TraderMerlin

August is officially in the books!

And after another month of AI enthusiasm, strong corporate earnings, stubborn inflation, rising oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty, Fed drama and some major market breakouts, it's time to step back from the daily noise and see where the money actually went.

On today's episode of TraderMerlin, we're pulling up the charts and reviewing the performance of our Top 8 Market Segments for August.

Because sometimes the best way to understand what's happening in the financial markets isn't another headline...

It's simply looking at which assets are actually...

Another trading week is in the books...

And today, we may have gotten our clearest look yet at how Kevin Warsh intends to run the Federal Reserve.

In his first Jackson Hole keynote as Fed Chairman, Warsh delivered a message Wall Street had been waiting for—giving investors important insight into how he views inflation, interest rates, employment, artificial intelligence and the future direction of monetary policy.

And there was one message that came through loud and clear:

The fight against inflation isn't over.

Warsh reiterated that the Federal Re...

Just when the bears thought they had an opening...

The bulls came roaring back! 🐂

After weeks of questions about stretched valuations, AI spending, inflation, interest rates and whether technology stocks were finally running out of steam, today's market delivered a pretty convincing response:

Not yet!

In today's episode, we'll break down the latest round of corporate earnings and the technical breakouts pushing the markets higher.

Leading the charge was Nvidia, which surged nearly 9% following another monster earnings report and an extremely bullish outlook for AI demand. But Nvidia wasn't alo...

If there were any doubts about who's wearing the crown in the AI revolution...

Nvidia just delivered another monster quarter.

In today's episode, we're breaking down the latest earnings from Nvidia—and these aren't numbers that matter only to NVDA shareholders.

Nvidia reported $96.2 BILLION in quarterly revenue, up an incredible 106% from a year ago. Even more impressive, its Data Center business generated $89 billion, up 117% year over year.

Think about that for a moment.

Nvidia isn't just growing.

A company of this size just more than DOUBLED its re...

Walmart beat earnings expectations.

Walmart beat revenue expectations.

Walmart raised its full-year outlook.

And then the stock got CRUSHED!

So what happened?

In today's episode, we're diving into a great viewer question about Walmart and whether the recent selloff was justified. But to really answer that question, we need to look beyond Walmart's earnings report and ask a much bigger question:

Is the American consumer finally starting to crack?

Walmart's latest quarter gave Wall Street plenty to think about. U.S. comparable sales grew just 2.6...

Just when Wall Street thought the trade war was fading into the rearview mirror...

TARIFFS ARE BACK!

The latest escalation between the United States and Canada has suddenly injected another major dose of uncertainty into the financial markets. After trade negotiations broke down, the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian goods, while Canada announced plans for dollar-for-dollar retaliation beginning September 8.

And now the stakes may be getting even higher.

President Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian-made cars, trucks and auto parts beginning January 1, 2027 if the dispute isn't resolved...

What a week!

Crypto surged. Bond yields jumped. Technology stocks got hit. Economic data kept traders guessing. And now Wall Street is preparing for one of the biggest earnings reports of the quarter.

In today's Trading Week Wrap Up!, we'll connect the dots between the biggest market-moving stories of the week and, more importantly, discuss what they could mean as we head into a potentially HUGE week for the markets.

Let's start with crypto.

Bitcoin is on pace for its best week in more than two years, surging more than 20% as...

The SEC Crypto Playbook - 08/20/26

After a brutal stretch for cryptocurrencies, Washington may finally be giving the digital asset market something it has been asking for for years...

CLARITY.

The SEC just unveiled a major new proposal called "Regulation Crypto Assets," designed to create clearer rules for how crypto projects can raise capital, issue tokens, and potentially transition away from being treated as securities.

At almost the exact same time, President Trump brought crypto executives and financial regulators to the White House for his latest Crypto Summit, calling on Congress to...

The U.S. Treasury just made a major move in the bond market—and Wall Street immediately took notice.

Today, the Treasury announced it will at least double the size of its buybacks of longer-term Treasury securities, increasing the maximum purchase amount for certain 10-to-30-year maturities from $2 billion to $4 billion per operation, beginning September 9.

Almost immediately, bond prices jumped and yields dropped, with the 30-year Treasury yield retreating sharply after recently reaching its highest level since 2007.

So what exactly is going on?

And more importantly...

Why is the U...

For years, we've been told that blockchain technology would eventually transform Wall Street.

Well...

"Eventually" is starting to look a lot like RIGHT NOW.

In today's episode, we're diving into one of the biggest developments yet in the convergence of traditional finance and digital assets: the DTCC's move to tokenize traditional securities.

And this isn't some crypto startup experimenting with a proof of concept.

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) sits at the heart of the U.S. financial system, and its subsidiary DTC currently custodies more than $114 TRILLION...

Your questions. Your markets. Your show.

Today we're throwing out the script and opening up the discussion to YOU!

Have a stock you're thinking about buying? A trade that's gone against you? Questions about Bitcoin, options, futures, technical analysis, the Federal Reserve, AI, interest rates—or anything else happening in the financial markets?

Bring it!

Join me LIVE at 2:00 PM Pacific for an open Trading Q&A with Trader Merlin, where we'll dig into your questions, pull up the charts, analyze the markets, and talk through the opportunities and risks we're se...

Ethereum is one of the largest digital assets in the world—but if you believe in its long-term potential, what's actually the best way to trade or invest in it?

That's a great viewer question, and the answer isn't nearly as simple as just saying, "Buy ETH."

In today's episode, we'll start with the basics: What exactly is Ethereum, what does Ether (ETH) do, and why does the network have value?

Ethereum isn't simply a cryptocurrency. It's a programmable blockchain designed to run smart contracts and decentralized applications, creating infrastructure for everything from st...

Is there a crisis quietly building in the U.S. auto industry?

Car prices surged. Monthly payments exploded. Consumers took on larger loans at higher interest rates—and now we're starting to see signs of stress.

In today's episode, we're diving into a great viewer question about the health of the U.S. auto market and, more specifically, the growing concern surrounding auto loan delinquencies and defaults.

The numbers deserve attention. U.S. auto loan balances have climbed to roughly $1.7 trillion, while serious delinquencies remain elevated. At the same time, consumers originated a re...

They're BACK!

After disappearing from the U.S. markets years ago, Single Stock Futures are making a comeback, and this time the CME Group is bringing them back in a big way.

But the big question is...

Do traders actually need them?

In today's episode, we'll break down the revival of Single Stock Futures (SSFs) and explain exactly what these products are, how they work, and why the CME believes the timing is right to bring them back.

The new contracts allow traders to gain futures exposure to individual...

Bull markets don't last forever.

The problem is... nobody rings a bell at the top.

With the major indexes pushing near record territory, optimism remains high and investors continue pouring money into stocks. But a great viewer question got me thinking:

What could actually cause this bull market to end?

There isn't one simple answer.

In today's episode, we'll break down the biggest threats facing the market and identify the warning signs traders and investors should be watching before sentiment changes.

We'll discuss:

Another trading week is in the books—and once again, the headlines are sending some very mixed signals.

Technology stocks continue to show strength, investors remain willing to take risk, and yet the latest employment data is raising some uncomfortable questions about the health of the U.S. economy.

So which market is telling us the truth?

In today's Trading Week Wrap Up!, we'll break down the biggest financial stories of the week and look beyond the headlines to see what they could mean for traders heading into the next session.

We...

Every trader has made a bad trade...

But some are so spectacularly awful they deserve to be remembered.

Welcome to Donkey of the Day! 🫏

In this new segment, I'll highlight one of the most baffling trades, investing decisions, or market calls making the rounds—and explain exactly what went wrong. The goal isn't just to laugh at bad trading decisions; it's to learn from them so you don't become the next Donkey of the Day.

We'll break down:

Another action-packed week is in the books, and the markets certainly didn't disappoint.

From wild swings in the Nasdaq to another impressive showing from the Magnificent 7, investors had plenty to digest as earnings, energy prices, and macroeconomic uncertainty continued to drive market sentiment.

In this week's Trading Week Wrap Up!, we'll connect the dots behind the biggest stories and explain what they may mean for traders and investors heading into next week.

We'll discuss:

It was one of the most anticipated earnings weeks of the year...

And one company may have just changed the market's narrative.

In today's episode, we break down the latest earnings reports from four members of the Magnificent 7—Microsoft, Apple, Meta Platforms, and Amazon. While each report offered valuable insight into the state of Big Tech and the AI race, one company stood above the rest.

Microsoft stole the show.

As investors questioned whether the tech sector was overspending on artificial intelligence, Microsoft's results provided a powerful reminder that AI isn't ju...

The Federal Reserve has spoken...

Now it's time to separate the headlines from what really matters.

In this special episode, I'm joined by bond market veteran Bill Addiss to break down the latest FOMC interest rate announcement, Chairman's press conference, and the market's reaction. With decades of experience following the fixed-income markets, Bill brings a unique perspective on what the Fed's latest decision means—not just for bonds, but for stocks, commodities, currencies, and the economy as a whole.

Markets often react instantly to the Fed's decision, but the biggest moves frequently come fr...

The market is holding its breath.

Tomorrow's FOMC interest rate decision could set the tone for stocks, bonds, commodities, and cryptocurrencies for weeks to come. While most investors are focused on whether the Federal Reserve will raise, cut, or hold rates steady, the real opportunity often lies in what the Fed says next.

Will policymakers signal that inflation is finally under control, or suggest that higher interest rates could remain with us longer than expected?

In today's episode, we'll break down everything you need to know before the Fed announcement and discuss how...

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world...

But there's one major problem almost nobody is talking about.

Where is all the electricity going to come from?

Every new AI model, hyperscale data center, semiconductor fabrication plant, and electric vehicle places an even greater strain on an aging U.S. power grid. Electricity demand is rising at its fastest pace in decades, yet much of America's energy infrastructure wasn't built for the world we're rapidly entering.

The challenge isn't just producing more power—it's producing it reliably, affordably, and fast enough to keep up...

Another volatile trading week is in the books, and the biggest question may not be why technology stocks sold off—but where they stopped.

After a sharp decline across the tech sector, several major indexes and leading stocks have fallen directly into important demand zones. That puts traders at a critical decision point:

Is this where buyers step back in, or is the market preparing for another leg lower?

In this week's Trading Week Wrap Up!, we'll break down the major financial headlines, examine the technical damage in technology stocks, and discuss the ke...

For the first time in months, the market's biggest winners are starting to look vulnerable.

The Magnificent 7—the technology giants that have powered much of this bull market—came under heavy selling pressure as investors questioned whether the industry's massive spending on artificial intelligence is beginning to outpace the returns.

Is Wall Street finally losing confidence in the AI trade...

Or is this simply another healthy correction before the next leg higher?

In today's episode, we'll break down what sparked the selloff and discuss whether companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta...

Another exciting week is in the books, and the markets certainly gave traders plenty to talk about.

In this week's Trading Week Wrap Up!, we'll break down the biggest financial stories that moved markets, from the powerful rebound in memory chip stocks to another surge in crude oil prices and the latest developments surrounding Netflix.

The market continues to send mixed signals...

Technology remains resilient, energy is heating up again, and investors are trying to determine whether this bull market still has fuel left in the tank.

On today's show, we'll...

The hype has faded...

Now comes the big question.

After months of relentless selling, many space stocks have fallen sharply from their highs. The excitement surrounding commercial space, satellite communications, launch providers, and the blockbuster SpaceX IPO has cooled dramatically, leaving investors wondering:

Is this the buying opportunity everyone's been waiting for... or is there still more downside ahead?

In today's episode, we answer a viewer question by taking a deep dive into the space sector and separating the companies with real long-term potential from those that may have simply ridden...

When a blue-chip stock suffers a sharp selloff, every investor asks the same question:

Is this a buying opportunity… or a value trap?

In today's episode, we tackle a viewer question about IBM after its dramatic decline. Has Wall Street overreacted, creating an attractive entry point? Or has the market uncovered deeper problems that investors shouldn't ignore?

We'll break down:

The new Federal Reserve Chairman has officially stepped into the spotlight.

In today's episode, we break down Kevin Warsh's first appearance before Congress and what his testimony may reveal about the future of U.S. monetary policy. Every word from a Fed Chair is scrutinized by Wall Street, and this hearing offered investors their first real look at Warsh's priorities, concerns, and vision for the economy.

The big question is:

Is Kevin Warsh preparing to change the direction of the Federal Reserve… or simply continue the path already in place?

We'll di...

Another trading week is in the books, and we're wrapping it all up with one of my favorite formats—the Viewer Q&A!

This week, we'll answer several great questions from the audience, breaking down individual stocks, technical setups, and the broader market to help you make better trading decisions.

On today's show, we'll discuss:

Your questions. Real market answers.

One of my favorite shows is back as we dive into the TraderMerlin mailbag and tackle a wide range of viewer questions covering trading, technical analysis, risk management, and today's ever-changing market environment.

In this episode, we'll answer questions including:

Every trader reaches a point where indicators alone aren't enough...

Few topics generate more debate among traders than price gaps.

Do all gaps eventually get filled? Should you trade in the direction of the gap... or fade it? Are breakaway gaps different from exhaustion gaps?

In today's episode, I answer a viewer question about one of the most misunderstood concepts in technical analysis and share my personal approach after nearly 30 years of trading the financial markets.

We'll break down:

What matters more to the market right now...

Corporate earnings... or global geopolitics?

It's a fantastic viewer question, and in today's episode we'll tackle one of the biggest challenges facing traders and investors in today's market.

For decades, earnings have been the primary driver of stock prices. But when wars, trade disputes, sanctions, and geopolitical uncertainty dominate the headlines, how much weight should investors really place on a company's quarterly results?

We'll break down:

Could one of the smartest long-term investments for young Americans have just been introduced?

In today's episode, we break down the latest financial product announced by the U.S. government and why it could become an attractive wealth-building tool for those under the age of 18. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or simply thinking about the next generation, this new program has the potential to reshape how young investors begin building financial security.

We'll discuss:

Today's show is going to be a little different.

Before we get into markets, I'll take a moment to honor my best friend, my loyal companion, and one of the greatest gifts life can give us: a dog who has been by my side through it all. Tomorrow afternoon, he'll be crossing the rainbow bridge, and while that is one of the hardest decisions any pet owner ever has to make, it's also one final act of love.

We'll spend a little time remembering him, celebrating the joy he brought, and acknowledging just how much...

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has crossed 52,000, marking another historic milestone for U.S. equities. But the real question isn't whether the Dow made a new high...

It's whether the rest of the market can keep up.

In today's episode, we break down what this breakout means for the broader market and whether the rally still has room to run. Is this the beginning of another leg higher, or are investors becoming overly optimistic?

We'll discuss:

What a difference a week can make.

After weeks of relentless optimism, the markets finally showed signs of fatigue. Selling pressure returned, volatility picked up, and traders were left asking one important question:

Is this just a healthy pullback… or the beginning of something bigger?

In this week's Trading Week Wrap Up!, we break down the biggest stories that shaped the markets, including the recent weakness across equities and what it may be signaling for the weeks ahead.

We'll also take a close look at SpaceX after its first full week of...

The inflation report the Federal Reserve watches more closely than any other has just been released...

So what does it tell us about the future of interest rates—and the markets?

In today's episode, we break down the latest Core PCE Price Index, the Fed's preferred measure of inflation, and explain why today's numbers could have a major impact on stocks, bonds, and investor expectations for the months ahead.

The big questions are:

Is inflation finally under control? Or are hopes for lower interest rates fading once again?

We'll di...

Wall Street just got a lot more bullish.

A major market forecast has pushed its target for the S&P 500 all the way to 7,800, implying significant upside from current levels. But is this a realistic projection based on earnings, AI growth, and economic strength... or are analysts simply getting caught up in market euphoria?

In today's episode, we break down the reasoning behind the upgraded target and ask the question every investor should be asking:

Can the S&P 500 really reach 7,800, or is Wall Street getting ahead of itself?

We'll discuss:<...

What would happen if two of the most disruptive companies on the planet became one?

In today's episode, we tackle a fascinating viewer question:

Could Tesla and SpaceX ever merge? And if they did, what would that mean for investors?

Both companies share a common visionary leader in Elon Musk, but they operate in very different industries. One is transforming transportation and energy, while the other is revolutionizing space exploration and global communications.

We'll explore:

SpaceX Unlocks - 06/22/26

The IPO may be over, but the real opportunities could just be getting started.

In today's episode, we take a deep dive into the upcoming SpaceX share unlock schedule and why it may create some of the most interesting trading opportunities over the next year.

Most investors focus on the IPO itself. Professional traders focus on what comes next.

As early investors, employees, venture capital firms, and insiders become eligible to sell shares, the market may experience periods of increased supply, heightened volatility, and potentially attractive entry points.<...