How AvaFutures is Redefining Futures Trading

How AvaFutures is Redefining Futures Trading

AvaFutures is an ambitious addition to the AvaTrade family that is setting the stage to redefine the futures trading landscape.

Positioned to leverage AvaTrade’s excellent market reputation, AvaFutures introduces an array of advanced features and user-centric innovations designed to enhance trading efficiency and effectiveness. Here, we reveal how AvaFutures stands out as a game-changer in the futures trading arena.

 

A User-Centric Design

With an emphasis on both experienced traders and newbies, AvaFutures prioritises a user-friendly interface paired with state-of-the-art technology innovations.

With its user-friendly design and rapid access to a wealth of market data and tools, the platform guarantees a seamless trading experience. Anyone, regardless of their level of technical expertise or trading experience, will be able to easily manage their trading activities thanks to this emphasis on accessibility, which is sure to attract a varied set of traders.

 

Varied Futures Contracts

AvaFutures offers a diverse range of futures contracts that cater to various trading preferences and market strategies. The platform aims to keep transaction costs low with competitive spreads and minimal commission fees, making it easier for traders to maximize their trading profitability.

AvaFutures provides high leverage options, allowing traders to open larger positions than their existing capital would typically permit. While this can increase potential returns, it also comes with higher risk and requires careful risk management.

The platform includes several risk management features such as stop-loss orders, limit orders, and margin calls. These tools help traders manage their risks effectively, protecting them from significant losses in volatile markets.

These features and trading conditions make AvaFutures a potentially attractive option for traders looking to explore the futures markets. By offering a broad array of contracts and maintaining trader-friendly conditions, AvaFutures positions itself as a versatile platform suitable for a wide range of trading strategies.

 

Great Educational Resources

The platform is not just about trading; it’s also about learning and growth. AvaFutures offers an extensive library of educational materials, including in-depth articles, tutorials, and video courses.

These resources are designed to help traders understand the nuances of futures trading and refine their strategies, thus fostering a well-informed trading community.

 

Competitive Trading Conditions

AvaFutures introduces competitive trading conditions that could potentially reduce costs and maximize traders’ returns.

By offering lower spreads and fees, AvaFutures makes it more economically viable for traders to enter and exit the markets. Such cost efficiency is crucial in attracting volume traders and maintaining a loyal user base.

 

Powerful Trading Security

Security is paramount in online trading, and AvaFutures takes this seriously by implementing stringent security protocols to protect trader data and funds. The platform’s infrastructure is designed to thwart unauthorized access and data breaches, giving traders peace of mind when executing their trades.

 

Global Accessibility and Support

Understanding the global nature of futures trading, AvaFutures is a platform that supports multiple languages and offers 24/7 customer service to accommodate traders from different geographical locations and time zones. This global reach is supported by a network of servers around the world, ensuring fast and reliable access to the platform at all times.

 

Setting New Standards in Futures Trading

With its intuitive interface, wealth of instructional resources, competitive trading conditions, and top-notch security features, AvaFutures is ready to revolutionise the futures trading business.

This combination of features caters to the changing needs of modern traders while also improving the trading experience. There may be greater widespread use of futures trading across different market groups as a result of AvaFutures’ efforts to make futures trading more user-friendly, safe, and affordable.With the addition of these cutting-edge features and an emphasis on trader education and security, AvaFutures has all the makings of a dominant platform in the futures trading arena, revolutionising user experience and setting new benchmarks for the industry.

SPAR – The Good and the Bad News

SPAR - The Good and the Bad News

The good news

On Tuesday, 26 March 2024, the SPAR Group (South Africa’s second biggest supermarket retailer in terms of income) announced an 8.8% increase in turnover for the 24 weeks ended 15 March 2024.

Although, the increase is lower than the 9.3% growth the group reported for the 20 weeks to February.

In a voluntary trading update on Tuesday, the group mentioned that sales in the South African market have experienced strong  growth, substantiated by the following figures:

  • Retail sales increased by 7.1%
  • TOPS at SPAR (the liquor division) experienced sales growth of 12.8%
  • The Build it division achieved a growth in sales of 1.1%
  • The sales of the pharmacy department grew 17.7%

In addition, SPAR lowered its substantial debt mountain of R12.8 billion at the end of March 2023 to R11.5 billion as of the end of February 2024.

Furthermore:

  • The group confirmed that it will optimise the new SAP software system and improve loyalty, adding that these steps will improve sale margins in the second half of its 2024 financial year.
  • The trading update also responded to the turnover growth, which was not at expected levels, mentioning: ‘The South African business has responded by improving operational efficiency and focusing on cost-saving opportunities.’
  • The trading update stated further that in response to high interest rates, muted GDP growth forecasts and high employment, SPAR is ‘focusing on delivering everyday value, low prices, and convenience to our shoppers,’ as mentioned by Angelo Swartz (SPAR Group CEO).
  • Swartz also confirmed that ‘South Africa remains the heart of SPAR’s business and is a key focus area.
  • The group is in discussions to restructure its obligations.
  • The expectation is that the company’s recent withdrawal from Poland will release approximately R500 million of earnings per year, enabling the group to focus on South Africa, which provides more than 60% of its revenue.
  • SPAR is also interested in expanding in baby and pet stores in South Africa.

 

South Africa was the first country outside of Europe to become part of the SPAR organisation when SPAR South Africa was established in 1963. According to SPAR South Africa, it ‘operates four retail formats,’ namely: SPAR Supermarkets, SPAR Express (operated in partnership with Shell, providing forecourt convenience shopping at filling stations), KWIKSPAR (focusing on convenience shopping), and SUPERSPAR (one-stop superstores).

Furthermore, SPAR South Africa Group also includes the following brands: TOPS at Spar (liquor shops), SaveMor (described by SPAR as ‘excellent value for money for rural and township markets’), Build it (standalone building material stores), and Pharmacy at SPAR (in-store and standalone family pharmacies).

 

The bad news

In November 2023, the company stalled its dividend and announced a 47% decline in full-year operating profit.

‘The decline in earnings has seen Spar’s shares slump 21% this year, compared with a 15% gain on the six-member grocery store index,’ as reported by Businesstech on 15 March 2024.

The group accepts it will continue to encounter headwinds in all the markets where it currently operates.

Regarding these markets, the company reported as follows:

South Africa

As in other countries where the group operates, SPAR is also feeling the pressure of demanding economic conditions in South Africa, experiencing falling volumes.

The company has recently been negatively affected by the problematic launch of a new SAP software system at its distribution centre in KwaZulu-Natal, diminishing its sales. However, in the trading update on 27 March 2024, the company was confident about the system, assuring that it is now ‘functioning as designed,’ although not yet perfect.

Switzerland

Regarding its performance in Switzerland, the group suffered a decline in turnover of 4.7% in Swiss franc terms. Although, in terms of the South African rand, the turnover increased by 8.8%.

The main reason for the fall in turnover is the shift in consumer behaviour, preferring cheaper products in local supermarkets and across the country’s borders. On the positive side, SPAR convenience stores have prospered from unseasonably warm weather over the past four weeks.

Ireland

In Ireland, SPAR operates through the BWG Group – the country’s second largest wholesaler in terms of sales. In euro terms, the increase was 6.6%, almost 17% in ZAR terms. However, there were challenges such as high interest rates, a 12.4 increase to the minimum wage (effective from 1 January 2024), and inflation.

The United Kingdom (UK)

The group cautioned that economic growth stay uncertain, while trading conditions have been challenging, caused by the seasonal nature of the business, which is situated in an area influenced by holidaymakers.

Poland

Concerning Poland, SPAR’s turnover decreased by 4% in terms of the local currency (the zloty), but in rand terms an increase of 13% was reported. The turnover was negatively affected by the loss of a small number of retailers and the company’s announcement to withdraw from the Polish market.

 

SPAR shares

As of close of trade on the JSE on 27 March 2024, SPAR shares traded at R88.40 per share.

Spar price 27 March 2024

The share price of R88.40 is R29.50 lower than the share price at the beginning of 2024, which was R117.90 This constitutes a decrease of 33.37%. A year ago, the share price was R141.36, which is R52.96 more than the current price.

Currently, the company’s authorised shares are 250,000 000, while the total of the issued shares is 192 602 355.

As of 27 March 2024, SPAR’s market capitalisation (market cap) amounts to R16 756 404 885. (Market cap is calculated by multiplying the number of shares by the outstanding current share price.)

A Closer Look at the Top Online Forex Brokers in the Industry

The foreign exchange (Forex) market is a dynamic and highly liquid financial market where traders can buy and sell currency pairs. To engage in Forex trading, individuals often rely on online Forex brokers that facilitate trading activities.

Among the top players in the industry are HFM, Exness, AvaTrade, and Pepperstone. Let’s delve into an overview of each broker and provide a comprehensive comparison through the pros and cons.

 

HFM

HFM, established in 2010, has quickly gained recognition as a reliable Forex broker. Headquartered in Cyprus, the broker offers a range of trading accounts, including Cent, Zero, Pro and Premium accounts. HFM provides access to various financial instruments, including Forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies that span over 500 markets with access to a high leverage of 1:2000.

Pros

  • Wide Range of Accounts: HFM caters to different trading styles with its diverse account types.
  • Regulation: The broker is regulated by multiple authorities, including CySEC and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
  • Multiple Platforms: HFM supports popular trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 and the advanced HFM Platform and mobile app for feature-rich trading on the go.

Cons

  • HFM does not accept clients from certain countries, including the United States, Canada, North Korea, Syria and Sudan, amongst others.

 

Exness

Exness, founded in 2008, is known for its transparency and low spreads. The broker, headquartered in Cyprus, provides a user-friendly trading environment for both beginners and experienced traders. Exness offers a wide range of financial instruments, including Forex, metals, and cryptocurrencies.

Pros

  • Low Spreads: Exness is renowned for its competitive and low spreads, making it attractive to cost-conscious traders.
  • Transparency: The broker discloses its financial performance regularly, enhancing transparency.
  • High Leverage: Exness offers high leverage, providing traders with the opportunity for amplified returns.

Cons

  • Limited Educational Resources: Compared to some other brokers, Exness may have fewer educational resources for novice traders.

 

AvaTrade

AvaTrade, established in 2006, is an internationally recognized Forex broker. Headquartered in Ireland, AvaTrade offers a wide range of trading instruments, including Forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

The broker is known for its user-friendly platform and commitment to providing a secure trading environment.

Pros

  • Diverse Trading Instruments: AvaTrade stands out for offering a broad selection of trading instruments across various markets.
  • Regulation: The broker is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland and I.
  • AvaProtect: AvaTrade offers a unique risk management feature called AvaProtect, allowing traders to protect trades from losses for a specific duration.

Cons

  • Higher Spreads: Some traders may find that AvaTrade’s spreads are relatively higher compared to other brokers.

 

Pepperstone

Founded in 2010, Pepperstone is an Australian-based Forex broker known for its low spreads and advanced trading technology. The broker provides access to a wide range of financial instruments, including Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Pros

  • Low Spreads: Pepperstone is acclaimed for its tight spreads, making it appealing to traders looking for cost-effective solutions.
  • Technology and Platforms: The broker offers cutting-edge trading technology and supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader.
  • Regulation: Pepperstone is regulated by top-tier authorities, including ASIC and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Cons

  • Limited Research and Analysis: Some traders may find that Pepperstone’s research and analysis tools are not as extensive as those provided by other brokers.