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TraderMerlin

Merlin Rothfeld

A live daily podcast covering nearly every aspect of the financial markets. My guests and I cover stocks, futures, forex, cryptocurrency, real estate, long term investing and much more! Join us live on youtube at 2pm daily!

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  • 55 episodes
  • Avg 56 min
  • English

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  • S7 · E1375
    August 24 · 56 min

    Return of the Trade Tariffs - 08/24/26

    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. That announcement immediately put pressure on automakers and raised new concerns about deeply integrated North American supply chains. So the big question for investors is: Are tariffs simply another negotiating tactic—or are we entering a new phase of the trade war that could actually change the outlook for inflation and interest rates? That's what we're breaking down on today's show. We'll discuss: What happened with Canada? How negotiations went from seemingly close to a deal to a major tariff escalation in a matter of days. Why 50% tariffs matter – Which products and industries could feel the greatest impact? Canada's retaliation – What happens when tariffs turn into a tit-for-tat trade war? The auto industry – Why Ford, GM, Stellantis and their suppliers could become ground zero for this fight. Inflation – Do tariffs ultimately get absorbed by companies, or passed along to consumers through higher prices? Bond yields – Could renewed inflation pressure push Treasury yields higher? The stock market – Which sectors stand to win—and which could get crushed—if the trade dispute continues? The U.S. dollar – Currency markets are already reacting, with the Canadian dollar falling sharply following the latest escalation. But there's another person suddenly thrown right into the middle of this... Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh Warsh already has to navigate inflation, employment, economic growth, oil prices and a complicated interest-rate environment. Now add tariffs. Tariffs can create an especially difficult situation for the Federal Reserve because they potentially push prices higher while simultaneously slowing economic activity. That creates the scenario central bankers hate: Slower growth + higher prices. So we'll ask: Did the trade war just make Kevin Warsh's job a LOT more difficult? Warsh has previously indicated that the Fed should distinguish temporary price shocks caused by things such as tariffs, energy and supply disruptions from persistent underlying inflation. Now that philosophy could be put to the test. And the timing couldn't be much better. Warsh heads to Jackson Hole later this week, where investors will be looking for clues about inflation, economic growth and the future direction of interest rates. Suddenly, tariffs may become another major piece of that conversation. For additional research, follow U.S. Trade Representative for official U.S. trade policy, Federal Reserve for monetary policy and inflation information, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for CPI and other economic data. Listen now:👉 Return of the Trade Tariffs! Inside the episode: U.S.–Canada trade war escalation New 50% tariffs Canada's retaliatory response Trump's threat of 50% auto tariffs Impact on Ford, GM and the auto industry Tariffs and inflation Potential impact on Treasury yields Kevin Warsh and Federal Reserve policy Jackson Hole and future interest rates Winners and losers in the stock market What traders should watch next Tariffs may start as a political negotiating tool... But once they begin affecting prices, corporate profits, inflation and interest rates, they quickly become a MARKET story. And this one may just be getting started. Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #TradeWar #Tariffs #TrumpTariffs #CanadaTariffs #USCanadaTrade #KevinWarsh #FederalReserve #JacksonHole #Inflation #InterestRates #TreasuryYields #AutoStocks #Ford #GeneralMotors #Stellantis #StockMarket #SP500 #Trading #Investing #MarketAnalysis #TradingPodcast #FinancialEducation Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1374
    August 21 · 57 min

    Trading Week Wrap Up! - 08/21/26

    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 improving regulatory sentiment, Washington's increasingly crypto-friendly stance, and changing liquidity expectations breathed life back into the beaten-down digital asset market. Ethereum and many altcoins joined the party as well. So... Is the crypto winter finally ending, or is this just another massive bear-market rally? We'll break it down. Then there's the bond market. Long-term Treasury yields remain elevated, creating another challenge for stocks—particularly high-growth technology and AI companies whose valuations can be extremely sensitive to borrowing costs and interest rates. The 30-year Treasury yield climbed to its highest level since 2007 this week, while semiconductor stocks came under significant pressure. We'll discuss: Crypto's huge rebound – Is Bitcoin signaling a genuine change in trend? Interest rates & bond yields – Why the bond market continues to be one of the biggest risks facing equities. Technology volatility – Is the recent weakness an opportunity, or are investors finally questioning some of those massive AI valuations? Economic data – What this week's numbers tell us about inflation, growth and the direction of Federal Reserve policy. The broader market – Where are we seeing strength, weakness and potential trading opportunities? And then... 👀 NEXT WEEK: NVIDIA All eyes will be on Nvidia, which reports fiscal Q2 earnings on Wednesday, August 26. The company will release results at approximately 1:20 PM PT, followed by its earnings call at 2:00 PM PT. This isn't just another earnings report. Nvidia has become one of the most important barometers for the entire AI investment cycle, and next week's numbers could have implications far beyond NVDA. AI spending. Data centers. Semiconductors. Technology stocks. The Nasdaq. Even the broader S&P 500. Wall Street will be watching all of it. Nvidia doesn't just have the ability to move Nvidia anymore—it has the ability to move the MARKET. And Nvidia won't be the only major event. Next week's calendar also includes GDP, PCE inflation data and Jackson Hole, making this one of the more important macro weeks of the summer. For additional research, check out Nvidia Investor Relations, Federal Reserve interest-rate data, and the New York Fed Economic Calendar. Listen now:👉 Trading Week Wrap Up! Inside the episode: Bitcoin and crypto's massive rebound Interest rates and surging Treasury yields Technology and semiconductor weakness This week's key economic data Inflation and Federal Reserve expectations The week's biggest market movers Nvidia earnings preview What traders should be watching next week There were plenty of headlines this week... But with Nvidia earnings, inflation data and Jackson Hole on deck, next week could be even bigger. Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #TradingWeekWrapUp #Nvidia #NVDA #NvidiaEarnings #Bitcoin #BTC #Ethereum #Crypto #Cryptocurrency #TechnologyStocks #AIStocks #Semiconductors #Nasdaq #SP500 #FederalReserve #InterestRates #TreasuryYields #Inflation #PCE #JacksonHole #StockMarket #MarketAnalysis #TradingPodcast #Investing #FinancialEducation Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1373
    August 20 · 1 hr 6 min

    The SEC Crypto Playbook - 08/20/26

    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 move forward with comprehensive crypto market-structure legislation. Coincidence? Maybe. But taken together, these developments are beginning to paint a VERY different picture for the beaten-down cryptocurrency market. Are we finally moving from "regulation by enforcement" to an actual regulatory PLAYBOOK for crypto? That's what we're breaking down on today's show. The SEC's new proposal could establish several important pathways for digital assets, including exemptions for smaller crypto offerings, a larger fundraising exemption and a potential safe harbor allowing certain assets to transition away from security status when specific conditions are met. We'll discuss: What exactly did the SEC propose? What does "Regulation Crypto Assets" actually mean? Which cryptocurrencies could potentially be considered securities? Can a token start as a security and eventually stop being one? What could the proposed safe harbor mean for crypto projects? Could clearer rules bring more crypto companies back to the United States? How does this fit with the CLARITY Act currently being debated in Washington? What did President Trump's Crypto Summit tell us about the administration's digital-asset strategy? And most importantly... could regulatory clarity finally become a catalyst for the crypto market? SEC Chairman Paul Atkins says establishing a modern regulatory framework is part of the Commission's strategy to "onshore innovation" in U.S. crypto markets. The proposal is still just that—a proposal—and will go through a public comment process before potentially becoming final regulation. That's an important distinction. The rules aren't finished yet. Congress is still wrestling with broader market-structure legislation, and plenty of political and regulatory questions remain unresolved. But compare today's environment with where we were just a few years ago. The conversation has shifted from: "How do we stop crypto?" to... "How do we regulate it and bring it into the U.S. financial system?" And THAT could be an enormous change. The market appears to be noticing. Bitcoin pushed back above $70,000 today while Ether and several crypto-related stocks rallied amid the combination of regulatory developments, the White House summit and improving risk sentiment. Crypto doesn't need Washington to guarantee its success. It may simply need Washington to finally tell everyone what the rules are. For additional research, check out the SEC's official Regulation Crypto Assets announcement, the SEC Chairman's statement on the proposal, and the latest coverage of the White House Crypto Summit. Listen now:👉 The SEC Crypto Playbook Inside the episode: The SEC's new crypto regulatory proposal "Regulation Crypto Assets" explained New exemptions and crypto safe harbors Security vs. commodity classification President Trump's 2026 Crypto Summit The CLARITY Act and crypto market structure What regulatory clarity could mean for Bitcoin and Ethereum The outlook for crypto exchanges and digital-asset companies Could Washington help ignite the next crypto rally? For years, regulatory uncertainty has been one of the biggest clouds hanging over digital assets. We may finally be getting a glimpse of what happens when that cloud begins to lift. Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #SECCryptoPlaybook #SEC #Crypto #Cryptocurrency #Bitcoin #BTC #Ethereum #ETH #DigitalAssets #CryptoRegulation #CLARITYAct #TrumpCryptoSummit #Blockchain #DeFi #Stablecoins #Tokenization #CryptoTrading #CryptoInvesting #Coinbase #DigitalAssetMarkets #FinancialMarkets #TradingPodcast #InvestingPodcast #FinancialEducation Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1372
    August 19 · 54 min

    The Bond Buyback - 08/19/26

    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.S. Treasury stepping up its bond purchases NOW? In today's episode, we're going to break down the Treasury bond buyback program and explain why something happening deep inside the bond market could have major implications for stocks, inflation, mortgages, the dollar and your portfolio. We'll discuss: What exactly is a Treasury bond buyback? Why is the Treasury increasing the program now? Why have long-term Treasury yields been surging? Why do bond prices and yields move in opposite directions? Could Treasury buybacks push yields lower? What could lower yields mean for stocks and technology companies? Could this impact mortgage rates and other borrowing costs? Are Treasury buybacks inflationary? And perhaps most importantly—is this basically quantitative easing? That last question is critical. A Treasury buyback is NOT the same thing as Federal Reserve QE. Treasury's stated purpose for these operations is improving liquidity and market functioning in older, less-liquid securities—not creating new money to stimulate the economy. But that doesn't mean the market doesn't care. Today's announcement came after significant pressure in the long end of the Treasury market, with concerns surrounding inflation, government debt, fiscal deficits and geopolitical uncertainty pushing long-term yields sharply higher. And the reaction was immediate. Long-term yields dropped, the major stock indexes finished higher, and investors suddenly started asking whether Washington is becoming increasingly concerned about the level of interest rates. That gives us the bigger question for today's show: Is this simply routine Treasury market management... or is the bond market flashing a warning sign that policymakers can no longer ignore? Remember, the bond market impacts almost everything. Mortgage rates. Corporate borrowing. Government financing. Stock valuations. The dollar. Inflation expectations. And with U.S. federal debt now crossing $40 trillion, understanding what's happening in the Treasury market may be more important than ever. For additional research, check out the U.S. Treasury's official bond-buyback announcement and Treasury's Quarterly Refunding documents. Listen now:👉 The Bond Buyback Inside the episode: Why Treasury is increasing bond buybacks $2 billion → at least $4 billion per operation Why Treasury yields have been surging Bond prices vs. bond yields Treasury buybacks vs. Federal Reserve QE The potential impact on inflation What falling yields could mean for stocks Mortgages and borrowing costs America's growing national debt What the bond market may be telling us Stocks may get most of the attention... But when something big happens in the bond market, every trader should be paying attention. Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #BondBuyback #TreasuryBuyback #TreasuryBonds #USTreasury #BondMarket #TreasuryYields #10YearYield #30YearBond #InterestRates #Inflation #FederalReserve #QE #QuantitativeEasing #MortgageRates #NationalDebt #StockMarket #MarketAnalysis #MacroTrading #Investing #TradingPodcast #FinancialEducation Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1371
    August 18 · 55 min

    The Tokenization of Wall Street - 08/18/26

    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 in assets. Now, those assets are beginning to move on-chain. In July, DTCC successfully converted DTC-held traditional securities into digital tokens and used them in real production transactions, involving more than 30 major traditional and digital financial firms. The transactions included U.S. Treasuries, equities, securities lending, collateral and other institutional workflows. That's a BIG deal. We're no longer talking about whether Wall Street will adopt blockchain. We're watching the infrastructure being built right in front of us. On today's show, we'll break down: What tokenization actually means Why DTCC's involvement changes the conversation How a traditional stock or Treasury can become a tokenized asset Why Wall Street wants assets on blockchain networks The potential for faster settlement and greater asset mobility How tokenization could change collateral and liquidity management Why this could eventually lead toward extended trading hours Which blockchains and financial companies are participating What all of this could mean for cryptocurrency and digital-asset investors Perhaps most importantly, we'll look at what comes next. DTCC plans to officially launch its Tokenization Service in October 2026, initially allowing eligible DTC-custodied securities to be converted between traditional and tokenized forms. Eligible assets include constituents of the Russell 1000, ETFs tracking major indexes, and U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds. And this isn't being built in isolation. Major firms participating in DTCC's tokenization initiative include BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Citadel Securities, Circle, CME Group, Chainlink, Invesco, BNP Paribas, Fireblocks and many others. DTCC is also pursuing a multi-chain strategy, with tokenized assets already demonstrated across private and public blockchain infrastructure and plans to make DTC-tokenized assets available on the Stellar network in the first half of 2027. Think about what that tells us. For years, the debate was: Will traditional finance adopt crypto? I think we're beginning to ask the wrong question. What happens when traditional finance starts using the TECHNOLOGY that crypto introduced? Stocks. Bonds. Treasuries. ETFs. Collateral. Real-world assets. The infrastructure of Wall Street itself is beginning to move on-chain. The digital revolution isn't ending... It may just be getting started. For additional research, check out DTCC's Tokenization Initiative and DTCC's July Production-Trades Announcement. Listen now:👉 The Tokenization of Wall Street Inside the episode: What asset tokenization actually means DTCC's massive move into blockchain Tokenized stocks, ETFs and U.S. Treasuries Wall Street's growing adoption of digital assets Traditional finance meets blockchain Real-world assets (RWA) The October 2026 DTCC Tokenization Service launch The companies and blockchain networks involved What this could mean for crypto investors Where the tokenization revolution goes next Crypto may have started the blockchain revolution... But Wall Street may be the industry that takes it mainstream. Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #Tokenization #DTCC #Blockchain #WallStreet #DigitalAssets #Crypto #Cryptocurrency #RWA #RealWorldAssets #TokenizedAssets #TokenizedStocks #TokenizedTreasuries #BlackRock #GoldmanSachs #JPMorgan #Chainlink #Stellar #DeFi #TradFi #FinancialMarkets #Investing #TradingPodcast #FinancialEducation Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1370
    August 17 · 49 min

    Trading Q&A With TraderMerlin! - 08/17/26

    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 seeing right now. Nothing is off the table. We'll tackle topics like: Stocks & ETFs – Have a ticker you want analyzed? Send it in! Options – Greeks, implied volatility, time decay, spreads, the Wheel Strategy and more. Futures – Indexes, crude oil, gold, currencies and trading strategies. Bitcoin & Crypto – Bitcoin, Ethereum, ETFs, futures, staking and digital assets. Technical Analysis – Supply and demand, support and resistance, trends, gaps and chart patterns. Risk Management – Position sizing, stops and managing losing trades. The Economy – Inflation, employment, interest rates and Federal Reserve policy. Today's Markets – We'll break down the latest price action and whatever is moving Wall Street today. I've been trading the financial markets for nearly three decades, and one thing I've learned is that some of the best conversations start with a great question. So today, you set the agenda. Have something you want to talk about? Join us LIVE and ask! We'll pull up charts, break down trades and separate market reality from the noise. 🔴 LIVE TODAY — 2:00 PM PT 👉 Trading Q&A with Trader Merlin! Bring your questions, ticker symbols, trades and market opinions—and let's have some fun! For additional market research, check out CME Group for futures markets, Federal Reserve for monetary policy and economic data, and SEC Investor.gov for investor education. Hit Like, Subscribe, and most importantly... JOIN THE CONVERSATION! #TraderMerlin #TradingQA #StockMarket #DayTrading #SwingTrading #OptionsTrading #FuturesTrading #Bitcoin #Ethereum #Cryptocurrency #TechnicalAnalysis #RiskManagement #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #StockTrading #MarketAnalysis #TradingStrategy #Investing #TradingPodcast #FinancialEducation #LiveTrading Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1369
    August 13 · 56 min

    Best Way to Trade Ethereum? - 08/13/26

    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 stablecoins and DeFi to tokenization and other digital assets. (ethereum.org) Then we'll get to the bigger question: If you want exposure to Ethereum, what's the BEST way to do it? We'll break down the major choices available to traders and investors: Buy ETH directly – Own the actual cryptocurrency and decide whether to hold it on an exchange or in your own wallet. Buy and stake ETH – Hold the asset while participating in Ethereum's proof-of-stake ecosystem and potentially earning staking rewards. (ethereum.org) Ethereum ETFs – Get ETH exposure directly inside a traditional brokerage or retirement account without dealing with wallets and private keys. Staking Ethereum ETFs – A newer twist that may allow investors to combine ETH price exposure with staking income. SEC filings now include products specifically structured around Ethereum staking. (sec.gov) Ethereum futures – For active traders looking for leverage, short exposure, hedging, and nearly around-the-clock access through regulated futures markets. (cmegroup.com) Micro Ether futures – A much smaller contract that can make position sizing and risk management considerably easier. CME's Micro Ether futures represent just 0.10 ETH. (cmegroup.com) Ethereum options – For traders looking to build more sophisticated strategies around volatility, direction, income, and risk. And here's where it gets interesting... There may not actually be one "best" way to trade Ethereum. The best vehicle depends on what you're trying to accomplish. Are you a long-term investor? An active trader? Do you want leverage? Do you want staking yield? Do you want self-custody? Do you want ETH exposure inside an IRA? Or do you simply want to speculate on whether Ethereum goes up or down? Before deciding whether Ethereum is a good investment, you need to understand both the asset AND the vehicle you're using to trade it. We'll compare the advantages, disadvantages, costs, risks, custody considerations, leverage, and potential staking income associated with each approach. And, of course, we'll discuss the bigger picture: What gives Ethereum value in the first place—and what could drive ETH higher or lower from here? For additional research, check out the official Ethereum website and CME Group's Ether Futures & Options. Listen now:👉 Best Way to Trade Ethereum? Inside the episode: What Ethereum actually does ETH vs. the Ethereum network Buying and holding ETH directly Ethereum staking and staking rewards Ethereum ETFs Staking ETFs Ether and Micro Ether futures Ethereum options Self-custody vs. traditional brokerage exposure Which Ethereum investment vehicle fits which type of investor The risks and opportunities facing Ethereum Ethereum has come a LONG way from simply being viewed as another cryptocurrency. The question now isn't just... "Should I own Ethereum?" It's... "What's the smartest way for ME to get exposure to it?" Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #Ethereum #ETH #EthereumETF #Crypto #Cryptocurrency #EthereumStaking #Staking #DeFi #SmartContracts #Blockchain #EtherFutures #CryptoFutures #CME #DigitalAssets #CryptoTrading #CryptoInvesting #Bitcoin #Tokenization #TradingPodcast #InvestingPodcast #FinancialEducation Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1368
    August 12 · 56 min

    Auto Industry Warnings - 08/12/26

    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 record $211 billion in new auto loans during the second quarter of 2026. So the big question is: Are we looking at normal consumer-credit stress—or the early stages of something much bigger? On today's show, we'll break down: Why auto loans have become increasingly difficult for consumers to afford What rising delinquencies and defaults are telling us How higher interest rates changed the economics of buying a vehicle What happens when borrowers become upside-down on their car loans Whether repossessions could create additional pressure on used-car prices How falling used-car values could ripple through lenders and dealerships Which parts of the auto industry may be most vulnerable Whether this could become a broader problem for the U.S. economy We'll also look at the investment side of the equation. If stress in auto credit continues to build, who gets hurt first? Automakers? Dealerships? Used-car retailers? Banks? Subprime lenders? And perhaps more importantly... Where could the trading opportunities be? One thing is important to keep in perspective: the data doesn't currently prove that we're facing an auto version of the 2008 housing crisis. The New York Fed's latest data shows that the flow of auto loans entering serious delinquency has recently been relatively stable, even though overall stress remains elevated. That's exactly why this topic is so interesting. The warning lights are flashing—but that doesn't necessarily mean the engine is about to blow. We'll separate the social-media hype from the actual numbers and determine just how concerned traders and investors should be. For additional research, check out the New York Fed Household Debt and Credit Report, which tracks auto loans, credit cards, mortgages and consumer delinquencies. Listen now:👉 Auto Industry Warnings? Inside the episode: The state of America's $1.7 trillion auto-loan market Auto loan delinquencies and defaults The impact of high vehicle prices and interest rates Repossessions and used-car values Risks to banks, lenders, dealers and automakers Could auto credit become a broader financial problem? Potential trading and investment opportunities Today's broader market action Is the auto industry simply going through a difficult credit cycle... Or are we watching the early stages of the next financial domino? Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #AutoIndustry #AutoLoans #CarLoans #AutoLoanDefaults #AutoLoanDelinquencies #CarMarket #UsedCars #Repossessions #ConsumerDebt #CreditCrisis #InterestRates #Automakers #Carvana #Banks #StockMarket #MarketAnalysis #TradingPodcast #Investing #FinancialEducation Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1367
    August 11 · 52 min

    The Return of Single Stock Futures! - 08/1/26

    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 stocks such as Nvidia, Tesla, Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta and dozens of other major U.S. companies—without actually owning the underlying shares. And there are some interesting potential advantages. We'll discuss: What exactly is a Single Stock Future? Why did Single Stock Futures disappear in the first place? Why is the CME bringing them back NOW? How do they compare with simply buying the stock? How do they compare with stock options? What are the margin and leverage implications? Why nearly 24-hour trading could be a major advantage How Single Stock Futures make shorting stocks much easier Who should—and shouldn't—consider trading them? CME has launched 55 full-sized Single Stock Futures and 22 Micro Single Stock Futures, giving traders the ability to control exposure equivalent to either 100 shares or, with the Micros, just 10 shares. That could make these contracts particularly interesting for active traders looking for greater capital efficiency, easier short exposure, and the ability to react to news outside normal stock-market hours. But just because Wall Street creates a new product doesn't mean you need to trade it. The real question isn't whether Single Stock Futures are exciting. It's whether they give you an advantage over the products you already use. That's what we'll figure out on today's show. Learn more about the new contracts:👉 CME Group Single Stock Futures We'll also dive into today's broader financial markets, covering the biggest headlines, major movers, and the technical levels I'm watching as we head into the next trading session. Listen now:👉 The Return of Single Stock Futures! Inside the episode: The return of Single Stock Futures How SSFs actually work Full-size vs. Micro Single Stock Futures Stocks vs. options vs. Single Stock Futures Margin, leverage, and risk Nearly 24-hour individual-stock trading Short-selling advantages Today's biggest market headlines What traders should be watching next Single Stock Futures didn't catch on the first time around. Will this time be different? Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show!

  • S7 · E1366
    August 10 · 1 hr 1 min

    What Could Cause the Bull Market to End? - 08/10/26

    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: Inflation – Could another acceleration in prices force the Federal Reserve to become more aggressive? Interest rates – At what point do higher rates become too much for stocks to handle? Bond yields – Could rising Treasury yields finally pull money away from equities? Unemployment – How much deterioration in the labor market would signal genuine economic trouble? Corporate earnings – Ultimately, stock prices need profits. What happens if earnings growth begins to stall? Valuations – How expensive is too expensive, especially in AI and technology? Geopolitics – Could an unexpected global event become the catalyst that finally changes investor sentiment? Market psychology – When everyone becomes bullish, complacency itself can become a risk. The key is understanding that none of these indicators exists in isolation. Inflation impacts interest rates. Interest rates impact bond yields. Higher borrowing costs impact businesses and consumers. Economic weakness impacts employment. And eventually, all of it flows through to corporate earnings. That's why calling the end of a bull market based on one indicator can be a huge mistake. Bull markets rarely die because of one headline. They end when the underlying conditions supporting higher prices begin to change. So what are those conditions telling us right now? That's what we'll break down on today's show. Listen now:👉 What Could Cause the Bull Market to End? For additional market research, check out the Federal Reserve's Monetary Policy page, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Treasury market data, and SEC Investor.gov. Inside the episode: What could finally end the bull market? Inflation and Federal Reserve policy Unemployment and recession warning signs Treasury yields and the bond market Corporate earnings and valuations AI and technology market risk Geopolitical wild cards The indicators I'm watching for signs of a market top If you're invested in this market, the question isn't simply how much higher can we go? It's also... What would tell you that it's time to become defensive? Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #BullMarket #StockMarket #SP500 #Nasdaq #MarketCrash #Inflation #Unemployment #FederalReserve #InterestRates #TreasuryYields #BondMarket #Earnings #AIStocks #TechStocks #Recession #MarketAnalysis #TechnicalAnalysis #TradingStrategy #Investing #TradingPodcast #FinancialEducation #MarketOutlook Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1363
    August 7 · 58 min

    Trading Week Wrap Up! - 08/07/26

    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'll discuss: The latest unemployment and jobs data – Is the labor market beginning to crack, and what could that mean for economic growth and Federal Reserve policy? The technology rally – AI, semiconductors, and Big Tech continue attracting capital. Is there still room to run, or is enthusiasm becoming excessive? The legislative recess – Washington is heading into its summer break with plenty of unfinished business. What happens when political catalysts temporarily disappear from the calendar? The broader markets – We'll examine the week's biggest winners, losers, and technical levels as we prepare for what comes next. The interesting part is that markets don't always react to economic news the way you might expect. Weak economic data can increase expectations for easier monetary policy. Strong technology earnings can keep indexes climbing even as other parts of the economy soften. That's why simply reading the headlines isn't enough. You have to understand what the market is actually pricing in. Listen now:👉 Trading Week Wrap Up! Inside the episode: Latest jobs and unemployment data Tech and AI rally analysis Washington's legislative recess Federal Reserve implications Broad market winners and losers Key levels and opportunities heading into next week If you want to close out the week with a clearer picture of what's driving stocks—and what could change the narrative next—this episode has you covered. Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #TradingWeekWrapUp #JobsReport #Unemployment #StockMarket #TechStocks #AIStocks #Semiconductors #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Congress #MarketAnalysis #TradingPodcast #InvestingPodcast #TechnicalAnalysis #TradingStrategy #FinancialEducation #MarketOutlook Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1364
    August 6 · 58 min

    Donkey Of The Day! - 08/06/26

    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: The trade that earned today's "Donkey" award What the trader should have done differently The risk management mistakes that led to disaster How you can avoid making the same costly errors Because in trading... The cheapest lesson is learning from someone else's mistakes. We'll also dive into the latest developments surrounding SpaceX, including the highly anticipated share unlock schedule. As more shares become eligible to enter the market, what does that mean for supply, demand, volatility, and future price action? We'll discuss: How share unlocks work after an IPO Why unlock dates can create major trading opportunities The latest developments surrounding SpaceX Whether investors should be buying, selling, or simply waiting for the dust to settle Finally, we'll recap today's market action and discuss the biggest movers, key technical levels, and what I'm watching heading into the next trading session. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just getting started, this episode combines education, entertainment, and a few laughs—all while helping you become a better investor. Listen now:👉 Donkey of the Day! Inside the episode: 🫏 Donkey of the Day: The week's worst trade Lessons in risk management and trading psychology SpaceX share unlock explained What the unlock means for investors Today's market recap and trade updates Key opportunities to watch next Don't miss this fun new segment—and who knows... maybe you'll recognize today's "winner!" Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions (or your nominee for the next Donkey of the Day!) for the next TraderMerlin show. #TraderMerlin #DonkeyOfTheDay #TradingFails #TradingPsychology #RiskManagement #SpaceX #SpaceXIPO #ShareUnlock #StockMarket #TechnicalAnalysis #TradingStrategy #Investing #MarketAnalysis #TradingPodcast #FinancialEducation #TraderLife #WallStreet #IPO Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview

  • S7 · E1363
    July 31 · 56 min

    Trading Week Wrap Up! - 07/31/26

    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: Nasdaq volatility – What's driving the recent swings, and are we seeing healthy profit-taking or the beginning of a larger correction? Magnificent 7 strength – Once again, the market's biggest technology companies are carrying the major indexes. Can they continue to lead, or is market leadership beginning to broaden? Oil uncertainty – Between geopolitical tensions, supply concerns, and shifting inflation expectations, crude oil remains one of the market's biggest wild cards. We'll discuss where prices may be headed and how they could impact the broader economy. My latest trades – I'll review the newest additions to my portfolio, explain the reasoning behind each trade, and discuss the technical setups I'm watching as we head into a new trading week. We'll also take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Markets continue to balance strong corporate earnings, AI-driven optimism, evolving Federal Reserve expectations, and geopolitical uncertainty. Understanding how these forces interact is critical for identifying the next high-probability trading opportunities. Because successful traders don't just follow the headlines... They understand what's driving them. Listen now:👉 Trading Week Wrap Up! Inside the episode: Nasdaq volatility explained Why the Magnificent 7 continue to dominate Oil prices and the macroeconomic outlook My latest trade updates and portfolio review Key technical levels and market outlook for next week Whether you're trading stocks, futures, options, or cryptocurrencies, this episode will help you close out the week with a clearer understanding of the markets—and a game plan for what's ahead. Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for next week's TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #TradingWeekWrapUp #Nasdaq #Magnificent7 #TechStocks #AIStocks #OilPrices #StockMarket #MarketAnalysis #TradingStrategy #TechnicalAnalysis #Investing #TradingPodcast #FinancialEducation #MarketOutlook #MacroEconomics #EarningsSeason #RiskManagementEmail – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1362
    July 30 · 54 min

    Microsoft Saves the Day! - 07/30/26

    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 just a massive expense—it can also be a massive growth engine. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why Microsoft's earnings impressed Wall Street Whether AI investments are finally beginning to pay off How Apple, Meta, and Amazon measured up against expectations Which Magnificent 7 companies appear strongest heading into the next quarter The technical outlook for the technology sector after earnings We'll also examine what these reports tell us about the broader economy. Big Tech earnings often serve as a barometer for corporate spending, consumer demand, cloud computing, digital advertising, and artificial intelligence. Their results can shape market sentiment for weeks to come. Because earnings season isn't just about who beat estimates... It's about which companies are proving they can turn innovation into profits. Listen now:👉 Microsoft Saves The Day! Inside the episode: Microsoft's blockbuster earnings Apple, Meta, and Amazon earnings breakdown The latest developments in the AI race Winners and losers among the Magnificent 7 Market reaction and technical analysis What traders and investors should watch next If you want to understand what's driving today's technology rally—and whether Big Tech can continue leading the market higher—this is one episode you won't want to miss. Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #Microsoft #MSFT #Apple #AAPL #Amazon #AMZN #Meta #META #Magnificent7 #BigTech #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Earnings #EarningsSeason #StockMarket #MarketAnalysis #TradingPodcast #Investing #FinancialEducation Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

  • S7 · E1361
    July 29 · 58 min

    FOMC Rate Announcement with Bill Addiss - 07/29/26

    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 from the subtle changes in language and future guidance. The question every investor should be asking is: What did the Federal Reserve actually tell us about where interest rates—and the economy—are headed next? In today's episode, we'll discuss: The latest FOMC interest rate decision Key comments from the Federal Reserve and why they matter What the Fed's statement says about inflation and economic growth How the bond market interpreted the announcement What higher—or lower—interest rates mean for stocks, bonds, real estate, commodities, and cryptocurrencies The sectors most likely to benefit from the Fed's next move Bill will also share his professional insight into how institutional investors analyze Federal Reserve policy, helping traders understand why the bond market often predicts major shifts before the stock market catches on. Because when it comes to the Federal Reserve... It's not just the decision that moves markets—it's the expectations for what comes next. Listen now:👉 FOMC Rate Announcement with Bill Addiss Inside the episode: Complete breakdown of the latest FOMC meeting Bill Addiss' analysis of the bond market's reaction Interest rates, inflation, and the economic outlook Federal Reserve forward guidance explained What today's announcement means for investors Key opportunities and risks in today's markets Whether you're an active trader, long-term investor, or simply trying to understand how Federal Reserve policy impacts your portfolio, this episode delivers the insights you need to stay ahead of the market. Hit Like, Subscribe, and send in your questions for the next TraderMerlin show! #TraderMerlin #BillAddiss #FOMC #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #JeromePowell #BondMarket #TreasuryYields #StockMarket #MarketAnalysis #TradingPodcast #Investing #FinancialEducation #MacroEconomics #MonetaryPolicy #FederalReserveMeeting #TradingStrategy Email – TraderMerlin@gmail.com Follow TraderMerlin: Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/ FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg Trading Applications used: - Tradingview -

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