Category: Latest Posts

This week’s featured trader is @chunzlhaivestor, who captured the spotlight by employing various indicators to analyze the trend of $URC and predict its price rise.

Using multiple indicators while trading is critical, as no single indicator can offer a complete picture of the market. Each indicator has its own set of strengths and limitations, and by combining them, traders may gain a more thorough perspective of the market and make more educated trading decisions.

Let’s take a look at what indicators he used and how he effectively used them.

ANALYSIS FROM @CHUNZLHAIVESTOR

As stated in @chunzlhaivestor’s post, he first noticed that $URC forms a triangle pattern. The triangle pattern is generally considered a continuation pattern, meaning that it often appears in the middle of an existing trend and can signal that the trend will likely continue in the same direction after the breakout occurs. This is also stated by @chunzlhaivestor in his narrative. However, it is essential to note that it can also be a reversal pattern if the breakout occurs in the opposite direction of the previous trend.

Fortunately, @chunzlhaivestor also used other indicators in confluence with each other to solidify his sentiments on $URC. He then focused on the 200 and 50 moving averages, respectively. Both moving averages show signs of bullish movement for the stock. Lastly, his last indicator was volume, which showed exhaustion on the seller’s side, as stated in his post. 

At the time of his post, $URC was trading at around 141.90. The stock would then accumulate in price and eventually peak 24 days later at the 156.50 level for an increase of about 10%

TECHNICALS OF THE TRADE

The three leading indicators that @chunzlhaivestor utilized in navigating $URC were chart patterns, moving averages, and volume.

A triangle pattern in stocks is a technical chart pattern formed when a stock’s price movements are bounded by two converging trend lines, creating a triangle shape. This pattern occurs when the highs and lows of the stock’s price become narrower over time and converge toward a single point. The triangle pattern can be either a symmetrical triangle, ascending triangle, or descending triangle, depending on the shape of the trend lines. In his trade, the chart of $URC shows a symmetrical triangle. A symmetrical triangle occurs when the two trend lines converge at equal angles, indicating a period of consolidation before a potential breakout in either direction.

He then used 200 and 50 moving averages. He stated in his post that $URC was above the 200 moving average. If a stock trades above its 200-day moving average, it is generally considered an uptrend and can be seen as a bullish signal. The 200-day moving average is a widely used technical indicator that represents the average price of a stock over the past 200 trading days, or roughly one year of trading. 

He also mentioned that the 50-day moving average was on the verge of breaking. The 50-day moving average is a widely used technical indicator that represents the average price of a stock over the past 50 trading days, or roughly 2.5 months of trading. If a stock is on the verge of breaking its 50-day moving average, it may signal that it is experiencing a change in trend or momentum. When a stock trades above its 50-day moving average, it indicates it is in an uptrend and may continue to rise shortly. 

Lastly, he utilized volume to determine the exhaustion of the seller’s side due to the notable diminishing volume. Also highlighted in his chart is how the price could have gone higher despite the notable spike in selling volume. 

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE TRADE

Universal Robina Corp. (URC), a food and beverage company led by Gokongwei, reported that its profit remained unchanged at P3.6 billion during the first quarter of 2023, despite sustained gains in revenue as a result of solid demand. 

According to a statement by URC President Irwin Lee, the company is pleased to have continued its strong performance into the first quarter of 2023, despite inflationary pressures on consumer demand and ongoing input cost volatility. URC, part of the Gokongwei family’s JG Summit Holdings conglomerate, reported an 11% increase in sales from January to March 2023, amounting to nearly P40 billion, with all businesses contributing to the strong growth. Additionally, the company’s operating income grew by 15% to P4.7 billion during the same period.

URC stated that its margins had expanded compared to last year and last quarter, benefiting from the full-year impact of pricing moves made in 2022 and optimization initiatives to manage operating expenses. During the quarter, URC’s domestic and international branded consumer foods group (excluding packaging) generated P26.9 billion in sales. Philippine branded food revenues increased 6% to P18.1 billion, with March sales reaching an all-time high. International branded food sales also rose 13% to P8.9 billion, with strong double-digit growth rates in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar.

Furthermore, agroindustrial and commodities sales reached P12.4 billion, up 20% due to increased sugar and renewables sales. The unit also benefited from higher selling prices and strong feed sales. URC’s President Irwin Lee expressed confidence in the company’s momentum, stating, “We believe that with the strength of our brands and continuous improvements in our operations, we will be able to sustain this momentum.”

WHAT SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT MOVE

At the time of writing, $URC is currently trading at the 154.40 level. It is currently ranging within these levels as it recently surged in price. When a stock ranges, it moves within a specific price range with no clear trend. This can occur after a price surge or during a consolidation period. In this situation, it is essential to analyze the stock’s chart and look for critical support and resistance levels within the range. Determining if the range would act as news support or a new local resistance is crucial. If the stock is holding a solid support level within the range, it may be an excellent opportunity to consider buying it as it may be poised to move higher. On the other hand, if the stock is repeatedly facing resistance at a certain level, it may be an excellent opportunity to sell or consider shorting the stock as it may be poised to move lower.

Once again, KUDOS to @chunzlhaivestor for being this week’s featured trader! Enjoy your 14-day InvestaPrime Access, and continue to be an inspiration to the trading community.

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Portfolio management and tracking are essential aspects of investing that can help investors achieve their financial goals. It involves selecting investments and diversifying them to minimize risk and maximize returns. Meanwhile, portfolio tracking monitors portfolio performance to determine if it meets the investor’s expectations.

A well-managed portfolio is of utmost importance as it enables investors to make informed investment decisions and minimizes risks. Additionally, tracking portfolio performance allows investors to adjust their investment strategy and make informed decisions regarding their portfolio.

This article will discuss portfolio management and tracking and why investors need to understand these concepts. We will also provide tips on managing and tracking a portfolio effectively and tools investors can use to make the process easier.

What is Portfolio Management?

Portfolio management creates and manages investments to meet specific financial goals and objectives while minimizing risks. Managing a portfolio typically involves analyzing an investor’s goals and risk tolerance. It also involves selecting a mix of different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and other securities.

Effective portfolio management involves ongoing monitoring of the portfolio’s performance and adjusting as needed. This ensures the portfolio remains aligned with the investor’s goals and objectives. It also includes diversification strategies to minimize risks and maximize returns. The primary goal is to achieve the highest possible return on investment for a given level of risk.

To manage a portfolio effectively, one must assess various investment options’ advantages and disadvantages, opportunities, and risks. These options involve trade-offs between debt and equity, domestic and international investments, and growth and safety.

Portfolio management involves selecting the right mix of investments to align with the investor’s financial goals and risk tolerance. Alongside this is balancing the trade-offs between different investment options. It requires ongoing analysis, monitoring, and adjustment to ensure the portfolio remains diversified and well-positioned to achieve the desired returns.

Passive vs. Active Portfolio Management

We can broadly classify portfolio management into two main categories: passive and active. Both approaches have strengths and weaknesses, and understanding their differences is crucial for investors to make informed investment decisions.

Passive portfolio management involves constructing a portfolio that tracks a market index or a specific benchmark. This approach involves investing in a set of securities representing the underlying index or benchmark to achieve returns similar to the index or benchmark.

The primary advantage of passive portfolio management is that it is typically low-cost and does not require frequent trading or active management by a fund manager. This approach also provides diversification and reduces the risk of underperforming the market. Passive portfolio management is ideal for investors who want long-term growth through a low-cost, low-maintenance investment strategy.

On the other hand, active portfolio management involves selecting investments and adjusting the portfolio regularly based on market conditions and other factors. This approach requires a skilled fund manager who analyzes and determines individual securities to outperform the market.

The primary advantage of active portfolio management is the potential for higher returns than the market. An active fund manager can take advantage of market inefficiencies and make informed decisions based on economic trends, market conditions, and other factors. However, active portfolio management is typically more expensive than passive management due to higher trading costs and fund management fees.

Portfolio Management’s Essential Elements

The essential components of portfolio management include several key elements that investors must consider when constructing and managing a portfolio. 

1. Asset allocation – Involves dividing investments into different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and cash. This is done based on the investor’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Asset allocation aims to balance risk and reward that aligns with the investor’s investment objectives.

2. Diversification – This is the process of investing in various assets within each asset class to minimize risk. The idea behind diversification is that not all investments will perform equally simultaneously. By spreading investments across different assets, investors can reduce the impact of any individual asset’s poor performance.

3. Rebalancing – Periodically adjusting the portfolio’s asset allocation to maintain the desired risk/reward profile. As asset values change over time, the portfolio’s allocation may shift, which can increase or decrease risk. Rebalancing helps ensure the portfolio remains aligned with the investor’s goals and objectives.

These portfolio management elements are vital to create and maintain a diversified investment portfolio. It also ensures the portfolio matches an investor’s risk tolerance and financial objectives. By considering asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing, investors can optimize their portfolio’s performance and minimize risks over the long term.

Approaches to Managing Your Portfolio

Portfolio management strategies vary depending on an investor’s specific situation and goals. There are several common approaches that investors can consider when managing their portfolios:

1. Aggressive – An aggressive portfolio is focused on maximizing potential earnings and often involves investing in riskier industries or unproven alternative assets. The investor is willing to take on high levels of risk with the expectation of achieving high returns.

2. Conservative – A conservative portfolio is focused on capital preservation and is suitable for risk-averse investors who prioritize minimizing the risk of losses over maximizing growth. This approach may result in lower potential returns but also provides a high level of security.

3. Moderate – A portfolio management strategy balances risk and reward by blending an aggressive and conservative approach. The investor still invests heavily in equities but diversifies and may be more selective in their investment choices.

4. Income-oriented – This strategy is often favored by older investors who rely on their portfolios to generate income to live off of. It prioritizes fixed-income securities or equities that issue dividends, allowing investors to generate regular income from their portfolios.

5. Tax-efficient – Some investors prioritize minimizing taxes, even sacrificing potential returns. This approach may be essential for high earners in the highest capital gains tax bracket. 

Choosing the right portfolio management strategy depends on an investor’s unique circumstances, risk tolerance, and investment objectives. By understanding these common approaches to portfolio management, investors can make informed decisions that align with their financial goals.

Consistency and Knowledge are Key

Portfolio management is an essential aspect of investing for anyone who wants to grow their money. Regardless of how you manage your portfolio, paying attention to critical elements of asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing is crucial. While you can take various strategies and approaches, understanding the basics of portfolio management is essential to achieving your long-term financial goals. 

So, take the time to educate yourself on portfolio management principles and make informed decisions to grow your wealth.

A helpful tool to aid you in your journey in portfolio management is the Investa Portfolio Tracker. With this, tracking your portfolio’s growth and performance is more accessible. It gives you the flexibility and control to make informed decisions, adjust your investments based on market behaviors, and ultimately achieve your long-term financial goals.

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This week’s featured trader is Jef, also known as @zat0ichi, who is highlighted for using Support and Resistance (S/R) to create a clean and well-organized setup on $MER.

As stated by Nial Fuller, “Support and Resistance are the foundation of technical analysis.” 

Let’s take a look at how @zat0ichi used this indicator to his advantage!

ANALYSIS FROM @ZAT0ICHI

What can be seen from the chart is that $MER is currently ranging from the 297 and 319 levels. @zat0ichi utilizes $MER’s local support and resistance to establish clean entry and exit zones for his trade setup. He has a stop loss set under the 297 level, as it indicates that the price might continue going down. He also states that he is bullish at the 319 level, as a breakthrough through this resistance may connotate a surge in price. Lastly, he has a take-profit level established at the 337 level, the nearest most established resistance. 

At the time of his post, $MER is at the 319 level. The stock rallied subsequent days later and hit its take profit at the 337 level 10 days later for a profit of around 5.5%. The stock also continued to rally until finally peaking at 339, which would have increased by about 6%.

However, the price is currently witnessing a pullback after its recent surge, meaning that @zat0ichi’s disciplined profit-taking at the 337 level not only secures profit but also allows him to reposition his setup after $MER’s most recent movements. 

TECHNICALS OF THE TRADE

Thanks to @zat0ichi’s brilliant usage of support and resistance levels, he was able to execute a clean entry and exit on $MER.

In trading, support and resistance are price levels at which a stock or other asset will likely face buying or selling pressure.

Support is a price level at which demand for a stock is strong enough to keep it from falling lower. It is the price at which buyers are most likely to join the market and acquire the asset, causing the price to stop declining and reverse direction. Support levels are frequently determined by reviewing historical price charts and looking for price levels where the asset has previously rallied back up.

In contrast, resistance is a price level at which the supply for an item is strong enough to prevent the price from increasing. It is the price at which sellers are most likely to enter the market and sell the asset, causing the price to stall and reverse direction. Resistance levels may also be determined by looking at past price charts and searching for price levels the asset previously failed to break through.

Traders frequently use support and resistance levels to identify probable entry and exit positions for trades and construct stop-loss and profit goal orders. When the price of an asset approaches a support or resistance level, traders may look for confirmation signals, such as candlestick patterns or indicators that indicate a potential breakout or reversal, to enter or exit trades.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE TRADE

Meralco, the Manila Electric Company, has reported a 40% increase in consolidated core net income to P9 billion in the first quarter of 2023, up from P6.4 billion in the same period last year. This growth was primarily driven by a significant increase in power generation contribution, which tripled compared to the same period last year. 

Meanwhile, consolidated reported net income increased by 26% to P8.1 billion in the first quarter of 2023, up from P6.4 billion in the same quarter of 2022. Meralco President and CEO Ray C. Espinosa attributes the growth in energy sales volume to the strong performance of the commercial segment, indicating that public confidence has returned and power demand will continue to increase. 

Meralco Chairman, Manuel V. Pangilinan, commented that the company’s operational and financial performance in the first quarter of 2023 indicates a good start and that they will pursue strategic energy sourcing activities for their medium- and long-term requirements to ensure sufficient and cost-competitive power for their customers.

WHAT SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT MOVE

After its recent increase in price, $MER is currently witnessing a pullback. A pullback in a stock’s price could be a sign of weakness or a temporary market correction, which means that traders must be patient and wait for a confirmation signal before making a trade.

One potential strategy traders could use to wait for the stock’s price to stabilize and begin to trend upward before entering a long position. This could involve waiting for the stock’s price to bounce off a support level or for a bullish candlestick pattern to form.

It is advisable to use additional indicators to confirm the direction of the stock after a recent pullback. This enables traders to make informed decisions that are supported by multiple indicators.

Once again, KUDOS to @zat0ichi for being this week’s featured trader! Enjoy your 14-day InvestaPrime Access, and continue to be an inspiration to the trading community.

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Real Estate Investment Trusts or REITs are investment vehicles that allow individuals to invest in real estate assets. They generate rental income, capital appreciation, and interest income from mortgages. Investing in REITs in the Philippines has become more accessible for individual investors in recent years. It can be a great way to diversify your investment portfolio while earning passive income.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to start investing in REITs in the Philippines. 

Understanding REITs

Before investing in REITs, it’s essential to understand what they are, how they work, and how they generate income. A REIT is a company that owns and operates income-generating real estate properties. By law, a REIT must distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders as dividends. This makes investing in them an attractive investment for passive income.

Different REIT types exist, namely equity, mortgage, and hybrid. Equity REITs own and operate income-generating real estate properties, while mortgage REITs invest in real estate mortgages. Hybrid REITs combine the features of both equity and mortgage types/

As mentioned, these investments generate rental income, capital appreciation, and mortgage interest income. Rental income is generated from leasing out properties, while capital appreciation is earned through increased property value over time. Interest income is generated from mortgages that the REITs hold. It’s important to note that REITs’ income streams can vary depending on the type and their properties.

Choosing the REIT to fit for you

Choosing the suitable REIT to invest in is crucial in maximizing your returns and minimizing risks. Here are some factors to consider

1. Financial performance – Review the REITs’ financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. This is to evaluate their financial health and performance.
2. Property portfolio – Analyze the quality, location, and types of properties in the REITs’ portfolio. This is in order to assess their potential for generating income and appreciation.
3. Dividend history – Check the REITs’ dividend history to determine their dividend payout stability and growth potential.
4. Market conditions – Consider the current and expected market conditions, including interest rates and economic indicators. This will aid you in evaluating the REITs’ growth potential and risks.
5. Regulatory compliance: Ensure the REITs comply with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulatory requirements and standards.

Considering these factors, you can choose the REITs that align with your investment goals and risk tolerance. It also allows you to maximize your returns while minimizing risks. 

To know more about REITs and their performance, dividend yields, and price, you can check out the Investa Screener or the Investa homepage to make finding these REITs easier.

Steps to start investing in REITs

Here are the steps to get started investing in REITs.

1. Choose a stockbroker – Look for a reputable and licensed stockbroker that offers access to REITs in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Do your research and compare their fees, services, and reputation.
2. Open a stock trading account – Once you have chosen a stockbroker, you must open a stock trading account with them. Provide documents such as IDs, proof of billing, and other requirements.
3. Fund your account – You need to fund your account with the minimum required amount. You can use online banking or visit the stockbroker’s office to deposit money.
4. Find your REIT of choice – Aside from using the Investa ProScreener to find the list of REITs, you can also find more in-depth details about them on the platform! Simply search for them (ex. $CREIT) and you’ll find everything you need to make an informed decision.
5. Place an order for REIT shares – Once your account is funded, you can now place an order to buy REIT shares. You can choose from the available REITs in the PSE and acknowledge the many shares you can afford.

It is important to note that investing in REITs also involves risks. Hence, it is essential to do your research and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions. Should you want to look for broken-down information, our team of analysts frequently shares insights about the fundamentals of REITs, stocks, and even the overall markets to our Prime subscribers!

Tips for investing in REITs

Here are some additional tips to help you start your REIT investment journey!

1. Do your research – Before investing in any REIT, it is crucial to research the company and the market conditions. Look into your chosen investment’s history, track record, management team, financial statements, and growth potential. Analyze the current market trends and economic conditions that may impact the investment’s performance.

2. Diversify your portfolio – As with any investment, it is advisable to diversify your portfolio to minimize risks. Spread your investments across different sectors and locations.

3. Monitor your investments – Keep track of the performance of your investments regularly. Watch for any news or developments affecting the company’s operations and profitability. You can set alerts on your stockbroker’s trading platform to stay updated on the latest market news and trends. You could also follow Investagrams for financial news, real-time updates, and analysis to make informed investment decisions.

4. Seek professional advice – Seek advice from a licensed financial advisor if you’re new to investing or uncertain about your decisions. They can help you assess your risk tolerance and investment goals and guide you on the best investment strategies.

By following these tips, you can make informed investment decisions and manage the risks of investing in REITs. Remember to keep a long-term perspective and have patience, as real estate investments tend to be slow but steady.

Invest with knowledge and discipline, and success will follow

Putting money into REITs can be a profitable method to diversify your portfolio of investments and generate passive income. However, it’s essential to note that investing involves risks, including market volatility, interest rate fluctuations, and property-specific risks. Therefore, thorough due diligence and research are crucial before making investment decisions.

Investing in REITs can be a profitable and exciting way to grow your wealth in the Philippines. Following the steps outlined in this article, you can start your journey toward financial freedom and achieve your investment goals.

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With a clean setup on $APX using Fibonacci and resistances, Charm, a.k.a. @charm123, takes the spotlight for this week’s featured trader!

When used in conjunction with support and resistance, Fibonacci levels can provide traders with even more valuable insights into potential price movements in financial markets and key levels to look out for.

Let’s take a look at how @charm123 used these technical indicators to her advantage. 

ANALYSIS FROM @CHARM123

What can be seen in the chart in her post is that $APX is currently contesting a local resistance level at the 2.29 level. Her caption shows how breaking the resistance at the 2.40 level is important to see significant movement for $APX. It is also the level where she plans to enter her trade. Her take profit is at the 2.84 level, concerning the 0.382 level in the Fibonacci. Additionally, @charm123 has her stop loss set around the local level of 2.29 in case the stock fails to break through the 2.40 significantly. 

Six days later, $APX successfully broke through the 2.40 level and hit her take profit 16 days after for an increase of 18.25%. 

TECHNICALS OF THE TRADE

The Fibonacci and Resistance levels were the indicators @charm123 used to execute her clean trade setup. 

Fibonacci levels refer to the specific price points or levels on a chart derived from the Fibonacci sequence. These levels are based on the sequence’s key ratios: 0%, 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, 76.4%, and 100%.

In technical analysis, traders use Fibonacci levels to identify potential areas of support or resistance in financial markets, including stocks, currencies, and commodities. These levels are often used with other technical indicators to make more informed trading decisions. 

In @charm123’s trading setup, she used the 0.382 or 38.2% level. This level may provide a selling opportunity as traders expect the stock to face resistance at this level and reverse its downward trend. In line with this, she used the 38.2% level as her take profit as she expects the price to slow down in this area. 

Resistance levels are key levels on a chart where the price of an asset has historically struggled to rise above. When used in conjunction with Fibonacci levels, resistance levels can help traders identify potential areas of interest where a stock’s price may face difficulty breaking through. Traders often look for confluence between Fibonacci levels and resistance levels to increase the likelihood of a successful trading opportunity.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE TRADE

Apex Mining Co., Inc. has announced a remarkable 408 percent increase in its consolidated net income to an unprecedented P3.34 billion in the year 2022 from the P657.25 million earned in the previous year. The company’s consolidated revenues also surged by 39 percent to a record P10.31 billion in 2022 from the P7.41 billion reported in 2021. Gold contributed P9.85 billion to the total revenue, while silver contributed P0.46 billion. The total volume of gold sold by Apex Mining rose by 28 percent to 101,096 ounces, while silver sales went up by 6 percent to 382,345 ounces. The realized prices were $1,797 per ounce (up 1 percent) for gold and $21.78 per ounce (down 11 percent) for silver.

Apex Mining attributed its success to its expansion plans, which generated the desired efficiencies in 2022. The two operating mines, Maco and Sangilo, increased their milling capacity by 11 percent or 250 tons per day and by 100 percent or 200 tpd, respectively. The Maco mine, which averaged 2,330 tpd, achieved a total tonnage milled of 815,910 tons (higher by 15 percent year-on-year). Coupled with higher feed grades of gold (3.96 grams per ton) by 6 percent, the resulting gold production of 91,072 ounces and silver production of 377,729 ounces was up 23 percent and 5 percent, respectively. ISRI milled a total of 131,481 tons in 2022 and produced 9,270 ounces of gold and 629 ounces of silver.

However, the consolidated cost of production increased by 28 percent to P5.43 billion. Although mill production went up by 15 percent, the cost of materials and supplies accounted for only 12 percent of the increase. Other factors that contributed to the uptick include depreciation and depletion costs (6 percent), personnel costs (3 percent), and repairs and maintenance (2 percent).

WHAT SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT MOVE

$APX is currently forming new resistance near the 2.80 level. When a stock forms new resistances, the price moves toward a level where it has previously encountered selling pressure. This could indicate that investors are becoming more cautious and are willing to sell their shares at a higher price. Not all resistance levels are created equal; some may be stronger than others, and stock may need to test a resistance level multiple times before breaking through it. 

Investors must possess the critical skill of waiting patiently while a stock forms new resistance. This can be achieved by gathering relevant information, avoiding impulsive decisions, and adopting a clear investment strategy, all of which can lead to better investment decisions and a higher probability of success.

Once again, KUDOS to @charm123 for being this week’s featured trader! Enjoy your 14-day InvestaPrime Access and continue to be an inspiration to the trading community.

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Credit cards are a type of payment card that allows consumers to borrow money from financial institutions to make purchases. They create debt that users must repay over time. They also offer several advantages, including convenience, rewards programs, and the ability to improve one’s credit score. However, they also have potential drawbacks, such as high-interest rates and fees, the risk of overspending, and the possibility of damaging one’s credit history.

This article will explore the pros, cons, and strategies for using them effectively.

The Pros of Credit Cards

Understanding the pros of credit cards can help individuals make smart financial decisions and manage their money more effectively. The following are the most common advantages.

1. Convenience and accessibility – Merchants worldwide widely accept credit cards, making them a convenient payment option for consumers. They also allow users to make purchases online and over the phone. This is helpful for those who live far from physical stores.
2. Rewards and cashback programs – Many credit cards offer rewards programs that allow users to earn points, miles, or cashback on their purchases. This can provide a financial incentive to use them for everyday expenses. However, this is considering that users carefully pay off their balances in full each month.
3. Improved credit score and history – Using credit cards responsibly can help improve one’s credit score, a numerical representation of a person’s “creditworthiness.” Lenders, landlords, and other institutions use credit scores to assess the risk of lending money to a person. By paying bills on time and keeping credit card balances low, users can build a positive credit history.
4. Fraud protection and security features – They also have security features that prevent financial loss due to fraudulent activity. This may include zero-liability policies, which protect users from unauthorized charges. It may also include security alerts and monitoring services that can help identify suspicious activity.

The Cons of Credit Cards

Like the pros, understanding the cons also allows individuals to make intelligent financial decisions and manage their money more effectively. The following are the most common cons of using credit cards.

1. High-interest rates and fees – High-interest rates and fees on credit cards accumulate quickly for users carrying a balance month-to-month. Variable interest rates can change with market conditions, making predicting the charged interest amount challenging.
2. The temptation to overspend and accumulate debt – The ease and convenience of credit cards can lead to overspending and debt accumulation. This can lead to financial hardship if users must pay off their balances in full each month. This also causes interest charges to spiral out of control quickly.
3. Potential damage to credit score and credit history – Irresponsible credit card use can also hurt one’s credit score and credit history. Late or missed payments, high balances, and other negative factors can lower credit scores, hampering future credit availability.
4. Risk of identity theft and fraud – Credit cards are also vulnerable to theft and fraud, resulting in financial losses and damage to one’s credit history. While fraud protection services can help mitigate these risks, users should still protect their personal and financial information.

Navigating through the Pros and Cons

Credit cards offer a variety of benefits. However, they also come with risks. By being responsible and following tips and best practices, consumers can maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks. It’s important to monitor spending, understand credit card fees and interest rates, and take steps to manage debt effectively.

Ultimately, the decision to use credit cards is a personal one that depends on individual financial goals and circumstances. By being informed and proactive about credit card use, you can make intelligent decisions supporting your financial health and well-being.

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@bogscab, a.k.a. Bogs Bugayong, is spotlighted for this week’s featured trader! Spot how he used multiple indicators to execute a clean, well-informed trade set-up on $SSI.

Using multiple indicators in trade setups is important because it can provide a more comprehensive and accurate analysis of the market conditions, leading to more informed and profitable trading decisions. 

Let’s take a look at how @bogscab utilized his indicators to his advantage.

ANALYSIS FROM @BOGSCAB

What can be seen from @bogscab’s set-up is how intricately he used the support and resistance (S/R), Moving Averages (MA), and the Parabolic Stop and Reverse (SAR) indicators. By carefully determining the direction of the trend and being supported by multiple confluences of his indicators, @bogscab was able to spot the potential surge in price in $SSI. 

At the time of the post, $SSI was trading at the 1.61 level. The stock surged in price two weeks after, reaching a peak at the 2.30 level, for a potential increase of about 43%.

TECHNICALS OF THE TRADE

The indicators contributing highly to @bogscab’s trade setup are the Support and Resistance, Moving Averages, and Parabolic SAR. 

In trading, the concepts of support and resistance are significant as they pertain to specific levels on a chart where an asset’s price may either stop or reverse its movement. @bogscab used S/R to determine the key trading levels of $SSI and take into account these levels as he executed his trade. 

@bogscab also used multiple moving averages to provide a more comprehensive view of the price trends and momentum of $SSI. Using multiple moving averages can give traders a complete market picture and help them make more informed trading decisions. 

Lastly, @bogscab used the Parabolic SAR to identify the direction of an asset’s momentum while providing potential buy and sell signals. Parabolic SAR determines the trend, possible entry and exit points, stop-loss placement, and potential trend reversals.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE TRADE

The SSI Group Inc. ($SSI) recently reported its annual revenues for 2022. In the face of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s financial performance has exceeded expectations. Notably, the company’s net income for the year has reached an impressive ₱1.93 billion, representing a substantial increase of 136.7% compared to its pre-COVID net income of ₱815.5 million in 2019. This remarkable feat is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Group in navigating through unprecedented market conditions. Even in the fourth quarter alone, the Group’s net income has shown remarkable growth, recording a figure of ₱1.0 billion compared to ₱595.6 million in the same period last year. 

WHAT SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT MOVE

$SSI is currently trading at the 2.16 level. Due to its recent surge in price, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the situation before making any investment decisions. This involves considering factors such as market conditions, company news and fundamentals, valuation, technical analysis, risks, and long-term potential. Investors can make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls by carefully considering these factors.

It is also essential to re-evaluate strategies and wait to confirm the trend’s direction to avoid potential pullbacks. 

Once again, KUDOS to @bogscab for being this week’s featured trader! Enjoy your 14-day InvestaPrime Access and continue to be an inspiration to the trading community.

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A TRADER’S JOURNEY: LEARNING AND ADAPTING

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