To The Moon

Summary of key moves

Global equities are under pressure as renewed tariff-and-trade tensions linked to the U.S. over Greenland dominate sentiment, dragging European stocks lower and pushing U.S. futures toward recent lows. Volatility is picking up. 

Investors are rotating into safe havens; gold and silver prices have made fresh highs amid the risk-off mode. 

The U.S. dollar remains soft, falling to recent lows as geopolitical risk and a potential shift in monetary policy narrative weigh. 

A major Australian pension fund is trimming dollar exposure, signalling expectations of weaker USD and easing global data conditions. 

1) Notable stocks and sectors to watch today

Risk-off and recession hedges

Gold and precious metals miners – typically outperform during risk aversion. Precious metal equities and ETFs can move strongly alongside bullion prices. 

Defensive sectors – utilities, consumer staples, healthcare often outperform in broad sell-offs.

Individual movers from pre-market / futures

ImmunityBio and Enlight Renewable Energy have shown notable strength in pre-market trading, potentially capturing idiosyncratic momentum. 

AppLovin and Ciena are notable laggards, presenting short-term weakness or volatility following the overnight move. 

Macro/geo headlines affecting specific spaces

Autos and luxury goods may be under stress if tariffs spur broader EU retaliation on U.S. exports. 

2) Trading opportunities and short-term setups

a) Defensive rotation plays

Long gold and silver exposure (physical/ETFs/mining equities) on dips

Rationale: Safe haven bid may persist while geopolitical headlines dominate.

Long USD crosses selectively only if risk indicators (VIX, credit spreads) surge sharply; otherwise, USD seems subdued in the current macro mix.

b) Counter-trend momentum

Swing long beaten-down technology and growth stocks with strong fundamentals after oversold conditions are reached, provided there is clear de-escalation language or data supportive of growth.

c) Bond yield volatility trades

With Treasury curves steepening and yields volatile, trading yield curve positions (e.g. positions that gain from curve steepness) could be attractive, especially if markets begin anticipating central bank moves.

d) Event-driven plays

Netflix (NFLX): Monitor Q4 earnings surprise on 21 January (post-market) for a possible gap play. A strong revenue/monetisation beat may trigger short-covering or relief rallies in broader growth indices.

3) Personal approach (advisory)

Given the current backdrop of geopolitical tensions and macro uncertainty:

Reduce outright long risk exposures in broad equity indices until there is a clearer directional signal or de-escalation on tariffs.

Add or hold hedges like gold, silver, volatility products and carved-out defensive ETFs.

Be prepared for sharp intraday reversals if headlines shift; this means sizing positions conservatively and using tight risk controls.

4) Risks and things to monitor

News flow on U.S.–EU negotiations – any sign of easing could prompt rapid risk repricing.

Inflation data and Fed commentary ahead of central bank meetings – markets are sensitive to policy shifts.

Yield curve dynamics – steeper curves or rising real yields can pressure growth equity valuations.