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Microsoft and Meta’s strong performances boost optimism in technology sectors in a mixed market

The stock market is showing mixed results today. The technology and communication services sectors are seeing some growth. Microsoft has risen by 4.91%, likely due to new product launches or partnerships. Broadcom, on the other hand, fell slightly by 0.73%. In contrast, Nvidia gained 1.17%, showing strength in the semiconductor market. Meta had a significant increase of 11.88%, possibly due to strong quarterly results or optimistic forecasts.

Amazon and UnitedHealth Updates

Amazon saw a 1.10% increase, which reflects positive trends in e-commerce. However, UnitedHealth’s stock dropped by 3.67%, raising some concerns in the healthcare sector. The current market atmosphere is cautiously optimistic, especially in technology and internet-related areas. The performance of companies like Microsoft and Meta shows confidence in tech advancements and digital growth. However, the challenges faced in healthcare point to worries about regulations or operational issues. For those adjusting their investment portfolios, the technology and communication sectors may offer good growth opportunities. Staying informed about news specific to these sectors is crucial, as it can affect market trends. Diversifying investments is also important to reduce volatility, balancing growth with safer investments. With Meta’s stock jumping over 11% today, we can expect high implied volatility for its options. This situation could benefit premium sellers, as we anticipate a period of stability may follow such a significant one-day change. Traders might want to consider selling out-of-the-money strangles for the upcoming weekly or monthly expirations to take advantage of the heightened volatility.

Microsoft Growth and Trading Strategy

Microsoft’s steady 4.9% increase comes just after their quarterly report this week, which showed Azure cloud services with a strong 35% year-over-year revenue growth. This signals solid fundamentals, suggesting that buying call options with late August or September expirations could be a good way to capture continued momentum. The lower implied volatility compared to Meta makes this a more straightforward play. In the semiconductor sector, there’s a clear preference for AI leaders like Nvidia. Although we remember the volatility spikes around its earnings reports in 2024, its current strength indicates confidence in its upcoming product cycle. One strategy could be to buy call options on NVDA while also considering put options on weaker stocks like Broadcom to take advantage of this disparity. The significant 3.67% drop in UnitedHealth reflects new market jitters, especially with recent news about a possible investigation by the Department of Justice into billing practices in the industry. This uncertainty is likely to keep options premiums high, making it appealing for traders who believe the stock might keep falling or remain stable. We are thinking about buying puts for downside protection or selling call credit spreads if we think the sell-off has been overdone. Overall, market sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with the VIX around a moderate 18. This situation doesn’t make broad-market hedges cheap, but the memory of quick sector rotations back in 2024 reminds us to stay prepared. We believe utilizing strength in tech to finance protective puts on the broader market or weaker sectors is a smart strategy for the coming weeks. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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USDCAD sees sixth straight day of gains, backed by buyers above key averages

USDCAD has been on an upward trend for over six days, climbing from a low of 1.3575 on July 23 to a peak of 1.3853. This gain totals about 278 pips. Recently, the pair broke out of a two-month consolidation, surpassing the June high of 1.37955 and moving above the 100-day moving average at 1.38233. Although it briefly dipped to 1.3813, it quickly bounced back and stayed above the 100-day moving average.

North American Session Analysis

In the North American session, the price retested a level at 1.38268, just above the moving average, showing it has support. Staying above 1.38233 indicates strong bullish control, which gives buyers confidence. The close yesterday at 1.38292 created a support zone. If USDCAD drops below this level and the 100-day moving average, attention will shift back to the old resistance ceiling and the June high at 1.37955. Falling back into the previous range could put the recent breakout at risk. We’re seeing a strong bullish breakout in USDCAD, which has risen for six consecutive days. The pair is solidly above the 100-day moving average at 1.38233, which is now a critical support level. As long as the price remains above this mark, we expect bullish momentum to grow in the upcoming weeks.

Upcoming Economic Indicators

This strength comes from different economic signals. Recent data showed that Canadian retail sales for June slowed more than expected, raising concerns about the domestic economy. At the same time, WTI crude oil prices have dropped over 4% in the past week, falling below $80 per barrel, which negatively impacts the commodity-linked Canadian dollar. Looking ahead, everyone is focused on the upcoming US Non-Farm Payrolls report for July, set to release next week. Market speculation suggests a strong number is expected, which would support the Federal Reserve’s current policy and further strengthen the US dollar. This contrasts with rising expectations that the Bank of Canada may need to ease if its economic data continues to weaken. For traders looking for more gains, buying call options is a straightforward way to take advantage of the upside. With the recent sharp move, implied volatility is likely up, so using bull call spreads could be a more cost-effective strategy to aim for a move towards 1.4000 while managing risk. These positions would benefit if the pair continues to rise after the recent breakout. To manage risk, we should keep a close eye on the 1.38233 level. A sustained drop below this moving average and the previous resistance at 1.37955 would indicate a failed breakout. In that case, buying put options could provide a good hedge against long positions or serve as a bet on the pair returning to its earlier trading range. Historically, similar breakouts in USDCAD, like the one in late 2024, often paused to consolidate gains before continuing upward. Traders should not be overly worried about small pullbacks as long as key support levels hold. This pattern suggests that patience may be needed before the next significant move in the trend unfolds. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Meta and Microsoft’s earnings reports surpass expectations, lifting stock prices and advancing AI strategies

Meta’s revenue for the quarter was $47.52 billion, marking a 22% increase compared to last year and exceeding predictions of $44.8 billion. Earnings per share also beat expectations, coming in at $7.14, up 38% from the anticipated $5.90–$6.00. Ad revenue increased by more than 21%, and user engagement remained strong with 3.48 billion daily active users. Meta has updated its guidance for Q3 revenue to potentially reach $50.5 billion and raised full-year capital expenditure to $72 billion. Following this news, the stock rose by 11.62% to $775.88.

Strong Performance from Microsoft

Microsoft reported strong results as well, with revenue at $76.44 billion, an 18% increase from last year. Its earnings per share rose to $3.65, above the estimated $3.35 and up 24% year-over-year. The demand for Azure, powered by cloud and AI infrastructure, increased by over 30%. For the upcoming fiscal year, Microsoft plans to allocate $120 billion for capital expenditures, up from $88 billion last year. The stock reached a record high of $555.45 during the day but closed at $536, a 4.6% increase. The market cap briefly exceeded $4 trillion, closely following Nvidia. While Meta and Microsoft compete in AI, they have different focuses. Meta is centered on social media and advertising, while Microsoft excels in enterprise software and cloud services. Both are leaders in the AI field without direct competition like Meta versus Google or Microsoft versus Amazon Web Services.

Implied Volatility Decreases

The strong earnings from Meta and Microsoft reinforce the narrative that AI spending is more solid than ever. This is not just hype; it is turning into actual revenue and profits. We have observed a drop in implied volatility, with the VIX recently hitting a 12-month low of 11.5, indicating that traders are confident and not fearing an imminent decline. With Meta’s shares breaking decisively above the $748 resistance level, this support becomes important. We saw a similar breakout pattern in late 2024 that led to a consistent 15% rally in the following month. Selling put spreads for August or September, with a short strike around $740, could be a smart way to earn premiums while betting that this support holds. Microsoft’s breakout above its previous high of $518 is also a strong bullish sign, despite a slight pullback from its peak. The options market confirms this, as call volume for August expiration has surged to over double the daily average, highlighting strong bullish bets. A strategy of selling puts below the new $518 support level appears wise, taking advantage of the rising confidence. The significant capital expenditure announcements are seen as a sign of strength, not a burden on cash flow. The total spending between the two companies is now nearly $200 billion for the year, bolstering the narrative that they are the clear leaders in the field. For derivative traders, this suggests we should see elevated implied volatility around upcoming earnings, opening up opportunities for strategies like straddles if you anticipate significant movements. While the overall trend appears to be upward, we must monitor these key breakout levels closely. If Meta fails to maintain $736 or Microsoft drops below $518, it could indicate that this rally phase is ending. That would be a signal to consider taking profits on bullish positions or initiating short-term bearish strategies. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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U.S. Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index exceeds expectations at 2.8%

The Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index in the United States rose by 2.8% in June compared to last year, surpassing the expected increase of 2.7%. This rise may indicate trends in underlying inflation, which is closely watched for economic forecasts. In the currency markets, the EUR/USD pair is approaching the 1.1450 level, reacting to changes in the US Dollar’s strength and recent economic indicators. The GBP/USD pair is also showing fluctuations, staying above 1.3200 after initial drops, influenced by the broader US Dollar trends.

Gold And Cryptocurrency Market Trends

Gold is currently facing downward pressure around $3,300 per troy ounce, driven by lower US yields. In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin has remained stable between $116,000 and $120,000 for over two weeks, experiencing increased activity from larger investors and favorable regulatory news. In finance, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is discussing how tariff changes impact the US economy, balancing labor market risks with potential inflation concerns. Many brokers provide attractive conditions for trading major currencies and commodities, offering low spreads and efficient platforms. With the Core PCE inflation at 2.8%, the Federal Reserve is likely to adopt a more aggressive stance soon. This persistent inflation is similar to the 2022-2023 period when unexpected data prompts the Fed to act decisively. Despite worries about the labor market, controlling prices will likely be the priority. The US Dollar might strengthen due to these inflation concerns, opening new opportunities in the forex market. While EUR/USD is currently rising, we see this as a potential bull trap, suggesting you might consider buying put options in case it falls below 1.1300. Historically, higher inflation data in the US has led to rallies in the Dollar Index (DXY), pushing other currency pairs down.

Market Speculations And Strategic Movements

We should also monitor the GBP/USD pair for signs of weakness. Its current position above 1.3200 may not hold if the Dollar starts a strong rally driven by expectations of interest rate hikes. Upcoming FOMC discussions about tariffs could increase this volatility, so protective puts might be a wise choice. For gold, the downward pressure remains significant even with declining US yields. This indicates that the strong dollar narrative is dominating the market, making gold pricier for foreign buyers. We observed a similar situation in late 2024 when a rising dollar overcame support from yields, suggesting we might see gold weaken further below the $3,300 level. In the cryptocurrency sector, Bitcoin’s stability presents a distinctive opportunity. Data from analytics firm Glassnode highlights that realized volatility has recently dropped to a two-year low, often signaling a major price movement. Given the positive outlook, using call options might be a smart way to prepare for a breakout above the $120,000 resistance level with defined risk. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Personal spending in the United States falls short of expectations, showing 0.3% instead of 0.4%

US personal spending rose by 0.3% in June, which is below the expected 0.4%. This suggests that consumer spending is picking up slightly. The EUR/USD pair shows upward movement, reaching 1.1450 due to a weaker US Dollar. This comes after the Federal Reserve’s latest decision and positive US employment and PCE data.

Euro And Pound Market Movements

GBP/USD has shown mixed activity, hovering around 1.3200 after a dip to 1.3180. This fluctuation is influenced by external factors, including US economic data. Gold is facing selling pressure and struggling to surpass $3,300 per troy ounce. This trend aligns with falling US yields and a slightly weaker US Dollar. Bitcoin is stabilizing within the $116,000-$120,000 range, supported by ongoing whale purchases. Better regulatory clarity and new financial partnerships are boosting market confidence.

Federal Reserve And Future Market Strategies

The FOMC is divided on how tariffs may affect the economy, balancing risks to labor markets with inflation concerns. Understanding these factors is crucial for future policies. The slight miss in US personal spending signals that consumers are becoming more cautious. In June 2025, the Core PCE Price Index, the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, cooled to 2.6% year-over-year, the lowest since early 2024. This trend and the divided FOMC suggest we should look for strategies that benefit from a pause in rate hikes, as the argument for tightening is weakening. The divergence between central banks presents an opportunity. With EUR/USD at 1.1450, recent comments from the ECB hinted at a possible rate hike to combat persistent services inflation in the Eurozone. We believe that buying long call options on the EUR/USD could effectively capture this potential widening policy gap between a dovish Fed and a hawkish ECB. For GBP/USD, the recent fluctuations reflect uncertainty within the Bank of England. The last policy meeting on July 17th, 2025, ended in a tight 5-4 vote to maintain rates, revealing divisions over the UK’s economic direction. Given this uncertainty, we suggest considering options strategies like straddles, which profit from significant price movements in either direction once clearer policies emerge. Gold’s inability to rise above $3,300, despite a weaker dollar, suggests profit-taking after a strong rally. Looking back to 2020-2022, consolidation after major increases is common; recent CME data shows that open interest in gold futures has fallen by 5% in the last two weeks. We might consider selling out-of-the-money call options to generate income while awaiting a significant breakout. Bitcoin’s stability above $116,000 appears well-supported by strong buying activity. On-chain data from July 30th, 2025, indicates that addresses holding more than 1,000 BTC added a net 45,000 coins this month, confirming accumulation by large players. Selling cash-secured puts with strike prices near the lower end of the current range could be a smart strategy to collect premium or acquire the asset at a support level. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Microsoft and Meta’s strong performances boost optimism in mixed market technology sectors

The stock market has mixed news today. While technology and communication services are growing, other areas are lagging. Microsoft’s stock rose by 4.91%, likely thanks to new products or partnerships. Broadcom saw a slight drop of 0.73%, but Nvidia gained 1.17%, showing some strength in the semiconductor industry. Meta’s stock jumped by 11.88%, probably due to strong quarterly results or positive forecasts.

Amazon and UnitedHealth Updates

Amazon’s stock went up by 1.10%, reflecting strong trends in e-commerce. On the other hand, UnitedHealth’s stock fell by 3.67%, raising concerns in the healthcare sector. Overall, the market feels cautiously optimistic, particularly in tech and internet-related areas. Companies like Microsoft and Meta show confidence in technology and digital growth. However, challenges in healthcare raise questions about regulations and operations. For those looking to adjust their portfolios, technology and communication sectors may be good for growth. Staying updated on sector news is important as it can influence trends. Diversifying investments helps manage volatility by balancing growth and defensive sectors. With Meta’s stock up over 11% today, we expect its options will see increased volatility. This presents an opportunity for traders who sell options, as a consolidation period may follow such a big price change. Strategies like selling out-of-the-money strangles for upcoming expirations could be a way to take advantage of this high volatility.

Microsoft Growth and Trading Strategy

Microsoft’s 4.9% increase follows its quarterly report, revealing a strong 35% year-over-year revenue growth in Azure cloud services. This suggests solid fundamentals, making call options with late August or September expirations an attractive option to capture continued growth. Compared to Meta, Microsoft has lower implied volatility, allowing for a clearer trading strategy. In semiconductors, AI leaders like Nvidia are favored. While there have been volatility spikes around its earnings reports throughout 2024, Nvidia’s current stability signals confidence in its upcoming product launches. A potential strategy could be buying call options on Nvidia while considering put options on weaker stocks like Broadcom for a paired trade. UnitedHealth’s notable 3.67% decline points to new market worries, especially with news of a possible Department of Justice inquiry into industry billing practices. This uncertainty may keep options pricing high, making it appealing for traders who believe the stock might continue to drop or stay steady. We are considering buying puts for protection against downturns or selling call credit spreads if we think the sell-off is excessive. Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, with the VIX around a moderate 18. This level makes broad-market hedges less affordable, but memories of sudden shifts in sectors from 2024 remind us to stay prepared. We believe that using gains in tech to fund protective puts on the broader market or weaker sectors is a smart strategy for the upcoming weeks. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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USDCAD sees six straight days of gains, with buyers supporting it above key averages

USDCAD is on a steady rise, gaining for six days in a row. It climbed from a low of 1.3575 on July 23 to a high of 1.3853, marking an increase of about 278 pips. Recently, the pair broke out of a two-month consolidation range, moving past June’s high of 1.37955 and rising above the 100-day moving average at 1.38233. It briefly dipped to a session low of 1.3813 but quickly bounced back, staying above the 100-day moving average.

North American Session Analysis

In the North American session, the pair dipped to 1.38268, just above the moving average, showing strong support. Staying above 1.38233 indicates bullish control, boosting buyer confidence. The close yesterday at 1.38292 created a support zone. If USDCAD drops below this level and the 100-day moving average, attention will shift to the prior ceiling and June’s high at 1.37955. Falling back into the previous range could raise doubts about the breakout’s strength. USDCAD is showing a strong bullish breakout after six consecutive days of gains. It remains above the 100-day moving average at 1.38233, which is acting as an important support level. As long as the price stays above this point, we expect bullish momentum to grow in the coming weeks.

Upcoming Economic Indicators

This strength comes from differing economic signals. Recent data revealed that Canadian retail sales for June slowed more than expected, raising worries about the economy. At the same time, WTI crude oil prices have dropped over 4% in the last week, falling below $80 per barrel, which negatively impacts the commodity-linked Canadian dollar. Looking forward, everyone is waiting for the US Non-Farm Payrolls report for July, set to be released next week. There are expectations for a solid number, which would support the Federal Reserve’s current policy and further strengthen the US dollar. This contrasts with growing speculation that the Bank of Canada may need to consider easing if its economic data continues to weaken. For traders looking for more gains, buying call options is a straightforward way to tap into potential upside. Given the recent surge, implied volatility has likely gone up, making bull call spreads a potentially cheaper strategy to target a move towards the 1.4000 level while controlling risk. These positions would profit if the pair keeps moving upward after the breakout. To manage risk, keep a close eye on the 1.38233 level. A sustained drop below this moving average and the earlier resistance at 1.37955 would indicate that this breakout has failed. In that case, purchasing put options could be a smart hedge against long positions or a standalone bet on the pair returning to its prior trading range. Historically, similar breakouts in USDCAD, like those seen in late 2024, often pause to consolidate before continuing higher. Traders should not worry too much about minor pullbacks as long as key support levels remain intact. This pattern suggests that patience may be necessary before the next major move in the trend. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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In June, personal income in the United States surpassed expectations at 0.3% instead of 0.2%

In June, the United States saw personal income rise by 0.3%, exceeding predictions of 0.2%. This increase reflects the economy’s state and impacts financial decisions. The EUR/USD pair gained momentum, approaching 1.1450 after dipping to about 1.1400. Markets reacted to the Federal Reserve’s decisions and favorable employment and PCE data from the US. The GBP/USD pair fluctuated, rising above 1.3200 in a mixed trading environment. These changes came as the US Dollar faced downward pressure from new data releases. Gold prices faced selling pressure, hovering around $3,300 per troy ounce. The movements of this precious metal coincided with a decline in US yields and a softer Greenback. Bitcoin’s price remained between $116,000 and $120,000, thanks to whale activity and clearer regulations. Additionally, JPMorgan and Coinbase announced a new deal to connect bank accounts with crypto wallets. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is discussing tariff uncertainties. They are focusing on how tariffs affect labor markets and inflation. After June’s rise in personal income, July’s inflation numbers showed a modest 2.8% year-over-year increase, slightly lower than anticipated. This eases pressure on the Federal Reserve, suggesting they may not raise rates soon. For traders, this could lead to less volatility in interest rate-sensitive instruments, making selling options premium a smart strategy. The EUR/USD pair pushed toward 1.1450 last month but has lost momentum after July’s Eurozone PMI data revealed a surprising slowdown in the services sector. Similar dips in PMI data in late 2024 led to a temporary euro drop of 1-2 cents. Therefore, we see an opportunity in selling near-term EUR/USD call options with a strike price near 1.1400. For GBP/USD, the rise above 1.3200 has faded following the Bank of England’s cautious tone last week. This came after new data indicated UK retail sales fell by 0.5% in the last June reading. We are looking into derivative straddles to take advantage of the growing uncertainty, which could benefit from significant price movements in either direction. Gold’s struggle around the $3,300 mark is troubling, especially with the 10-year Treasury yield dropping to 3.5% this week. Usually, lower yields support gold prices, but open interest in gold futures has decreased by 5% in the last two weeks. This suggests a lack of buying confidence, making purchasing put options a practical way to hedge against a potential decline toward the $3,200 support level. Bitcoin is still within its narrow range, but on-chain data from July 28 noted a net outflow of 12,000 BTC from exchanges, a sign often seen before price rallies. Large outflows previously in 2023 led to significant price increases within the next quarter. We believe buying call options with a $125,000 strike, expiring in September, is a sensible strategy for a potential breakout.

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In June, the month-on-month personal consumption expenditures price index in the United States matched forecasts at 0.3%

In June, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index in the United States rose by 0.3% from the previous month, matching expectations. This index measures consumer spending inflation and is a key indicator for financial markets, impacting monetary policy decisions. The EUR/USD pair saw a rebound as it approached the 1.1450 level. This was fueled by a weaker US dollar and positive US employment data. The GBP/USD fluctuated around the low-1.3200 range, reversing an initial drop as selling pressure on the dollar renewed. Gold has struggled to break the $3,300 per troy ounce mark. This struggle is linked to lower US yields and a slight weakening of the dollar. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s price has remained steady between $116,000 and $120,000, supported by large investors purchasing and clearer regulations, which boost market sentiment. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is currently split on the effects of tariff policies, considering how these may impact labor markets and inflation. These differing views showcase the ongoing challenges in guiding monetary policy amid economic uncertainty. With the June PCE data aligning with expectations, the market’s attention has shifted to the Federal Reserve’s next decision. The FOMC’s divisions on policy create significant uncertainty, which is very important for us. Recently, the July Consumer Price Index (CPI) saw a 0.4% increase, slightly above what was anticipated, adding pressure on the Fed. This situation suggests that betting on market direction could be risky in August. The tension is evident in the VIX, which has risen from about 16 in late June to around 19. Buying volatility through options on major indices could be a wise strategy to protect against a sharp move after the Fed’s next meeting. Given the recent weakness in the dollar, we should closely monitor foreign exchange pairs. The latest non-farm payroll report for July 2025 revealed a gain of only 175,000 jobs, which fell short of forecasts and may limit the Fed’s ability to take aggressive action. This could allow pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD to reach higher levels, making limited-risk call options appealing. Gold’s failure to break the $3,300 level, despite lower yields, indicates that the market is waiting for a catalyst. The mixed signals of rising inflation alongside a weak job market create a tense situation for gold. Traders might consider using straddles, which can profit from significant price movements in either direction, before the Jackson Hole symposium in late August. Bitcoin is building a solid base between $116,000 and $120,000, and this consolidation appears healthy. The established range offers clear levels for options trades, such as selling puts near the bottom of the range to earn premium. A strong move above $120,000 could trigger substantial new buying. This kind of market indecision reminds us of similar times, like the uneven trading seen in 2019 when the Fed was also grappling with trade policies and mixed economic signals. During that period, using range-bound strategies and being ready for sudden reversals were essential for managing uncertainty. It looks like we are in a similar phase now, where being patient will pay off.

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Copper prices fall significantly due to new tariffs and exclusions affecting market expectations and dynamics.

Copper prices have taken a significant hit after new tariffs on certain copper products have been announced. The price dropped by $1.22, which is a 21.89% decline, marking one of the worst days since 2015. President Trump’s new tariffs, set at 50%, target semi-finished copper products and derivatives. These tariffs will be effective starting August 1, 2025. Notably, refined copper, ores, concentrates, mattes, and scrap copper are not included in these tariffs. The items affected include pipes, wires, rods, sheets, and copper-heavy products like pipe fittings and electrical components. The goal of these tariffs is to strengthen the domestic copper industry by requiring the sale of US-produced copper scrap within the country. The exclusion of refined copper from these tariffs led to a sharp drop in US copper futures. This surprised many in the market, as they had expected a wider range of products to face tariffs. There is also talk of potential future tariffs on refined copper—15% by 2027 and 30% by 2028. Copper trading has fallen below important moving averages, with support levels between $3.92 and $4.02. If prices continue to drop, it may signal further bearish market trends. This unexpected decision to exclude refined copper from tariffs has changed trade predictions and affected copper prices globally. With copper prices dropping over 21% today, the market was clearly caught off guard by the refined copper exclusion. Implied volatility on copper options has surged, with front-month contracts reaching over 45%, a level not seen since the market shocks of 2022. This high volatility could present opportunities for those ready to navigate price swings in the coming weeks. The new rules, effective tomorrow, are expected to increase US imports of refined copper cathodes as manufacturers rush to avoid significant tariffs on finished pipes and wires. We expect a buildup of raw copper in US warehouses, which will likely keep pressure on COMEX futures prices. June 2025 import data showed a 12% increase in refined copper imports year-over-year, and we anticipate this trend to accelerate. For futures traders, the easiest path is now downward, following a clear break below the 200-day moving average at $4.63. Any rally back toward this level might provide a good chance to enter new short positions. The next key downside target is the support zone between $3.92 and $4.02, a level that has held strong multiple times since 2024. Given the increased cost of options, buying puts directly is now pricey. A smarter strategy might be to sell out-of-the-money call spreads to collect the strong premiums, betting that prices stay below the $4.50-$4.60 range through August and September. This is a bearish approach that profits from both price stability and falling volatility. Another strategy involves a spread trade, going long on refined copper futures while shorting the stocks of US copper fabricators. These companies, which convert refined copper into finished products, are facing squeezed profit margins. We’ve already seen stocks like Encore Wire (WIRE) drop over 25% due to this news, and we expect this downward trend to continue.
Graph of Copper Prices
Graph showing the recent drop in copper prices.

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