FXCM Research Team

Ethereum and Polkadot are two of the most well-known blockchain platforms in the crypto world today. Both are designed for smart contract developers and decentralised applications (DApps), but they have some crucial differences. Ethereum is older and more established, whereas Polkadot is considered an up-and-coming newcomer as a smart contract platform. Despite its smaller size, Polkadot has attracted a passionate fan base of supporters. Let's go over exactly what separates…

SWIFT is an acronym for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. Based in Brussels, Belgium, SWIFT is an electronic messaging service that enables the world's financial institutions to notify each other when they transfer funds to each other for their customers. It calls itself "the global provider of secure financial messaging services." SWIFT is not a financial institution and doesn't hold or transfer the funds itself; rather, it is…

Ethereum and Avalanche are two highly popular blockchain platforms. While many blockchains support smart contracts and decentralised applications (DApps), few have earned the respect as being serious DApp platforms. The most popular of which is Ethereum, a long-time frontrunner in the blockchain decentralised finance (DeFi) ecosystem. However, Avalanche has attracted a passionate following within the past couple of years as well. This article will explain the differences between Ethereum and…

Solana and Polkadot are highly visible blockchain technology projects that have drawn substantial interest from both investors and developers. While they do have some similarities, they are different in many ways, especially when looking at their fundamental purpose or use case. This article will look at both networks, providing an overview and explaining how they are alike, and how they are dissimilar. Solana Explained Solana is a blockchain network that…

Last year was an exciting year concerning financial markets. Economic activity was still fragile, and inflation was determined to be from the low-base of 2020 and the pandemic period. However, yields were appreciating, and the USDOLLAR bottomed the week of February 22nd. This marked a shift in dynamics. Inflation continued to climb, and participants debated whether it was transitory or a more sustained phenomenon. The SPX500 appreciated close to 28%…

The EURUSD daily chart is weak, between the lower blue and red bands. Moreover, the red bands have expanded with the currency pair's downside swing (green rectangles). Yesterday saw a long blue candle, and there has been some follow-through today, leaving the price at the border between the weak and neutral areas (blue arrow). Given the increase in volatility from the broader downside move, this rally may provide an opportunity.…

033 - Tighter Monetary Policy, Geopolitical Risks, and Poor Forward Guidance Lead to Risk-Off Sentiment Geopolitical risks at the Ukraine/Russian border, the prospects of tighter monetary policy, and poor forward guidance by Netflix have prompted a shift to risk-off sentiment. Friday saw a big selldown, which continued until a late rally on Monday. In this episode, FXCM Senior Market Specialists Russell and Nikos discuss the prospects for "work from home"…

Read the daily market update as we head towards the European open, to get some of the latest developments, main market moves and upcoming events

Last week saw headline US inflation running at its fastest pace since the early 1980s. This week will see inflation releases for the UK, Canada, Euro Area, and Japan. Bank earnings were subdued but remain an interesting industry as we move into a tightening cycle. Netflix releases results on Thursday.

Since Bitcoin (BTC) broke onto the scene in 2009, the growth of blockchain technology has been exponential. From facilitating the trade of traditional cryptocurrency products, to NFTs and ICOs, the blockchain has gone mainstream. As a result, the term decentralised finance (DeFi) has become a buzzword not only in the crypto space, but within the broader commercial landscape. What Is Decentralised Finance (DeFi)? Decentralised finance, commonly referred to as "DeFi,"…