Demand for hedging can now be clearly measured
The latest BIS data show not only that the foreign exchange market is large, but also what it is used for. Outright forwards—that is, contracts through which market participants lock in future exchange rates—reached an average daily volume of 1.8 trillion U.S. dollars in April 2025. Their share of global FX turnover rose to 19%, up from 15% in 2022. […]
The FX market is not a niche segment, but rather a global infrastructure
9.6 trillion U.S. dollars—every day. When people talk about currencies, they aren’t discussing a niche topic, but rather one of the world’s largest market infrastructures. The Bank for International Settlements estimates that global OTC FX trading volume in April 2025 will average 9.6 trillion U.S. dollars per day—a 28% increase compared to 2022. The operating system of the global economy This […]
The interest rate landscape remains divided
In 2026, the major central banks are not on the same page. The U.S. Federal Reserve is targeting a federal funds rate range of 3.50% to 3.75%. The European Central Bank’s deposit facility rate stands at 2.00%, while the Swiss National Bank is keeping its key interest rate at 0%. More Than Just Statistics: What Interest Rate Differentials Really Drive These differences are […]
Inflation hasn't gone away—it's just less dramatic
Inflation is no longer an exceptional phenomenon, but it is not over yet. In the eurozone, annual inflation stood at 2.6% in March 2026, up from 1.9% in February. In the U.S., the Consumer Price Index rose 3.3% year-over-year in March 2026. No cause for alarm—but no all-clear either. These figures […]
Global trade remains strong—but it is becoming more fragile
35 Trillion U.S. Dollars: A Strong Signal Global trade remains a powerful force in the world economy. According to UNCTAD, the value of global trade rose to approximately 35 trillion U.S. dollars in 2025—an increase of about 2.5 trillion U.S. dollars, or nearly 7.5 percent, compared with 2024. International interdependence, demand, and cross-border value creation thus remain intact. However, the […]
The global economy continues to grow—but under increased pressure
Solid Growth, Rising Risks The global economy will not be in a recession in 2026, but it is heading into a significantly more challenging environment. The International Monetary Fund forecasts global growth of 3.1% for 2026 and 3.2% for 2027. At the same time, the Fund expects global inflation to rise slightly again in 2026, […]
1000FTAD Charity – Giving the Gift of Education, Shaping the Future: Our Commitment in Uganda
Together with the Bamalaika project, we were able to support and help fund the construction and operation of a school in Uganda. The goal is to provide children from particularly difficult circumstances with access to education, meals, and a safe environment. Education that truly makes a difference. Feedback from Uganda clearly demonstrates what has already been achieved through this support […]
1000FTAD Executive Interview – Marcus Effland & Joachim Schrader, Stock Market Coach & Investor
In the latest Executive Interview, Marcus Effland sits down with Joachim Schrader to discuss developments in professional foreign exchange trading. The discussion focuses on the growing importance of automated strategies, technological requirements, and institutional investors’ expectations for modern trading solutions. Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw10P2x6FAQ The interview makes it clear: Successful trading is based on the interplay of clearly structured […]
Option Days 2026: Numbers, Reality—and the Biggest Weakness in Trading
The 2026 Options Days once again demonstrated why they are among the most important events for options trading in the German-speaking world. With over 600 participants, more than 20 speakers, and a total of 16 expert presentations, the event not only imparted knowledge—it also highlighted one thing above all else: the reality of trading. In previous years, attendance had already exceeded […]
Market Commentary, March 2026
Energy Shock and a Strong USD: How Systematic FX Strategies Benefited from the Crisis International financial markets were marked by geopolitical shocks in March 2026. The escalation in the Middle East—particularly the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—led to a global energy shock with oil prices exceeding $100. At the same time, trade tensions between the U.S., the […]
