Evolution of Forex Trading: Navigating the Dynamic Landscape

Forex trading, an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of global economies, has evolved into a dynamic and multifaceted industry, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Understanding the historical trajectory and the contemporary nuances of this market is paramount for traders, whether they are novices embarking on their financial journey or seasoned professionals seeking to harness its vast potential.

Historical Overview

The roots of forex trading are closely linked with those of economic history in general, with an important milestone being marked by the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1944. This accord laid the groundwork for an exchange rate system that would be fixed, setting the stage for international monetary cooperation. However, it was the subsequent shift in the early 1970s to an exchange rate system that was “floating” that catalyzed the modern era of forex trading. This move unleashed currencies to fluctuate based on market forces, leading to what would go on to become the decentralized and 24-hour market that we recognize today.

Role of Brokers

Brokers are an integral part of the system, and they do their job by offering trading platforms that empower individuals to buy and sell currencies. It’s within this framework that legitimate forex trading platforms come to the forefront, serving as reliable intermediaries facilitating access to the global forex market.

The Necessity of Broker Licenses

A linchpin in the forex trading ecosystem is the acquisition of a broker license, a regulatory imprimatur that distinguishes reputable brokers from their counterparts. Regulatory bodies such as CySEC, FSCA, and ASIC bestow these licenses upon brokers who demonstrate a commitment to financial regulations, ethical business practices, and the protection of client funds. The importance of broker licenses cannot be overstated, and popular platforms tend to exemplify this commitment, ensuring a secure trading environment for their clientele.

Guarding Against Scam Brokers

The allure of the forex market also attracts less scrupulous entities—scam brokers seeking to exploit unsuspecting traders. These unregistered and unauthorized actors can pose a threat to the integrity of the industry. Regulatory bodies globally actively combat such malpractices, emphasizing the crucial role of broker licenses in identifying trustworthy platforms. Services like OctaFX, FBS, and IQ Option, being stalwarts in the industry, prioritize the safety of their traders by adhering to stringent regulatory standards.

Forex Trading: An Ever-Evolving Landscape

The evolution of the forex market marches in tandem with technological advancements, giving rise to sophisticated trading platforms. These platforms are instrumental in executing trades, providing real-time data, and offering advanced analysis tools. The continuous interplay between forex trading, reputable brokers, and cutting-edge trading platforms showcases the industry’s adaptability and resilience in the face of changing global dynamics.

Educational Imperative for Traders

In an industry as dynamic as forex trading, education emerges as a powerful tool for traders who are new to the game, as well as those who are already veterans. Continuous learning equips traders with the knowledge needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape, make better decisions, and guard against potential pitfalls. Platforms are constantly competing for users, so it is in their best interest to offer traders more than just a simple trading system, but other resources as well, such as guides and educational materials.

Conclusion

As forex trading continues to shape the global financial landscape, understanding its history, the role of brokers, and the significance of broker licenses remains paramount. The ability to adapt, stay informed, and choose reputable brokers like OctaFX, for example, is key to success in this dynamic industry. The ongoing evolution of forex trading, coupled with the safeguards provided by broker licenses, ensures a resilient and trustworthy place for traders worldwide to operate.

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How we get a US$1,155 reward with this limited-time offer

To kick start the year 2024, Webull, a leading online brokerage platform, is rewarding its customers with attractive offers. This time round, Webull is rewarding both their new and existing users with stackable rewards from now till 31 January 2024. While most of us may be familiar with their generous Welcome Rewards, Webull is taking it further to another level by throwing in other attractive offers.

Stackable Rewards

First, register an account with Webull via this link. Then, download the Webull app on Apple Store, Google Play or the Webull Desktop. Once you are done, you can refer to the table below and stack the rewards and get as much as you can.

You can easily stack [Offer A] + [Offer B1] + [Offer C1] without much outlay

Offer A – Pick The Lowest Hanging Fruit First

For those who are new, you can start off by signing up an account with them via this link and fund any amount from as little as $0.01. You will receive 5 free shares worth between US$3 – US$500 each randomly. That also means you are guaranteed to receive a minimum of 5 x US$3 worth of fractional shares or US$15 by simply signing up without doing any trading. If you are super risk adverse, you can stop at this step.

Offer B – Get Up to USD3,000

Let’s say you are a little bit more risk tolerant, you can choose to take it up a notch further and earn even more rewards with Moneybull. What is Moneybull if you may ask? Well, to put it simply, it is a wealth management tool for the lazy investor. It is designed for margin accounts to earn a yield on idle cash while maintaining liquidity and low risk. These low-risk cash funds are effectively mutual funds. As of time of writing, Moneybull USD and SGD has a 7-day annualized yield of 5.4162%* and 3.8208%* respectively.

*T&Cs apply. Figures shown are based on 7-Day Yield (P.A.) of the USD Cash Fund and SGD Cash Fund in Moneybull as of 11 Jan 2024. Principal is not guaranteed. Returns are not guaranteed and not an indication of future performance. All investments involve risks and are not suitable for every investor. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

The yield is on top of the offers given by the Moneybull promotion so you are actually earning both the interest yield plus the rewards. While money market funds are considered relatively safe and low risk, however, like all investment, there may be negative return on certain days. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing.

You can start small and subscribe US$500+ on Moneybull and get a minimum of US$75 worth of fractional shares up to this step.

Offer C – Highest Transfer In Rewards

Webull is offering the highest transfer-in rewards*, and we definitely want to give you a heads-up! From now till 31 January 24, Webull is giving both new and existing customers up to USD2,000 worth of Tesla Shares for free when you make an initial transfer of your stocks from another broker.

For seasoned investors who have positions with other brokers, this offer is worth considering as you can receive the highest transfer-in rewards*. For example, if you have positions under TD Ameritrade Singapore (who no longer serve non-Accredited Investors) or with other online brokers, you can transfer in US$5,000+ of US Stocks over and receive US$1,000 worth of TSLA Shares from Webull as a reward. You will then need to maintain it for a holding period of between 90 days to 360 days to receive the rewards.

You will then need to maintain it for a holding period of between 90 days to 360 days to receive the rewards.

If you transfer US$25,000+ from another broker, you will receive double the rewards with the same holding period.

*T&Cs apply. For details, please refer to Webull’s Website at https://www.webull.com.sg/. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Here are the steps provided by Webull on how to initiate a transfer in.

  1. Please download the Share Transfer-In form, complete it, and email it to [email protected].
  2. Subsequently, please contact your respective broker and provide them with the following details to initiate a transfer-out request. (You can Google “How to transfer out shares from [name of broker]”)

*Please note that only Stocks and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) listed on US Exchanges are supported for Share Transfer-In.

Note that there will may be fees involved from transferring out from another broker. Webull is aware of this and will subsidise the fee up to US$150. Simply submit the proof of payment and Webull will reimburse it!

That’s about it! We hope you can stack as many rewards like we did! We recommend that you try and obtain [Offer A, B1, B2 & C1] and get at least US$1,155 in reward* as they do not require a large sum of money and do not require you to undertake too much risk.

Is Webull Safe?

Webull is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and holds a Capital Markets Services (CMS) Licence under the Securities and Futures Act 2001. As such, Webull must comply with the “Customer’s Moneys” regulations; Webull is only allowed to utilise these monies as per the customers’ instructions, for example, settling your trades, or to defray costs that was agreed or as stated, for example, taxation and brokerage fees, if any.

Under the same regulation, the trust account must be opened with specified financial institutions, for example, a bank licensed by the MAS under the Banking Act 1970. Webull has appointed DBS Bank Limited as the custodian of their customers’ monies, a licensed bank under the Banking Act. The bank is not allowed to exercise any right of set-off against the moneys in this trust account for any debt owed by Webull. Monies belonging to customers must be kept in this trust account for safekeeping, separate from all other monies belonging to Webull or for other purposes.

With the above safeguards in place, your money placed in Webull is safe.


*Terms and conditions apply. Principal is not guaranteed. Returns are not guaranteed and not an indication of future performance. All investments involve risks and are not suitable for every investor. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

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Applying for these 5 credit cards get you a free Apple iPad 9th Gen (worth S$503.65) from now till 18 Jan 24

* Update: Added OCBC Infinity Cashback Card. Promo extended to 18 January 2024.

Unlock exciting rewards with SingSaver! Sign up for the following credit cards from now until January 18, 2024, and get your hands on amazing gifts like the Apple iPad 9th GenDyson Supersonic™ hair dryer or the Dyson V8 Slim Fluffy (worth S$509) and more.

There’s no limit on the number of applicants, so everyone meeting the criteria gets a set. Since 2015, SingSaver has been simplifying financial choices with its vast array of financial products.

Choose from the credit cards below:

OCBC Infinity Cashback Card *NEW*

Apply Now

 

The OCBC Infinity Cashback Card offers an unlimited opportunity to earn cashback on your purchases, no matter what you’re buying—whether it’s essentials, desires, or favorites. New OCBC cardholders get a bonus 0.2% cashback, while everyone enjoys a consistent 1.6% cashback throughout the year. There’s no minimum spending requirement or cap on the cashback you can accumulate.

The cashback is automatically credited, making it hassle-free. If this sounds appealing, you can apply for the card now.

Welcome gift: Get a Dyson Supersonic hair dryer (worth S$699), or an Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2 Wifi 64GB (worth S$508.30), or a Nintendo Switch OLED (worth S$549) or upsized of up to S$300 cash via PayNow

Requirements: New-to-bank cardholder. Spend at least S$500 on eligible purchases within 30 days of card approval

OCBC 365 Credit Card

Apply Now

The OCBC 365 Credit Card is your gateway to incredible cashback rewards. With 2x more cashback of up to S$160 per month (S$1,920 per year), you’ll save more than ever on your daily expenses. Revel in 3% cashback on pharmacy, streaming, and EV charging, making your essential services even more affordable. What’s more, indulge your taste buds with a satisfying 5% cashback on all dining and food delivery, letting you relish your favorite meals while earning cashback. The OCBC 365 Credit Card is designed to enhance your everyday spending, providing you with unmatched cashback benefits and significant savings throughout the year.

Welcome gift: Get a free Dyson Supersonic hair dryer (worth S$699), or an Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2 Wifi 64GB (worth S$503.65), or an Nintendo Switch OLED (worth S$549) or S$350 Cash via PayNow

Requirements:  New-to-bank cardholder. Spend at least S$500 on eligible purchases within 30 days of card approval

 

Citi PremierMiles Card

Earn your miles faster with one of the best cards for your travel needs. The Citi PremierMiles Card lets you redeem from the widest range of airlines, where 1 Citi Mile = 1 Mile, with KrisFlyer, Asia Miles, Qantas, Qatar, Flying Blue, and more.  With no caps on miles earned, redeem your miles for flights, hotels and merchandises.

  1. Earn 1.2 miles for every S$1 spent on all your eligible purchases with your Card
  2. Earn 2 miles for every S$1 equivalent in foreign currency spent overseas on eligible purchases
  3. Complimentary access to over 1,300 airport VIP lounges twice per calendar year with Personalised Priority Pass membership card. Priority Pass membership is on application basis and reserved for Principal cardholders only.

Welcome gift: Receive 1x Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$503.65) or a Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$699) or a Dyson V8 Slim™ Fluffy (worth S$509) or S$300 Cash via PayNow

Requirements:  New-to-bank cardholder. Spend at least S$500 on eligible purchases within 30 days of card approval

Citi Cash Back Card

Keep this card in your wallet. The Citi Cash Back Card is one of the best cash back card in the market, offering a whopping 8% cash back on your Groceries and Petrol, and 6% on dining, daily, worldwide. Subject to cash back cap of S$80 across all retail spend per statement month with a min. spend of S$800 per statement month.

Imagine this: every $800 spends get you $80 cash back in a month.That works out to be almost a thousand dollar of cash savings in a year!

Welcome gift: Receive 1x Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$503.65) or a Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$699) or a Dyson V8 Slim™ Fluffy (worth S$509) or S$300 Cash via PayNow

Requirements:  New-to-bank cardholder. Spend at least S$500 on eligible purchases within 30 days of card approval

Citi Rewards Card

The Citi Rewards Card is a must-have card for those who always shop online using credit cards. Imagine earning 10X Rewards^ (4 Miles) for every S$1 spent online each time you shop. For example, you can earn 4 miles per dollar on shopping transactions, online food delivery, online groceries, ride-hailing platforms with the Citi Rewards Credit Card. Often paired with the amaze card, you’ll be able to earn 4 miles per dollar on both local and overseas spend, up to S$1,000 per statement month. If you are looking for a versatile card, look no further than the Citi Rewards Card!

  • Enjoy 10X Rewards^ (4 Miles) on online and retail purchases at Lazada, Qoo10, TANGS and more.
  • Earn 10X Rewards* (4 Miles) on rides with Grab, ComfortDelGro, Gojek and more
  • Earn 10X Rewards^ (4 Miles) on online food delivery
  • Earn 10X Rewards^ (4 Miles) on online groceries

Earn 1X Reward on all other spend.

Welcome gift: Receive 1x Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$503.65) or a Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$699) or a Dyson V8 Slim™ Fluffy (worth S$509) or S$300 Cash via PayNow

Requirements:  New-to-bank cardholder. Spend at least S$500 on eligible purchases within 30 days of card approval

Citi Cash Back+ Mastercard® 

Not to be confused with the Cash Back Card, the Citi Cash Back+ Mastercard® is a new product launched by Citibank this year which offers a competitive 1.6% cashback on all spend categories with no cap and no minimum spend. In other words, you can accumulate as much cashback as you want each time you swipe you card. It does not expires and you can redeem it instantly on-the-go with Citi Pay with Points or for cash rebate via SMS.

Welcome gift: Receive 1x Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$503.65) or a Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$699) or a Dyson V8 Slim™ Fluffy (worth S$509) or S$300 Cash via PayNow

Requirements:  New-to-bank cardholder. Spend at least S$500 on eligible purchases within 30 days of card approval


How to redeem your rewards:

  1. Search for any of the cards that matches your spending habits
  2. Click on Apply Now and Enter your email address on the new page (SingSaver will be sending the redemption instructions here. Check SPAM folder if you don’t receive any emails)
  3. Click Apply via SingSaver’s unique link
  4. Complete the application form from the bank and remember to take a screenshot upon completion so you can take note of the application reference number (ARN). Here’s where to find it.
  5. Submit your Rewards Redemption Form and Choose your preferred rewards and submit the form.
  6. Important: If you did not received the Rewards Redemption Form, please check your SPAM folder in your email OR drop and email to [email protected] with your application details.
  7. Once you fulfill all the requirements (i.e. meeting the $500 mininum spend in 30 days from card approval), please allow some time for SingSaver and the bank to validate. Click here to understand more about the process.

You can click here to check the rewards redemption status.

For redemption follow-ups and enquiries, drop an email with your details to [email protected]


This promotion is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Apple, Dyson or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates. The names Apple, Dyson as well as related names are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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Smart Money Hacks for 2024

As we step into the final weeks of 2023, it’s time to break free from old financial habits and embrace money-saving strategies that can boost your income and savings.

ALWAYS HAVE A SHOPPING LIST

Heading into a grocery store without a plan can be a recipe for overspending. We’ve all been there, wandering aimlessly and ending up with a cart full of things we didn’t really need. Avoid this by always carrying a shopping list with you. Having a clear plan in place will help you stick to your budget and make wiser purchasing decisions.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

SEPARATE YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT

If impulse shopping has been an issue for you in the past, it’s essential to protect your savings from unnecessary spending. Keep your savings in a separate account, entirely distinct from your day-to-day spending. By creating this barrier, you make it more difficult to dip into your savings impulsively, promoting a healthier financial discipline.

MONITOR YOUR EXPENSES

Stay in control of your finances by cultivating a habit of tracking your expenses. Whenever you receive a paycheck, record it in your budget’s income category. Likewise, make sure to log every expenditure, whether it’s filling up your gas tank or treating yourself to a delightful charcuterie night. By keeping a close eye on your spending, you’ll be able to identify areas where you can save and make necessary adjustments to stay on track.

DELETE SHOPPING APPS

Did you know that 4 out of 5 Singaporeans give in to impulse purchases? With 54% of consumers admitting that shopping on mobile devices has led to increased spending, it’s time to take control. Cut down on impulsive buying by removing those shopping apps from your phone. Instead, opt for online shopping from your laptop or desktop where you can be more intentional with your purchases.

PRACTICE MINDFUL BUYING

Before you hit that “buy” button, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself, “Is this the right time to make this purchase?” Give yourself some space between the desire to buy and actually making the purchase. Set a specific timeframe for consideration; for instance, commit to not checking out for 24 hours or even a few days after adding items to your cart. This simple money hack can be truly game-changing.

REGULAR BUDGET CHECK-INS

Whether you have ambitious financial goals as a family or just want to stay on top of your finances, communication is key. Schedule regular budget check-ins, either on a weekly or monthly basis, and involve everyone responsible for the family’s finances. By doing so, you can make informed decisions, track your progress, and work together towards achieving your financial objectives. Effective communication about family finances is vital, regardless of your specific goals.

CREATE A MINI-BUDGET FOR UNEXPECTED EXPENSES

No matter how well you manage your finances, there will inevitably be times when unexpected expenses arise. Rather than panicking and derailing your entire budget, it’s best to have a plan in place to handle these situations.

Consider creating a microbudget specifically for handling short-term unexpected expenses. Set aside a portion of your savings to serve as an emergency fund. This way, when unexpected costs arise, you can dip into this fund without disrupting your regular budget or long-term financial goals.

AVOID FREQUENT PHONE UPGRADES

Resist the temptation to constantly upgrade your mobile phone just to keep up with others. Telecommunication companies may entice you with appealing upgrade offers, but remember that you’ll end up paying for that phone through your monthly contract. Instead, focus on choosing a phone that meets your needs and holds its value over time, allowing you to save money in the long run.

REMOVE STORED CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

Increase your mindfulness and avoid impulsive online shopping by refraining from storing your credit card details on websites. When you have to enter your credit card information each time you make a purchase, it provides an essential pause to consider if the expense is necessary.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Additionally, by not saving your details, you reduce the risk of potential hacking and unauthorized access to your accounts. Keep your online shopping experiences deliberate and secure.

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

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How to Efficiently Overcome Money Worries in Singapore

With many people facing added mental, emotional, and financial stress, our overall health has never been more important. If you’ve been feeling less than yourself lately, you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel burnt out from everything that’s been going on. Unfortunately, burnout can extend to all parts of your life—from work to family and everything in between, including your finances.

Symptoms of Financial Stress:
There are obvious symptoms of financial stress that we can identify when we experience significant situations in our lives, as well as more subtle signs of burnout that can make problem-solving seem impossible. Watch for these signs and symptoms of financial burnout:

a. Constantly thinking about your budget, or lack thereof.
b. Feeling stressed about where your money is coming from and where it’s going.
c. Feeling guilty, exhausted, depressed, or overwhelmed about your finances.
d. Feeling cynical or apathetic towards your financial goals.
e. Lack of sleep or increased anxiety just thinking about money.

GET ORGANIZED

What’s the best way to help you stay on top of your finances? Get your finances organized and focus on the future! Understand the finer details of your finances, like when you get paid, when your bills are due, your monthly budget, and your savings. Find an organizational tool that works for you—whether that’s in an app, spreadsheet, or journal. We have lots of great resources to help you get started!

SET UP AUTO-PAYMENTS

If you haven’t set up monthly auto payments yet, why not? Take the guesswork out of your monthly payments so you never feel strapped for cash or worried about making payments on time. Keep track of your upcoming payments in your money diary so you’re aware of what’s coming in and going out of your bank account each week. And then don’t forget to check your bank statements at the end of each month to make sure your payments went through!

TALK TO SOMEONE

When you’re facing money problems, there’s often a strong temptation to bottle everything up and try to go it alone. Many of us even consider money a taboo subject, one not to be discussed with others. You may feel awkward about disclosing the amount you earn or spend, feel shame about any financial mistakes you’ve made, or be embarrassed about not being able to provide for your family. But bottling things up will only make your financial stress worse. In the current economy, where many people are struggling through no fault of their own, you’ll likely find others are far more understanding of your problems.

Keeping money worries to yourself only amplifies them until they seem insurmountable. The simple act of expressing your problems to someone you trust can make them seem far less intimidating.

DEVISE A SOLUTION

Brainstorm ideas with your family or a trusted friend or consult a free financial counseling service. You may decide that talking to credit card companies and requesting a lower interest rate would help solve your problem. Or maybe you need to restructure your debt, eliminate your car payment, downsize your home, or talk to your boss about working overtime.

EMBRACE YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

Get up at your normal time and stick to your usual routine. If you lose your routine, it can affect your eating – you may stop cooking, miss breakfast because you’re still in bed, or eat snacks instead of having proper meals.

LIVE A LITTLE

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Don’t make the mistake of budgeting out fun! Budgeting, like dieting, is all about balance and choosing moderation over deprivation. If you restrict yourself too much, you’ll feel unmotivated and less likely to see your financial goals through. Make sure to incorporate fun with friends, date nights, and “splurges” like spa days, haircuts, or coffee runs. Acknowledge your hard work by rewarding yourself when you need to.

Sources: 1 & 2

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