First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX ETF (FYX) provides broad exposure to small-cap blend stocks.
The First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX ETF (FYX) launched on May 8, 2007, and focuses on the Small Cap Blend market. Unlike traditional ETFs that use market cap weighting, this smart beta ETF follows non-cap weighted strategies.
Smart beta ETFs employ different techniques, from simple to complex, such as equal weighting or using volatility and momentum factors. FYX is managed by First Trust Advisors and has assets totaling over $971 million. It aims to mimic the performance of the Nasdaq AlphaDEX Small Cap Core Index by selecting stocks from the NASDAQ US 700 Small Cap Index.
FYX has operating expenses of 0.58% and offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.61%. Its main sectors include Financials (18.5%), along with Industrials and Healthcare. The top holdings are Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (0.86%), Globalstar, Inc., and Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
In terms of performance, FYX has increased by about 4.25% year-to-date and 16.7% over the past year. It traded within a range of $79.22 to $117.95 over the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 1.07 and a standard deviation of 21.06% over three years. The ETF holds 525 stocks, helping to reduce risks from specific companies.
Other options in the Small Cap Blend category include the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) and the iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR), which have assets of $76.57 billion and $91.26 billion, respectively.
As we enter 2026, it’s clear that small-cap stocks lagged behind large-caps in the last quarter of 2025. The December 2025 jobs report indicated strong economic performance, raising questions about when the Federal Reserve might adjust interest rates. This economic uncertainty creates challenges for funds like FYX, which focus on smaller, domestically-oriented companies.
With a beta of 1.07 and a historical standard deviation of over 21%, we can expect FYX to experience larger fluctuations compared to the broader market in the upcoming weeks. Its significant holdings in financials, at 18.5%, make it especially sensitive to changes in interest rates, which caused notable volatility in that sector during 2025. Any surprises from the Fed could significantly impact the ETF’s performance.
Recently, implied volatility in Russell 2000 options has risen above its three-month average, suggesting the market is preparing for bigger price changes. This scenario might make selling options premium through strategies like covered calls on existing FYX positions an appealing way to generate income. Traders who expect a significant move after the next Fed meeting but are uncertain about the direction may find buying straddles to capitalize on increased volatility an attractive strategy.
We also need to stay aware that earnings season for the fourth quarter of 2025 is starting, which could bring important company-specific news. Although FYX has over 500 stocks, any negative earnings surprises in critical sectors like industrials or healthcare could put pressure on the fund. Keeping an eye on initial reports from these sectors will be essential for assessing short-term market sentiment and potential price movements.
The actual US ADP Employment Change figure surpassed the forecast at 41K
In December, the ADP employment change in the United States revealed an increase of 41,000 jobs, falling short of the expected 47,000. At the same time, the US services sector showed strength, as indicated by the ISM Services PMI.
The Pound Sterling and the US Dollar saw ups and downs, with GBP/USD hovering around 1.3500 due to mixed feelings about strong US data. The Euro also struggled against the US Dollar, particularly affected by inflation in the Eurozone and US economic reports.
Gold And Cryptocurrency Market
Gold prices dipped, trading at around $4,440 per troy ounce, impacted by a stronger US Dollar and falling US Treasury yields. In the cryptocurrency space, Bitcoin corrected to below $93,000 after a previous rally, while Ethereum and Ripple faced their own challenges. Looking ahead to 2026, various forecasts and broker recommendations hint at potential market trends. While 2025 features significant changes, the 2026 outlook suggests a steady but cautious economic environment. Different brokers offer unique advantages for traders in regions like Mena, Latam, and Indonesia. The lower ADP employment figure of 41K indicates a cooling labor market, but we should remain cautious. Historically, there have been notable differences between the ADP report and the official Non-Farm Payrolls data, often exceeding 50,000 throughout 2024. This uncertainty implies that exploring buying volatility through options on major indexes could be wise before Friday’s official data release.Impact On Federal Reserve And Currency Market
The mixed data, showing weak labor signs but a strong ISM Services PMI, places the Federal Reserve in a tough spot. This creates a cautious outlook, making sudden policy changes unlikely in the coming weeks. Thus, traders might consider strategies that benefit from stable short-term interest rates since the Fed is likely to wait for clearer trends. The US Dollar’s unclear direction stems from these varied economic signals. With major pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD trapped in narrow ranges, there are opportunities in options strategies that profit from currency stability. This approach bets on ongoing market uncertainty over the next few weeks until one side of the economy reveals more. Gold’s inability to surpass $4,500, even with lower Treasury yields, highlights the continued impact of the dollar. A look back at 2022 shows how sensitive gold was to market views on Fed policy, a pattern that seems to be resurfacing. If it falls below the $4,400 level, this could indicate further weakness, making protective put options an appealing hedge. Bitcoin’s decline below $93,000 resembles the “sell-the-news” reaction after spot ETFs were approved in early 2024. The mention of mixed ETF flows suggests that this profit-taking trend might continue as excitement for the new year wanes. Using derivatives to hedge long positions or selling covered calls could help manage risk during this downtime. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.Hecla Mining leads as the largest primary silver producer in the US and Canada, excelling in critical minerals
Hecla Mining Company is the largest primary silver producer in the US and Canada, and it also leads in the production of essential minerals. With more than 130 years of history, it is North America’s oldest precious metals mining company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Recently, Hecla’s valuation has been impacted by falling silver prices. However, a closer look reveals that these price dips are part of typical market cycles, not signs of problems within the company. Despite fluctuations in silver prices, Hecla often sees significant gains when silver prices increase, as its revenue heavily depends on silver.
Hecla’s Stock Movement
Hecla’s stock price usually mirrors movements in silver, particularly during market corrections. However, when silver prices go up, Hecla generally performs better, showing strong potential for growth even when the market changes. Looking at Hecla from an Elliott Wave perspective, the company has been on a long-term upward trend since 2000. Since it hasn’t reached historical highs since 1968, there’s plenty of room for growth ahead. The Elliott Wave framework suggests that Hecla is currently in a developing phase, preparing for major market movements within the Grand Super Cycle. Future forecasts indicate that if Hecla reaches $47.36, silver could rise to between $91.40 and $100.00. This points to ongoing progress and additional growth potential in the Grand Super Cycle framework. Given Hecla’s strong connection to silver prices, we view its recent price decline as a cyclical correction rather than a fundamental issue. The company’s value strongly correlates with silver, meaning its stock can magnify both gains and losses in the market. This creates opportunities for substantial returns if silver begins to rise again.Strengthening Silver Case
The reasons for a silver price increase are becoming stronger. Industrial demand for silver, often overlooked, reached a record high in the fourth quarter of 2025. This surge was fueled by a 15% increase in global solar panel installations year-over-year. This strong physical demand helps stabilize prices, independent of investment trends. Monetary policies are also benefiting precious metals. Minutes from the December 2025 Federal Reserve meeting indicated a shift toward a more dovish stance, with markets anticipating at least two interest rate cuts by the end of the second quarter. Historically, lower rates can weaken the U.S. dollar and enhance the appeal of assets like silver. Hecla’s operational performance adds to our confidence. The company’s final production report for 2025, released recently, showed silver output exceeded annual expectations by 6%, largely due to strong results from its Greens Creek mine in Alaska. This solid performance suggests Hecla is well-positioned to take advantage of rising silver prices. For those trading derivatives, now is the time to prepare for a significant upward move. The Elliott Wave analysis indicates a “nesting” pattern, which often comes before a sharp price rise. It may be wise to consider buying call options with expirations in the next three to six months to catch the expected surge. We already see signs of this trend in the wider market. Silver has successfully moved above the $32 per ounce mark, breaking a key resistance level that held firm for much of 2025. This technical breakthrough reinforces the idea that a major upward movement is starting. Hecla’s stock is currently catching up to silver’s recent strength, which aligns with its historical pattern of initially lagging before outperforming. We believe the current price presents a good entry point in a much larger developing trend. The structure indicates we are still in the early phases of a strong upward shift, with significant potential for increase ahead. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.Traders evaluate Eurozone inflation as EUR/CHF stays stable near 0.9300, waiting for Swiss data
Inflation Metrics Analysis
Eurozone inflation remained steady. In December, the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose by 2.0% compared to last year, matching market expectations. Monthly inflation edged up by 0.2%, reversing the 0.3% dip seen in November. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy costs, softened slightly. Core HICP climbed 2.3% year-on-year, just below the 2.4% forecast. Monthly, core inflation increased by 0.3%, bouncing back from a 0.5% drop in November. This data suggests a small cooling in annual inflation, but the monthly increases point to an inconsistent trend of decreasing inflation. With inflation at the ECB’s target of 2%, interest rates are likely to stay the same following slightly weaker PMI figures. All eyes are now on Swiss inflation data, set to be released on Thursday. The forecast predicts a 0.1% year-on-year increase, but the month-on-month Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to decline by 0.1%, following a previous 0.2% drop. A lower-than-expected result could raise worries about low inflation and possibly negative rates.Market Reactions and Opportunities
The EUR/CHF exchange rate is currently around 0.9300, indicating a stable market. Eurozone inflation data for late 2025 hit the European Central Bank’s 2% target, reinforcing our belief that the ECB will keep interest rates steady for now. With this stability in the euro, all attention is now on Switzerland. The immediate opportunity arises from the Swiss inflation figures to be released tomorrow, January 8th. Implied one-week volatility for EUR/CHF has increased to 5.5%, surpassing the three-month average of 4.2% from late 2025. This indicates that traders may want to buy options to capitalize on the expected price movement after the data is published. If the Swiss Consumer Price Index falls into deflation and misses the 0.1% forecast, it could pressure the Swiss National Bank. We might see the pair quickly move towards the 0.9400 resistance level. In this case, buying weekly call options with a strike price around 0.9350 provides a defined-risk way to profit from a potential rally. Conversely, if inflation is stronger than expected, it would enhance the strength of the franc and push EUR/CHF lower. Given that Germany’s inflation cooled to just 1.8% in December 2025, any signs of rising prices in Switzerland would highlight a significant policy difference. In this scenario, put options would be the preferred choice to bet on a drop towards the 0.9250 support level. We should keep in mind the Swiss National Bank’s long struggle against deflation, which included the negative interest rate policy that ended in 2022. While officials claim the threshold for reintroducing negative rates is high, an unexpectedly low inflation figure could quickly shift their stance. Therefore, any derivative positions taken before the announcement should be managed with clear risk limits. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.Geopolitical tensions and a hawkish Bank of Japan cause EUR/JPY rates to decline
EUR/JPY is at 182.90, down 0.10%. Geopolitical tensions in Asia, along with support from the Bank of Japan (BoJ), are impacting the market. Tensions between China and Japan, coupled with comments from BoJ Governor Kazuho Ueda about tightening monetary policy, help keep the Yen strong even with Japan’s fiscal issues.
Eurostat reports December Eurozone inflation at 2% year-over-year, matching predictions and slightly lower than November’s 2.1%. Monthly inflation in the Eurozone increased by 0.2%, but core inflation fell to 2.3% year-over-year. This indicates easing inflation pressures in a weak economy, as shown by a 0.6% drop in German retail sales for November.
Japanese Yen Gains
The Japanese Yen (JPY) is gaining ground as China limits exports to Japan following comments about Taiwan, enhancing its appeal as a safe haven. The BoJ’s firm stance supports the Yen, but Japan’s financial challenges could limit its strength against the Euro. Today, the Euro shows strength compared to the Australian Dollar. Market Analyst Ghiles Guezout shares insights about market conditions, highlighting the cautious sentiment around EUR/JPY movements. His analysis focuses on recent economic data and geopolitical factors affecting the currency pair. The notable difference between a struggling European economy and a tightening Bank of Japan suggests we should prepare for further declines in EUR/JPY. Weak German retail sales in late 2025, confirmed by Destatis showing a 0.6% drop in November, highlight the softness in the Eurozone’s core economy. This weakness sharply contrasts with the hawkish signals from Tokyo. Eurozone inflation slowing to 2.0% year-over-year in December 2025 confirms the disinflation trend we’ve seen over the past year. This is a significant drop from 2.9% at the end of 2024 and gives the European Central Bank little reason to adopt a hawkish stance. As a result, we can expect continued pressure on the Euro, as interest rate differences favor other currencies.Safe Haven Status
The Yen benefits from its traditional role as a safe haven as geopolitical risks in Asia rise. Recent trade restrictions between China and Japan act as a significant catalyst, leading to a flight to quality that supports the Yen. We can expect this trend to continue as long as these diplomatic tensions persist. The Bank of Japan’s commitment to tightening monetary policy strengthens the Yen. This shift began in earnest when negative interest rates ended in March 2024. Governor Ueda’s recent comments suggest the market may not fully account for the possibility of another rate hike before the second quarter concludes. Given these conditions, we should explore derivative strategies that profit from a decline in EUR/JPY, such as purchasing put options. This strategy allows us to take advantage of potential sharp drops caused by geopolitical events while managing risk. The current environment of heightened uncertainty makes options an appealing choice for expressing this bearish outlook. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.BBH FX analysts report that the dollar index is stable near its 200-DMA mark.
The US Dollar is trading close to its high from yesterday. The dollar index (DXY) is only 0.3% below its average over the last 200 days.
The December ADP employment report and the November JOLTS report are important for economic policy. Predictions suggest private payrolls will rise to +50k, up from -32k in November.
Labour Demand Challenges
In recent months, there has been an average loss of 13,000 jobs, indicating issues with job demand. Further drops in JOLTS hiring and quit rates could show that labor conditions are getting worse. This supports predictions of 50 basis point cuts in Fed funds futures for 2026, which could impact the USD. The US December ISM services index is expected to show strong activity in the service sector, with a headline index of 52.2, down slightly from 52.6 in November. A drop in the prices paid sub-index could strengthen the case for more rate cuts by the Fed.FXStreet Insights Team Observations
This information comes from the FXStreet Insights Team, which includes insights from both analysts and external experts. As we look back at the end of 2025, the market rightly focused on weak labor demand as a reason for future rate cuts. The December 2025 jobs data confirmed this, with Non-Farm Payrolls at only 90,000, much lower than expected. This followed a trend in the November 2025 JOLTS data, which showed job openings at an 18-month low of 8.5 million. These numbers provided the Federal Reserve with the evidence needed to adopt a more dovish stance, reinforcing expectations for rate cuts in 2026. Additionally, the December ISM services index supported this view as the prices paid component fell to its lowest level since 2023, indicating that inflation is calming down. This shift resulted in the market moving from anticipating 50 basis points in cuts to now expecting at least 75 basis points of easing this year. This change has put pressure on the US Dollar, causing the DXY to struggle to bounce back above its 200-day moving average after dropping below it in late December. For traders, this scenario makes short-dollar positions appealing against currencies with central banks that are more hawkish. Options could be a good way to approach this, like buying puts on the dollar index or selling call spreads to benefit from limited upside. With high chances of rate cuts starting at the March meeting, interest rate derivatives provide a direct way to position for this. Eurodollar or SOFR futures contracts can help lock in lower rates expected for the second half of 2026. The key will be choosing the right time to enter, as much of this easing is already reflected in the market. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.Société Générale analysts note that USD/CNH is falling toward 2024 lows around 6.96
The USD/CNH currency pair has hit a low for 2024, dropping to about 6.96. This fall followed a break below the lower edge of a descending triangle, with no recovery signs so far.
If a short-term bounce happens, resistance may be found near the 50-day moving average at around 7.06. If the 6.96 level cannot hold, a decline to approximately 6.94 could follow.
Market Observations and Insights
The FXStreet Insights Team gathers market observations from experts, covering both internal and external analyses. This includes notes from commercial analysts and various insights for a well-rounded perspective. In late 2024, remember when USD/CNH broke below its descending triangle, pushing toward the 6.96 low? At that time, without clear rebound signs, the easiest path seemed to be downward, leading many to expect a further drop to 6.94. However, the 6.96 support became a crucial floor, coinciding with a change in fundamental drivers in early 2025. The People’s Bank of China reduced its one-year policy loan rate by another 10 basis points in the first quarter of 2025 to boost a sluggish economy, while the US Federal Reserve kept rates steady as inflation remained high. This divergence in monetary policy eventually overpowered the bearish technical setup and sparked a reversal.Trading Strategies for Current Conditions
Looking back, the best approach in early 2025 was to buy cheap, out-of-the-money call options on USD/CNH, as implied volatility was low when testing the 6.96 support. When the pair failed to drop further and surged past the 7.06 resistance level, those who had bet on a stronger yuan based on the chart were forced to close their short positions. The pair then climbed higher for most of 2025, peaking at 7.28. Today, with the pair holding steady near 7.22, the main takeaway is to prioritize fundamental policy differences over purely technical signals. One-month implied volatility is low at 4.2%, indicating complacency and making option strategies cheaper. With the dollar’s ongoing yield advantage, traders should look to use any dips in the coming weeks to build long positions through instruments like bull call spreads, which provide defined risk while aiming for a potential rise. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.S&P 500 holds a bullish trend and anticipates future gains despite recent pullback
The S&P 500 held its strong upward trend until the end of 2025, even with a small pullback. By late November, it reached close to its past all-time highs but couldn’t break through, indicating a phase of correction with support around 6800. If it drops below 6872, it could change this trend. Still, the index seems to be in a strong upward movement that might continue into 2026.
It is expected to rise within subwave (3) of a five-wave positive cycle, potentially hitting the 7000 range. The overall outlook shows an ongoing strong upward move within wave III, which may end in 2026. You can find this analysis in a recorded webinar released on January 5, 2026.
Related Market Movements
In other market news, the US ISM services PMI improved to 54.4 in December. The GBP/USD is likely to trade between 1.3470 and 1.3535, while the NZD/USD is rising due to weaker US ADP data. The JPY is performing well against other major currencies, and GBP/USD is stabilizing around 1.3500. The EUR remains steady ahead of the North American session. The economic outlook for 2026 points to steady growth, but uncertainties from 2025 still play a role. We believe the current pullback in the S&P 500 is temporary and not the end of the upward trend. The pattern that started in late 2025 is still positive, with strong support expected near the 6800 level. This dip could be a good buying opportunity before the market moves up again. Last week’s jobs report for December showed a moderate gain of 110,000 jobs, easing concerns about an overheated economy from earlier in 2025. This suggests that the bull market could continue without strong action from the Fed. The VIX has risen to around 19, indicating uncertainty in the market, which makes option premiums higher.Trading Strategies in a Volatile Environment
For those who are confident about the support level, selling out-of-the-money puts with strike prices below 6800 could be a good strategy in the coming weeks. This allows traders to collect premiums while waiting for the market to turn bullish again. However, if the index drops below 6872, it’s time to reconsider this strategy. A more cautious approach would be to wait for a clear breakout above the 7000 mark. A sustained movement above this point would confirm the beginning of the next upward trend. At that time, buying call options or setting up bull call spreads could take advantage of the expected increase in prices. The broader economic context from late 2025, especially the solid ISM Services reading of 54.4, supports growth. While the forecast for 2026 looks positive, we should remain mindful of the potential for volatility. This scenario favors bullish strategies with defined risks. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.Japan’s equity market declines due to rising tensions with China and new export controls
Japan’s stock market is struggling largely because of China’s restrictions on exports that are beneficial for military use in Japan. While crude oil prices have fallen significantly, cutting Japan’s energy import costs, the yen hasn’t responded much. President Trump announced that Venezuela will send between 30 to 50 billion barrels of oil to the US, benefiting Venezuela while being under US control. This indicates that Trump will actively pursue Venezuelan oil.
Growing China-Japan Tensions
Tensions between China and Japan are rising, which may lead the Bank of Japan (BoJ) to be cautious about changing interest rates. China’s export controls, especially on rare earth materials, could hurt Japan’s automotive industry. Additionally, an anti-dumping investigation into Japan’s dichlorosilane exports may worsen these tensions. These issues could further strain their relationship in the upcoming weeks. Despite slight decreases in yields in the US, UK, and Germany, Japan’s long-term government bonds (JGBs) are seeing upward pressure on yields. Investors are feeling anxious ahead of the 30-year JGB auction. Previous auctions after Liberation Day had mixed results, but December’s strong auction made it clear that investors might be attracted to these yields. Ongoing inflation, relaxed monetary policies, and increased spending create a challenging economic environment, likely causing the yen to remain weak. Upcoming wage data could affect the yen’s volatility, as rising wages support the BoJ’s goals for price stability. With tensions with China rising, we see risks for Japanese equities in the short term. The possibility of export restrictions on rare earths is especially alarming for Japan’s automotive and technology sectors, since China processes around 90% of the global supply. Traders might want to consider buying put options on the Nikkei 225 to protect against a potential market drop in the coming weeks.Weak Yen Forecast
The yen is expected to stay weak against the dollar, currently hovering around the 155 mark. The risk that the Bank of Japan may delay another interest rate increase due to these geopolitical tensions supports this outlook, similar to the cautious policy we observed throughout much of 2025. We suggest considering USD/JPY call options as a way to manage the risk of further yen underperformance. In the bond market, we anticipate continued pressure on long-term Japanese Government Bonds (JGBs). With 30-year JGB yields reaching 2.15% yesterday—levels not seen in over a decade—the market is clearly on edge ahead of tomorrow’s auction. Shorting JGB futures might be a direct approach to profit from the expectation that persistent inflation and government spending will raise long-term yields. Volatility will be key, especially with tonight’s wage data expected to show a growth rate of around 2.2%. Though this indicates a slight slowdown, it is still strong enough to keep the BoJ concerned, potentially causing significant movements in both the yen and JGBs. This situation suggests that option strategies designed to benefit from large price fluctuations, regardless of direction, could be advantageous. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.Germany’s 10-year bond auction increases from 2.67% to 2.83%
Germany’s 10-year bond auction yield went up from 2.67% to 2.83%. This increase shows changes in the market and how the economy is viewed, affecting bond markets.
The EUR/USD is now trading below 1.1700. This is due to weak inflation numbers from the Eurozone and fluctuations in the US Dollar after the ADP report. At the same time, GBP/USD has dropped close to daily lows, sitting just under 1.3500.
