"In the heat of the open, emotion is the enemy. Discipline is the weapon.”
Hello, my friends!
The new year is off to a strong start, with markets showing renewed energy in Q1 - S&P500 making new highs.
Major headlines continue to emerge, often unexpectedly, delivering sudden impulses that can shake up trends.
In times like these - when surprises are the norm - staying disciplined with risk management is more important than ever.
SP500
Protecting your capital should always take priority, regardless of how strongly you feel about your market bias. Unexpected events can test even the best-laid plans, so consistent protection helps you stay in the game long enough to benefit from the eventual moves.
Today’s key developments included:
CPI report - which showed inflation remaining relatively steady: CPI rose 0.3% monthly and 2.7% annually, while core CPI increased 0.2% monthly and 2.6% yearly
The World Bank projects global real GDP growth at 2.6% for 2026, reflecting resilient but modest expansion amid ongoing trade challenges
President Trump issued a strong statement on Iran, announcing the cancellation of all meetings with Iranian officials until the killing of protesters stops, while encouraging continued protests and signaling that "help is on the way."
China is restricting purchases of Nvidia's advanced H200 AI chips, approving them only under special circumstances
These events remind us how interconnected global markets are - geopolitical tensions, policy shifts, and economic data can all drive rapid changes.
Are you staying consistent in your approach, my friends?
🧭 In challenging periods, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or second-guess your strategy. If you're navigating uncertainty and could use some guidance, don't hesitate to 👉 book a call.
Trade of the Week
The markets delivered another masterclass in momentum today, and I'm thrilled to share how disciplined execution turned opportunity into consistent gains across the board.
My go-to setup remains the Opening Range Breakout (ORB) Impulse - paired with confirmation from the leading index. This combination delivers one of the most reliable indicators of trend.
By keeping bias firmly in check, I can clearly define invalidations - those precise levels where the setup is no longer valid - and avoid forcing trades that don't align with the intra-day trend.
No wild swings eroding profits. Instead, every position is controlled and calculated. I rotate these prop accounts, never overloading any single setup across accounts, and always prioritize capital preservation above all else.
📉 Today was a textbook example. Dow Jones emerged as the clear winner, displaying persistent sell-side pressure through the lunch hour and into the close.
🎯 Across multiple accounts, I locked in the targets with a 1-1 RR level.
❄️ This is the power of staying emotionless during execution and never moving your stop loss.
If you're grinding through volatile sessions and want to tighten your edge, remember: you're not in this alone!
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3 Tricks Billionaires Use to Help Protect Wealth Through Shaky Markets
“If I hear bad news about the stock market one more time, I’m gonna be sick.”
We get it. Investors are rattled, costs keep rising, and the world keeps getting weirder.
So, who’s better at handling their money than the uber-rich?
Have 3 long-term investing tips UBS (Swiss bank) shared for shaky times:
Hold extra cash for expenses and buying cheap if markets fall.
Diversify outside stocks (Gold, real estate, etc.).
Hold a slice of wealth in alternatives that tend not to move with equities.
The catch? Most alternatives aren’t open to everyday investors
That’s why Masterworks exists: 70,000+ members invest in shares of something that’s appreciated more overall than the S&P 500 over 30 years without moving in lockstep with it.*
Contemporary and post war art by legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and more.
Sounds crazy, but it’s real. One way to help reclaim control this week:
*Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Investing involves risk. Reg A disclosures: masterworks.com/cd
Stay disciplined, protect your positions, and let's make 2026 count.
Until next time,
Steve B
Founder, The Daily Impulse
Important Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for educational purposes only and does not offer financial or investment advice. It should not be taken as a recommendation to trade assets or make any financial decisions. I am not a registered investment advisor, broker, or licensed financial professional. Please be cautious and ensure you conduct thorough research or consult with a financial professional before making any investment choices. Trading and investing involve significant risks, including the potential for substantial financial loss.
Some content, including advertisements, promotions, or links, may be sponsored or part of affiliate programs (such as with proprietary trading firms). I may receive compensation, commissions, or other benefits if you click on affiliate links, sign up for services, or make purchases through them. These relationships do not necessarily imply endorsement, and all opinions expressed are my own unless stated otherwise. Potential conflicts of interest may exist due to these partnerships.
Past performance or examples discussed are not indicative of future results. I do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided, and I disclaim any liability for errors, omissions, or any losses incurred as a result of using this content.
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