If it flies like an airplane, looks like an airplane, sounds like an airplane, it’s probably not a pigeon. No matter what the experts on airplanes and pigeons say. Even if someone wins a Nobel Prize because they have determined that a pigeon is actually a dinosaur based on a sophisticated mathematical equation, it’s still a pigeon. Adam Smith, whom many call the father of economics, laid out the ground rules for Supply and Demand hundreds of years ago. In his book, The Wealth of Nations, supply and demand is explained in very simple terms. Smith however didn’t invent supply and demand, it has been here all along and, guess what, it hasn’t changed; it never changes. When price is at a level where willing demand exceeds willing supply, price will rise. When price is at a level where willing supply exceeds willing demand, price will decline.

Over the centuries certain big name self-promoting economists have tried to twist this simple equation with fancy math to make a name for themselves, sell some books and win fancy prizes, only to eventually be proven dead wrong. The math works but it’s the old garbage in garbage out.

Just like gravity is always gravity, there are certain principles of how the world works that NEVER change. In our world of proper trading and investing, the only way to profit consistently is to buy low and sell high. This is how you make money buying and selling anything. A successful business buys or produces at whole sale prices and sells at retail prices. Good news, this is exactly how the profitable market speculator does it as well.

OTA Supply / Demand Grid – USDJPY

USDJPY

Using the time honored principle of supply and demand, this market opportunity was to buy the USDJPY at 102.85 with a target of 105.59. In other words, at a “fresh” demand level in the USDJPY. Price had been declining and was nearing the demand zone on the chart. Three weeks later price reached our supply zone, profit target. As I said above, another word for demand is “wholesale”. So, when price reached that wholesale level, we want to be an aggressive buyer. Who are you buying from? You’re buying at wholesale levels from people who are trained and comfortable selling at wholesale levels. Why would someone sell at wholesale levels? They obviously don’t understand that proper trading is no different than how the gas station profits on chewing gum. They buy the gum for $0.05 and sell it to us for $1.00. They just keep repeating that simple process over and over. If they sold the gum for $0.05 and bought it for $1.00 two things would happen. First, they would have plenty of very happy customers who love them (the buyers). Second, the gas station would soon be out of business.

If your having issues with trading and investing and ready to pull your hair out with frustration, perhaps your complicating something that is actually quite simple. Maybe your trying to turn the reality of how markets really work into a way that they don’t. Maybe your really just looking at an airplane, thinking it’s a pigeon. Its an airplane, don’t overthink it…

Hope this was helpful, have a great day.

Learn to Trade Now


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Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD: US Dollar to remain pressured until uncertainty fog dissipates

EUR/USD: US Dollar to remain pressured until uncertainty fog dissipates

Unimpressive European Central Bank left monetary policy unchanged for the fifth consecutive meeting. The United States first-tier employment and inflation data is scheduled for the second week of February. EUR/USD battles to remain afloat above 1.1800, sellers moving to the sidelines.

GBP/USD reclaims 1.3600 and above

GBP/USD reclaims 1.3600 and above

GBP/USD reverses two straight days of losses, surpassing the key 1.3600 yardstick on Friday. Cable’s rebound comes as the Greenback slips away from two-week highs in response to some profit-taking mood and speculation of Fed rate cuts. In addition, hawkish comments from the BoE’s Pill are also collaborating with the quid’s improvement.

USD/JPY gathers strength to near 157.50 as Takaichi’s party wins snap elections

USD/JPY gathers strength to near 157.50 as Takaichi’s party wins snap elections

The USD/JPY pair attracts some buyers to around 157.45 during the early Asian session on Monday. The Japanese Yen weakens against the US Dollar after Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party won an outright majority in Sunday’s lower house election, opening the door to more fiscal stimulus by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. 


Editors’ Picks

USD/JPY gathers strength to near 157.50 as Takaichi’s party wins snap elections

USD/JPY gathers strength to near 157.50 as Takaichi’s party wins snap elections

The USD/JPY pair attracts some buyers to around 157.45 during the early Asian session on Monday. The Japanese Yen weakens against the US Dollar after Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party won an outright majority in Sunday’s lower house election, opening the door to more fiscal stimulus by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. 

Gold jumps above $5,000 as China's gold buying drives demand

Gold jumps above $5,000 as China's gold buying drives demand

Gold price rises to near $5,035 during the early Asian session on Monday. The precious metal extends its recovery amid a weaker US Dollar and rising demand from central banks. The delayed release of the US employment report for January will be in the spotlight later on Wednesday.

AUD/USD eyes 0.7050 hurdle amid supportive fundamental backdrop

AUD/USD eyes 0.7050 hurdle amid supportive fundamental backdrop

AUD/USD builds on Friday's goodish rebound from sub-0.6900 levels and kicks off the new week on a positive note, with bulls awaiting a sustained move and acceptance above mid-0.7000s before placing fresh bets. The widening RBA-Fed divergence, along with the upbeat market mood, acts as a tailwind for the risk-sensitive Aussie amid some follow-through US Dollar selling for the second straight day.

Week ahead: US NFP and CPI data to shake Fed cut bets, Japan election looms

Week ahead: US NFP and CPI data to shake Fed cut bets, Japan election looms

US NFP and CPI data awaited after Warsh’s nomination as Fed chief. Yen traders lock gaze on Sunday’s snap election. UK and Eurozone Q4 GDP data also on the agenda. China CPI and PPI could reveal more weakness in domestic demand.

Three scenarios for Japanese Yen ahead of snap election

Three scenarios for Japanese Yen ahead of snap election Premium

The latest polls point to a dominant win for the ruling bloc at the upcoming Japanese snap election. The larger Sanae Takaichi’s mandate, the more investors fear faster implementation of tax cuts and spending plans. 

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