Author: Desmond Brooks

In the world of retail trading, two styles dominate the conversation one that thrives on speed, and one that lives on logic. On one side, you have forex scalping fast, reactive, and manual. On the other, quant strategies algorithmic, data-driven, and automated. Both have their fanbase, both can make money, and both require real commitment. But which one truly suits retail traders in 2025? It’s a question of mindset, tools, and goals. Scalping and quant trading are completely different beasts, and understanding the contrast can save months even years of wasted time on the wrong path. This post breaks it…

In the world of finance, strategies evolve, traders adapt, and new technologies rewrite the rules. One of the most significant evolutions over the last few decades has been the rise of quant trading. Short for “quantitative trading,” it combines data, math, and computer algorithms to create highly sophisticated and fast-paced trading strategies. But despite its complexity under the hood, the core ideas are surprisingly logical and even beginners can start to understand and use its concepts with the right foundation. Quant trading isn’t just something reserved for elite hedge funds like Renaissance Technologies or Two Sigma. Retail traders are beginning…

Swing trading is one of the most approachable and exciting strategies in the world of financial markets. For beginners who want to step into trading without being glued to screens all day, this method offers a balanced approach that combines technical skill, patience, and the thrill of timing the markets just right. While not as fast-paced as day trading nor as long-term as investing, swing trading is the middle ground that has captivated traders for decades. In this blog, we’ll take you through everything a beginner needs to understand about swing trading: what it is, how it works, what tools…

This week’s financial world saw a dynamic shift, with MetaTrader 5 overtaking its predecessor in trading volume, new expansions from top brokers like IC Markets and eToro, and renewed moves in the US market from prop trading firms. Here’s a breakdown of the major developments that shaped the retail trading and fintech space this week. MetaTrader 5 Surges Ahead of MT4 in Trading Volume According to early data from the upcoming Q1 Finance Magnates Intelligence Report, MetaTrader 5 (MT5) has officially surpassed MetaTrader 4 (MT4) in trading volume. MT5 now controls 54.2% of combined trading activity on the MetaQuotes platforms,…

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is intensifying its efforts to protect the public from sophisticated online scams that blend romance and fraud. Through its Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA), the agency has launched a fresh public service initiative that aims to educate people about so-called “pig butchering” scams and other relationship-based investment frauds. These scams typically start with an unexpected message often through social platforms or text from someone who gradually earns the target’s trust. Once a personal connection is built, the scammer manipulates the victim into putting money into bogus investment schemes. These types of…

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is defending its decision to introduce a new FCA email retention policy, which will see emails deleted from staff inboxes after one year, despite concerns about transparency and accountability. The policy, set to take effect in April 2025, aims to improve data efficiency and compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act by ensuring that non-essential information is not retained unnecessarily. According to Ian Phoenix, FCA’s Director of Intelligence and Digital, the changes are designed to help the regulator better manage data while maintaining access to critical records. Enhancing Data Management & Efficiency With over 70 million emails stored, the FCA highlights that retrieving relevant…

Alpha Capital Group is launching Alpha Prime, a trading program that offers selected traders access to a professional London trading floor, marking a return to the traditional proprietary trading model. The Alpha Capital trading program aims to provide traders with a structured, professional environment, moving away from the widely used “challenge” format in prop trading. This initiative shifts away from the recent dominance of the “challenge” format in prop trading, which has been primarily based on demo accounts and simulated market environments. Instead, the Alpha Capital trading program provides traders with live market exposure, professional support, and a structured trading ecosystem. Alpha Capital’s Professional Trading Program The program is…

Gold prices surged to a record high on Thursday, fueled by growing economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Investor demand for the precious metal has increased in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, adding to concerns over a potential escalation in the global trade war. According to reports, spot gold reached an all-time high of $2,954.69 before stabilizing at $2,930.19 per ounce. Rising inflation concerns and continued gold purchases by central banks have further strengthened market expectations that prices could climb even higher in the coming months. Trade War Tensions and Inflation Worries Gold prices has gained 12% this…

StoneX Group is making a major push into the derivatives space by acquiring R.J. O’Brien & Associates, one of the oldest and largest independent futures brokerages in the United States. The acquisition, valued at around $900 million in equity, is expected to finalize later this year, pending regulatory approvals. This move positions StoneX to significantly grow its presence in the U.S. futures market. Once the deal is complete, R.J. O’Brien’s global operations will be integrated into StoneX, creating one of the most prominent futures commission merchants in the country. RJO currently manages approximately 75,000 client accounts, which will be brought…

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is preparing to overhaul the regulations that govern the UK’s asset management industry, a move aimed at cutting through red tape and enhancing global competitiveness in the wake of Brexit. This transformation is set to replace elements of the EU’s Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) with a new framework more closely aligned with the specific needs of the UK market. The planned changes are part of a broader initiative to make financial regulations simpler, more effective, and better suited to modern-day challenges. Enhancing Competitiveness and Reducing Complexity The FCA’s proposed reforms come at a…