actions, especially for their December meeting. During the 35-day shutdown from 2018-2019, we also saw data delays, leading to increased market volatility once the information was finally available. The main concern is that some Fed members are reluctant to cut interest rates without solid labor and inflation data. Before the shutdown, October’s headline inflation was already sticky at 3.4%. This lack of data raises the risk that the Fed may keep rates steady in December. The CME FedWatch Tool, which tracks market expectations, shows that the chance of a rate cut in December has dropped from over 70% to just below 55% in the past two weeks.

Market Strategy Implications

For gold traders, this situation suggests a cautious or even bearish approach in the short term. With gold prices currently hovering just under $4,000, if the Fed delays a rate cut, it could lead to a sharp sell-off. Consider buying put options on gold ETFs to protect against this downside risk or using straddles to benefit from a big price movement in either direction once clarity returns. This uncertainty also opens opportunities in the currency markets, particularly for the US dollar. If the expected rate cut is postponed, the dollar will likely strengthen against other major currencies. Taking long positions in the US Dollar Index (DXY) or purchasing call options on dollar-tracking ETFs could be a smart strategy in the upcoming weeks. Overall market volatility is a direct result of this data gap. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is currently at a relatively low 16, but this could change quickly as the Fed’s December meeting approaches without clear economic signals. This presents a chance to buy VIX call options as a low-cost hedge against a potential market shock. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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