No marketing fluff. No hindsight bias. In today's episode, I open the books and walk through my actual trading performance for the 2025 trading year—the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable.

I'll break results down by account, highlight my best and worst trades, and explain why certain decisions worked while others didn't. This is the kind of review every serious trader should be doing—but most avoid.

We'll also announce the winners of the 2025 Price Forecast Competition for both the S&P 500 and Bitcoin, and discuss what those forecasts got right (and wrong) about market structure, sentiment, and timing.

If you want to learn from real execution—not theory—this episode is for you.

Listen now:👉 2025 Trade Review Inside the episode:

• My full 2025 trading performance breakdown
• Results by account and strategy
• Biggest mistakes and what they taught me
• Best trades of the year—and why they worked
• Winners of the S&P 500 & Bitcoin 2025 Forecast Contest
• How I'm using these lessons heading into 2026

Hit like, subscribe, and drop your questions for the next TraderMerlin show.

#TraderMerlin #2025TradeReview #TradingPerformance #YearInReview #TradeJournal #RiskManagement #StockMarket #Bitcoin #SP500 #TradingPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MarketAnalysis #TraderEducation #FinancialEducation #TradingResults #PerformanceReview #MarketForecast #CryptoMarkets #EquityMarkets

Email – [email protected]

Follow TraderMerlin:

Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin

IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/

FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin

Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg

Trading Applications used:

Tradingview

What will really drive markets in 2026? In today's episode, I'm joined by longtime trader and investor Scott McCormick, CMT, for a wide-ranging conversation on what he sees shaping the next major phase across global markets.

Scott shares his forward-looking insights on bonds, equities, commodities, and currencies, breaking down where risk is building, where opportunity may emerge, and how traders should be thinking about positioning as we move into a new market regime. We'll also tackle one of the most surprising moves on the board—the improbable rally in silver—and discuss whether it's the start of something bigger or just a temporary dislocation.

If you care about macro trends, intermarket analysis, and staying ahead of the curve, this is a must-listen episode.

Listen now:👉 2026 Market Outlook Inside the episode:

• Scott McCormick's outlook for 2026 markets
• What to expect from bonds as rates evolve
• Equity market leadership and potential regime shifts
• Commodities and currencies in a changing macro backdrop
• The silver rally: anomaly or early signal?

Hit like, subscribe, and drop your questions for the next TraderMerlin show.

#TraderMerlin #2026MarketOutlook #ScottMcCormick #CMT #MarketOutlook #MacroTrading #BondMarket #Equities #Commodities #Currencies #SilverRally #PreciousMetals #IntermarketAnalysis #TradingPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MarketAnalysis #FinancialEducation #TraderEducation #GlobalMarkets

Email – [email protected]

Follow TraderMerlin:

Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin

IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/

FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin

Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg

Trading Applications used:

- Tradingview

-

The latest GDP report is in—and on the surface, it looks impressive. Strong consumer spending, rising corporate profits, and headlines that suggest the economy is firing on all cylinders. But the real question is this: Is this genuine economic strength—or just window dressing designed to push markets higher into year-end?

In today's episode, we break down the GDP data beneath the headlines. We'll look at what's driving growth, what's being glossed over, and how traders and investors should interpret this report in the context of market positioning, liquidity, and incentives as the calendar winds down.

If you rely on macro data to guide your decisions, this episode will help you separate signal from noise.

Listen now:👉 Gross Domestic Product! Inside the episode:

• What the latest GDP numbers are really telling us
• The role of consumer spending in recent growth
• Why corporate profits may look stronger than reality
• Year-end incentives and how they can distort market narratives
• How traders should frame GDP data going forward

Hit like, subscribe, and drop your questions for the next TraderMerlin show.

#TraderMerlin #GDP #GrossDomesticProduct #EconomicGrowth #ConsumerSpending #CorporateProfits #Macroeconomics #StockMarket #MarketOutlook #EconomicData #TradingPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MarketAnalysis #YearEndMarkets #FinancialEducation #TraderEducation #MarketNarratives #EconomicIndicators #RiskManagement

Email – [email protected]

Follow TraderMerlin:

Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin

IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/

FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin

Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg

Trading Applications used:

- Tradingview

-

As the calendar winds down, the markets play by a different set of rules. In today's episode, I answer a viewer's key question: How do I trade the final two weeks of the year? From thinning liquidity and distorted price action to year-end positioning and headline risk, we'll break down what changes—and what absolutely does not.

I'll also dive into the major news and market headlines for the day, explaining how I filter noise, manage risk, and stay selective when conditions are less than ideal. If you want to finish the year disciplined—not desperate—this episode is for you.

Listen now:👉 Trading the End of the Year! Inside the episode:

• How year-end trading conditions differ from the rest of the year
• My rules for trading the final two weeks
• Liquidity traps, fake moves, and common mistakes to avoid
• Today's top market headlines—what matters and what doesn't
• How professionals protect capital heading into January

Hit like, subscribe, and drop your questions for the next TraderMerlin show.

#TraderMerlin #EndOfYearTrading #YearEndMarkets #TradingStrategy #MarketLiquidity #RiskManagement #StockMarket #FuturesTrading #OptionsTrading #MarketHeadlines #TradingPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MarketAnalysis #TraderEducation #FinancialEducation #MarketVolatility #Seasonality #TradingRules #MarketOutlook

Email – [email protected]

Follow TraderMerlin:

Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin

IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/

FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin

Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg

Trading Applications used:

- Tradingview

-

This week was anything but quiet. In today's episode, we break down the big stories that moved markets, including a wave of tech-boosting actions from President Trump that reignited momentum across key sectors. We'll unpack what's real, what's hype, and how traders should frame these developments inside a disciplined market thesis.

I'll also walk you through updates to my trades for the week—what worked, what didn't, and how I'm adjusting risk and expectations heading into next week. If you want a clean, no-nonsense recap of the week that actually helps your decision-making, this episode delivers. Inside the episode:

• Major market-moving headlines from the week
• Tech-sector tailwinds tied to Trump policy actions
• How political catalysts translate into price action
• My weekly trade updates and execution lessons
• Key themes and levels to watch next week

Hit like, subscribe, and drop your questions for the next TraderMerlin show.

#TraderMerlin #TradingWeekWrapUp #StockMarket #TechStocks #MarketRecap #TrumpPolicies #MarketCatalysts #TradeUpdates #TradingPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MarketAnalysis #WeeklyMarketRecap #EquityMarkets #FuturesTrading #RiskManagement #TraderEducation #FinancialEducation #MarketOutlook

Email – [email protected]

Follow TraderMerlin:

Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin

IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/

FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin

Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg

Trading Applications used:

- Tradingview

A tidal wave of crypto and digital asset ETFs is lining up for launch—and 2026 could be the year everything changes. In today's episode, we break down the coming flood of ETF proposals, what it means for adoption, liquidity, and price discovery, and whether this explosion of products ultimately helps or hurts the digital asset industry.

We'll also zoom out to the broader markets, looking at the about-face in equities and the timely pop in tech stocks that has traders questioning whether leadership is shifting back—or just setting another trap.

If you trade crypto, tech, or macro themes, this episode connects the dots.

Listen now:👉 2026 ETF Mania! Inside the episode:

• Why 2026 could be a breakout year for crypto ETFs
• How digital asset ETFs impact liquidity and volatility
• Winners and losers in an ETF-saturated market
• The stock market's sudden reversal and what's driving it
• Why tech's upside move matters right now

Hit like, subscribe, and drop your questions for the next TraderMerlin show.

#TraderMerlin #ETFMania #CryptoETFs #DigitalAssets #BitcoinETF #EthereumETF #CryptoMarkets #BlockchainInvesting #StockMarket #TechStocks #MarketReversal #TradingPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MarketAnalysis #FinancialInnovation #InstitutionalCrypto #MarketStructure #CryptoAdoption #FutureOfFinance

Email – [email protected]

Follow TraderMerlin:

Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin

IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/

FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin

Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg

Trading Applications used:

- Tradingview

The cracks in Big Tech are getting harder to ignore. In today's episode, we break down the latest stock market pain hitting major tech names and ask the uncomfortable question: Is the AI trade starting to slow—or setting up for a much bigger reset?

We'll look at why the once-unstoppable AI momentum is showing signs of fatigue, how leadership is shifting beneath the surface, and what this means for investors who've been riding tech higher. More importantly, we'll discuss what investors should do next—from managing risk to identifying where capital may rotate if the AI trade truly cools.

If you're invested in technology stocks, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.

Listen now:👉 Tech Troubles Continue! Inside the episode:

• Why Big Tech stocks are under pressure
• Signs the AI rally may be slowing—or reversing
• How market leadership changes impact portfolios
• Risk management strategies for tech-heavy investors
• What to watch next if volatility accelerates

Hit like, subscribe, and drop your questions for the next TraderMerlin show.

#TraderMerlin #TechStocks #AITechnology #AIBubble #StockMarket #BigTech #MarketSelloff #AITrade #MarketRotation #RiskManagement #TradingPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MarketAnalysis #Nasdaq #TechnologyStocks #MarketVolatility #FinancialEducation #InvestorStrategy #EquityMarkets

Email – [email protected]

Follow TraderMerlin:

Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin

IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/

FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin

Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg

Trading Applications used:

- Tradingview

What happens when the stock market never really sleeps? In today's episode, we break down the latest proposal to move U.S. equity markets to 23 hours of trading per day. Is this a true evolution in market structure—or a recipe for thinner liquidity, higher volatility, and trader fatigue?

We'll explore what changes, who benefits, and who doesn't, and how extended trading hours could impact price discovery, overnight risk, and institutional participation. We'll also dig into the latest unemployment rate, manufacturing data, and hourly earnings, and explain how these economic signals feed directly into market expectations.

If you trade equities, futures, or macro themes, this episode is required listening.

Listen now:👉 23-Hour Trading! Inside the episode:

• What a 23-hour stock market could mean for traders
• Liquidity, volatility, and overnight risk considerations
• Who wins and loses with extended trading hours
• Latest unemployment, manufacturing, and wage data
• How macro numbers shape market direction

Hit like, subscribe, and drop your questions for the next TraderMerlin show.

#TraderMerlin #23HourTrading #ExtendedTradingHours #StockMarketStructure #MarketLiquidity #MarketVolatility #OvernightTrading #UnemploymentRate #ManufacturingData #HourlyEarnings #EconomicData #MacroTrading #TradingPodcast #MarketAnalysis #InvestingPodcast #EquityMarkets #FuturesTrading #FinancialEducation #MarketOutlook

Email – [email protected]

Follow TraderMerlin:

Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin

IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/

FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin

Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg

Trading Applications used:

- Tradingview

The last two trading sessions have shifted the tone—and not in a good way. In today's episode, we break down the ominous price action unfolding across the markets and tackle a viewer's sharp question: Are we seeing the early stages of a Three Black Crows candlestick pattern forming? And if so… what does that mean for markets going forward?

We'll walk through how professionals interpret this pattern, when it matters, and when it doesn't. We'll also look at near-term energy concerns over the next two weeks, how they may impact inflation expectations, and the growing weakness in crypto markets as risk appetite fades.

If you trade technicals, macro, or crypto, this episode connects the dots.

Listen now:👉 3 Black Crows? Inside the episode:

• Breakdown of the last two days of market action
• What the Three Black Crows pattern signals—and its limitations
• How energy supply concerns could affect markets short-term
• Crypto market weakness and risk-off behavior
• Key levels and signals traders should watch next

Hit like, subscribe, and drop your questions for the next TraderMerlin show.

#TraderMerlin #3BlackCrows #ThreeBlackCrows #CandlestickPatterns #TechnicalAnalysis #StockMarket #MarketSelloff #EnergyMarkets #OilPrices #InflationConcerns #CryptoWeakness #BitcoinAnalysis #MarketVolatility #TradingPodcast #InvestingPodcast #MarketOutlook #RiskOff #TraderEducation #FinancialEducation

Email – [email protected]

Follow TraderMerlin:

Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin

IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/

FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin

Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg

Trading Applications used:

- Clik

- TradeStation

- Tradingview

-

This week gave traders a masterclass in volatility, deception, and discipline. In today's episode, we break down the highlights and lowlights of the trading week, including Friday's sharp market selloff and the classic bull trap that caught far too many traders leaning the wrong way.

We'll also dig into the latest tech derailment, with Oracle, Broadcom, and several other heavyweight names posting ugly down days—and explain what this weakness could signal for the broader tech sector and market leadership going forward.

If you want clarity after a chaotic week, this is the episode you need.

Listen now:👉 Trading Week Wrap Up! Inside the episode:

• Friday's market selloff and how the bull trap formed
• Why rallies fail—and how to spot them early
• Tech-sector weakness: Oracle, Broadcom, and more
• What this week's price action tells us about risk appetite
• Key levels and themes to watch heading into next week

Hit like, subscribe, and drop your questions for the next TraderMerlin show.

#TraderMerlin #TradingWeekWrapUp #MarketSelloff #BullTrap #StockMarket #TechStocks #Oracle #Broadcom #MarketVolatility #TradingPodcast #MarketAnalysis #InvestingPodcast #TechnicalAnalysis #RiskManagement #MarketCorrection #EquityMarkets #FuturesTrading #TraderPsychology #FinancialEducation #WeeklyMarketRecapEmail – [email protected]

Follow TraderMerlin:

Twitter: TraderMerlin - https://twitter.com/TraderMerlin

IG: TraderMerlin - https://www.instagram.com/tradermerlin/

FB: TraderMerlin - https://www.facebook.com/TraderMerlin

Live Daily Show: - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCczw6L9MSllTvWDK1fNlLrg

Trading Applications used:

- Clik

- TradeStation

- Tradingview