14 Dec 2025

Build a Bulletproof Trading Plan -Blueprints the Pros Swear By!

Welcome to the 84th edition! Whether you’re mapping out your success, leveraging the latest AI breakthroughs, picking the perfect time frame, or juggling trading with a full-time job, this issue delivers the step-by-step guides and pro tools you need to thrive.

Insider Edge: Latest Trading Buzz

Build a Bulletproof Trading Plan—Blueprints the Pros Swear By!
📝 Discover how a personal trading roadmap, defined goals, and disciplined routines can protect your profits and boost your confidence: How to Create a Successful Trading Plan 📊

AI in Algorithmic Trading: Can ChatGPT Really Give You an Edge?
🤖 Uncover how next-level AI tools are reshaping data analysis, signal generation, and strategy evolution—inside and beyond ChatGPT: AI Tools Like ChatGPT in Algorithmic Trading 🚀

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Trading Time Frame—Maximize Profits and Minimize Stress
⏰ Learn to match time frames to your lifestyle, risk tolerance, and personality for results that fit your goals: Choosing Trading Time Frame 🕒

Is Part-Time Prop Trading Possible? How Flexible Models Are Changing the Game
💼 Find out how modern prop firms enable traders to build skill and earn income—without quitting your day job: Part-Time Prop Trading 💡

Market Outlook: December 15–19, 2025

Overview

The week of December 15–19 delivers blockbuster U.S. jobs and inflation data delayed by the government shutdown, alongside a frenzy of nine central bank meetings including the ECB and BoE. Markets brace for volatility as November nonfarm payrolls (Dec 16), retail sales, and CPI (Dec 18) test Fed cut expectations post-FOMC, while global policymakers react to tariff pressures and slowing growth.

Key Themes and Drivers

1. U.S. Jobs and Inflation Data

November nonfarm payrolls (Tue, Dec 16) headline after ADP previews, with consensus eyeing 180K jobs added amid "no hire, no fire" dynamics. October retail sales (same day) gauge holiday spending, followed by CPI (Thu, Dec 18) expected at 0.2% MoM core—any upside surprise could slam December cut odds from 50%.

2. Central Bank Decisions

ECB (Thu, Dec 18) and BoE (Thu) lead nine CB meetings; ECB likely holds amid sticky services inflation, BoE split on cuts. Others: Norges Bank, Riksbank, SNB, RBNZ, BOC (post-week), BI, BSP. BoJ signals hikes for Dec 18–19.

3. Global Activity Gauges

Japan Tankan survey (Mon), China IP/retail/FXI (Mon), Eurozone IP (Mon), Canada CPI/housing (Mon), flash PMIs across regions (Fri). Aussie PMIs/consumer conf (Mon). All test tariff impacts and demand resilience.

4. Market Risks

Year-end positioning clashes with data risks; S&P frothy at 20x fwd P/E despite AI leadership. Shutdown data gaps amplify surprises.

Key Events Calendar

Date	Event/Data Release	Market Focus
Dec 15	Japan Tankan, China IP/Retail/FXI, Canada CPI, US Empire State Mfg, NAHB Index	Asia growth, inflation, housing
Dec 16	US Nonfarm Payrolls (Nov), Retail Sales (Oct)	Labor, consumer strength
Dec 17	Switzerland CPI, Eurozone ZEW, BoJ signals	Policy previews
Dec 18	ECB/BoE/Norges/Riks/SNB Rate Decisions, US CPI (Nov)	Global easing, inflation
Dec 19	Flash PMIs (global), RBNZ Rate Decision	Activity momentum

Market Sentiment and Risks

Equities: Holiday rally hopes vs. hawkish data; AI/tech vulnerable post-gains, defensives favored.
Bonds: Yields spike risk on hot CPI/jobs; CB holds support cuts.
Currencies: USD safe-haven bid; EUR/GBP swing on ECB/BoE, EM FX volatile.
Commodities: Oil pressured by demand fears; gold hedges policy shocks.

Bottom Line

December 15–19 packs U.S. jobs/CPI bombshells and CB cluster amid year-end flows—positive surprises fuel Santa rally, hawkish data triggers volatility. Stay diversified, quality-focused amid frothy valuations and policy pivots.

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US stocks experienced volatility this week amid the Federal Reserve's anticipated rate decision and mixed earnings reports. Major indexes closed lower on several days as investors shifted away from AI-driven tech stocks.

Fed Rate Cut Expectations Build
Core PCE inflation data came in lower than expected at 2.8% year-over-year, fueling optimism for a Federal Reserve rate cut on Wednesday, with markets pricing in nearly certain easing to 3.50%-3.75%. Equity funds saw $3.3 billion in inflows for the first time in three weeks ending December 10, driven by rate-sensitive sectors.

Tech Retreat and Earnings Volatility
The S&P 500 dipped 0.3% to 6,846.51 on Monday and retreated from records by Friday, capping a tough week for tech amid AI trade outflows; Nasdaq fell 0.1%. Broadcom dropped 6% despite beating Q4 expectations and forecasting AI chip sales to double, while Lululemon surged 9% on CEO resignation news.

Sector Shifts Favor Small Caps
Small-cap Russell 2000 climbed 2.7% to a new high, outperforming large caps as Dow rose nearly 1.6% weekly but Nasdaq lagged under 0.1%. Boeing shares rose after completing its Spirit AeroSystems acquisition, boosting industrials.

Final Key Takeaway

Preparation, adaptability, and leveraging technology set top traders apart—plan smart, use the right tech, and never let time or career limits hold you back!