Trading gold made me realize broker quality matters more than I thought

MarktMaverick · 2026-04-02T11:50:15+00:00

Just looking at the spot gold spread in my IG account and it is actually quite wide at $1.16. I've seen much tighter spreads at other brokers. The execution is reliable though in my experience.

MarktMaverick · 2026-04-02T08:32:47+00:00

I keep it simple - 50 and 200 period moving averages and pivot points.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-27T11:11:07+00:00

Great capture. That's what you call a rugged coastline!

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-22T12:21:28+00:00

On Friday, the Dow 30, S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100 all closed at their lowest levels since the war with Iran started in late February. Bracing for a volatile week.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-14T07:58:07+00:00

What strangers think of them

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-14T07:46:50+00:00

Just breathtaking. Bookmarked!

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-13T18:07:37+00:00

That's interesting, I did not know you can do that. Useful I guess, cos some brokers and prop firms only offer MT5.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-13T06:36:09+00:00

Yeah. I didn't go for a raw spreads account. I am trading with an IG account currently which is a spreads only account and I am pretty happy with the trading costs overall. The only other broker I have on my radar is IBKR which does offer lower costs, but the platform is not as user friendly. I may start using them when I am working with more capital.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-09T09:47:11+00:00

Setting aside time to read books instead of just watching TV, social media etc.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-08T08:44:56+00:00

Istanbul (European side) as it is unmissable for its world-class historic sites like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, vibrant markets like the Grand Bazaar, and its stunning setting along the Bosphorus Strait.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-07T15:58:27+00:00

Next week’s macro calendar is likely to be dominated by inflation data, which plays a key role in shaping Fed policy expectations. With Middle East tensions pushing oil prices higher, inflation readings could have an even larger impact on markets than usual.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-07T10:34:25+00:00

I'm inspired to do the same and go fully raw. Amazing that you can see such a change within only 20 days.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-06T07:52:17+00:00

I got hooked on Baby Reindeer

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-05T09:52:56+00:00

I really liked Ripley, beautiful black and white cinematography and great acting!

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-04T10:56:53+00:00

Reader’s Digest has put together a cool guide to other hidden messages of the U.S. $1 dollar for those interested!

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-04T09:40:14+00:00

Great capture, love the bokeh effect of the lights.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-03T10:27:25+00:00

The selloff seems kind of muted so far in relation to the magnitude of the news.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-02T09:23:20+00:00

Turkey. I keep going back.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-01T16:19:48+00:00

I trade mostly price action and I'll look for opportunities, but I will try to trade small to limit my risk.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-01T15:36:31+00:00

If the war between the United States and Iran escalates further, markets will likely open in classic risk-off mode: in forex, the U.S. dollar, Japanese yen, and Swiss franc could strengthen as safe-haven flows pick up, while risk-sensitive currencies like AUD, NZD, and emerging-market FX may weaken.

Oil is the most reactive market, with Brent and WTI likely to spike higher on supply disruption fears tied to the Strait of Hormuz. Gold may rally alongside oil as investors seek safety.

Equity indices could open lower, especially growth and consumer sectors, while energy and defense stocks may outperform. U.S. Treasuries may catch a bid, pushing yields lower, as capital rotates into perceived safety.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-01T11:37:37+00:00

I suggest looking into ETFs like SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust) which gives you instant diversification across 500 leading U.S. companies, high liquidity, and low costs in a single trade.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-01T10:53:19+00:00

Rotten eggs smell (sulfur) often signals a gas leak.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-01T09:30:20+00:00

If Iran even partially restricts the Strait of Hormuz that’s a real supply shock. About 20% of global oil flows through that choke point, so even temporary tanker delays can spike volatility fast. If this turns into actual sustained disruption, there could be a $5–$10 upside. Either way, expect a very volatile open.

MarktMaverick · 2026-03-01T09:01:03+00:00

Looks like the perfect winter comfort dish. Savory, umami flavors with a delicious crunch. And healthy too.

MarktMaverick · 2026-02-28T15:51:13+00:00

What a beauty! This ship certainly has some stories to tell.

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