Tag Archives: CFD trading

Saxo Bank Launches New Suite Of Free Forex Widgets

Saxo Bank, the specialist in online trading and investment, is launching a new Forex Content Sharing Program, with a suite of freshly-designed Forex widgets that bring real-time FX prices, charts and commentary, to any website or blog.

Saxo Bank Launches New Suite Of Free Forex Widgets

Forex Trading widgets are ‘mini web pages’ which add live, continually updating FX content to a website. Seven customisable web widgets, including a Forex Quote List, Currency Converter, Forex Ticker, real-time Forex Chart, Economic Calendar, Price Alert and Market Call videos, are now available to webmasters and bloggers who register as Content Sharing Partners. Each widget is based on Flash components, making it simple to add them to any platform, including Facebook, WordPress and Blogger.

“Widgets are becoming increasingly popular as internet tools. Ours allow users to add live Forex content to any website, whether it’s a financial site, an FX trading blog or a travel site offering its customers real-time currency conversions,” said Adrian Coxon, Saxo Bank’s head of Online Marketing.”With our Content Sharing Program, Saxo Bank is making it easier than ever for a variety of websites to add Forex information that will be relevant and useful to their visitors.”

“All of our widgets have been re-designed for today’s blogs and websites,” Coxon added, “And we’re particularly excited to be adding streaming video with Market Call, which delivers video updates from Saxo Bank’s renowned Forex analysts directly to our Partner’s websites.”

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Saxo Bank Launches Forex Education Programme On Facebook

Saxo Bank has announced the addition of a Forex Trading Education tab to its Saxo Forex fan page on Facebook, allowing traders of all experience levels to enhance their Forex trading knowledge and gain new insights into the psychology of trading.

Facebook has over 400 million users worldwide, and a growing number of companies are moving to the platform to educate and communicate with customers. The Saxo Forex Facebook page has seen a rapid growth in number of ‘fans’, Facebook’s term for users who show interest in the company and automatically receive all updates of the page. Since its launch in February the page has attracted over 5,500 fans, a large percentage of whom read new posts and follow discussions on a daily basis. The page enables users to participate in Forex trading discussions and stay informed of upcoming events, such as seminars.

Many Facebook users with little trading background discovered the page as well, and asked for ways to improve their Forex Trading knowledge. Saxo Bank formulated an education application that is useful for traders of all experience levels. The programme consists of beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert sections. The application will soon be recieving an update, giving visitors the opportunity to test their knowledge beforehand in order to help them decide at which level to start learning. The update will also give users the option to post their progress in the education section on their wall, which will be visible to this person’s contacts.

Educating clients has always been one of Saxo Bank’s strengths. TradeMentor, its existing education programme, offers online and offline course materials on both Forex Trading and CFD Trading and the company aims to reach a broader audience with the Facebook application, giving users the opportunity to discuss the topics with other traders.

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Saxo Bank Launches New Video Channel For Forex And Equity Programmes

Saxo Bank, the specialist in online trading and investment, is launching a new one-stop video site for its market commentary, interviews and educational programmes.

Saxo Bank Launches New Video Channel For Forex And Equity Programmes

The Bank produces many hours of financial news and analysis from its own state-of-the-art studio at its head office in Copenhagen, Denmark. The studio is in daily use by Saxo Bank’s team of analysts providing comments to international and local TV stations such as CNBC and Bloomberg.

Videos for Saxo Bank’s websites have been hosted by Saxo Bank using third-party servers and are shown on several websites within Saxo Bank and sharing sites such as YouTube. The new video site uses a web-TV platform from 23Video, a Danish web start-up.

“Video is becoming increasingly important as a way of reaching investors with commentary on the markets and educational programmes for traders that are new to online markets,” said Dinis Guarda, Global Head of SEO and Social Media Strategy at Saxo.

“We have been running a weekly Forex and equities update since May last year and have produced around 250 trading strategy videos featuring interviews with Saxo Bank’s analysts for the www.tradingfloor.com website,” he added.

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Saxo Bank On Track With Sound Results For 2009

Saxo Bank, the online trading and investment specialist, has announced that it has received sound and steady results for 2009 and achieved a positive emergence from the financial crisis.

Business picked up during the second half of 2009 after a relatively slow beginning to the year. Operating income for the year was DKK 2,228 million compared to DKK 2,518 million in 2008. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) was DKK 441 million while net profit was DKK 201 million with 80% earned in the second half of the year.

As of 31 December 2009, the solvency ratio was 19%. The Bank’s Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment (ICAAP) process showed a minimum capital requirement of 8%.

The founders and CEOs of Saxo Bank, Kim Fournais and Lars Seier Christensen, said in a joint statement:

“Saxo Bank is a trading, investment and savings specialist not engaged in traditional lending activities and not dependant on traditional loan financing business. That has worked to our advantage in what was a very difficult year for everyone. Saxo Bank’s business model has shown some resilience to the financial crisis and we are satisfied with the results.

“2009 was a year of geographical expansion and establishing new business areas. We opened five new offices and our Asset Management business grew significantly. The new Saxo Equity Platform, which was launched in March 2010, sets the stage for a year, which will be characterised by new products and platform developments. Even though such investments have no or limited impact on income in the short run, we believe it is the right time to take advantage of the many opportunities available to take the Bank to the next level.”

The value of clients’ collateral deposits related to the trading business increased more than 70% to DKK 15 billion as of 31 December 2009. On 1 April 2010 it was more than DKK 17 billion.

In 2009, Saxo Asset Management was launched to cater for the top segment of High-Net-Worth Investors. The new business area is the combined concept of three asset management businesses acquired in 2009. The asset management activities of the Bank now include expertise within Danish bonds, Nordic Stocks, high-yield and emerging market bonds. The acquired companies, Sirius, Capital Four and the 51% stake in Global Evolution, grew assets under management organically from approximately DKK 10 DKK billion at the time of acquisition to more than DKK 20 billion as of 31 December 2009. On 1 April 2010 it had grown another 25% to DKK 25 billion.

Saxo Bank is a Forex, CFDs and Futures trading specialist and has no engagement in traditional lending activities. However, in response to the instability and lack of confidence in the financial markets, Saxo Bank chose to join the Danish state’s Guarantee Scheme (Private Contingency Association). On 24 March 2010, a majority in the Danish Parliament agreed on a new guarantee scheme, which would bring deposit guarantees into line with European Union rules. The new guarantee scheme is set to take effect from 1 October 2010. All Danish banks are covered by the scheme.

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Saxo Bank Launches Property Investment Products

Saxo Bank, the online trading and investment specialist, will now offer property investment products for both private clients and institutional investors through a new company, Saxo Properties.

Saxo Bank Launches Property Investment Products

The newly formed investment firm Saxo Properties, fully owned by Saxo Bank, will launch closed-ended funds for both high net worth clients and institutional investors. Two of the Danish real estate industry’s most well-known individuals, Jesper Damborg and Claus Klostermann, will respectively become CEO and managing director of investments at Saxo Properties.

“Initially, Saxo Properties will focus on handpicked Copenhagen residential, office and retail properties. The first fund will close within the next three months, but we intend to establish a number of funds with a significant ownership capital of at least DKK 250 million,” said Jesper Damborg.

Saxo Bank’s business model is often described as a facilitator model where the bank through its trading platforms offers liquidity, products and services to clients as obtained from other financial institutions. Saxo Properties will use the same model. Saxo Bank has hired Flemming Schandorff, the former COO of ISS, one of the world’s largest commercial providers of facility services, to a similar position at Saxo Properties to facilitate administration of the estates.

“First and foremost, Saxo Properties will prioritize achieving attractive market returns, but we will also focus on how to capitalize on tight cost control and good management, such as rebuilding, mixed lease and general maintenance,” said Jesper Damborg.

Saxo Bank’s CEOs and founders, Kim Fournais and Lars Seier Christensen, said in a joint statement: “Saxo Bank holds asset under management of DKK 40 billion, and our focus on asset management has proved a great success. Many clients have asked for property investment products and there is also a clear synergy between Saxo Asset Management and Saxo Properties, which we can now utilize. Many properties are traded at a low price especially in Copenhagen, so the timing is right to expand our asset management to include property investment products.”

Last year, Saxo Bank bought Sirius Asset Management, Capital Four and 51 percent of Global Evolution. The three companies now form Saxo Asset Management, which has management expertise for Danish bonds, Danish equities, corporate bonds and emerging market bonds.

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Agricote And Saxo Banque France Partner

Saxo Banque France, the online investment and trading specialist, has announced an exclusive partnership with Agricote, the agricultural broker, allowing farmers to manage their selling prices and negotiate agricultural or commodity futures and CFDS online using the award winning SaxoTrader platform.

The partnership with Agricote reflects the evolution of the agricultural industry, and the reality that a new generation of farmers want to control their production and sales, using futures to hedge their output and manage risk. Using SaxoTrader, the partnership enables both producers and buyers to manage market volatility and trade agricultural futures and CFDs online 24 hours a day, with access to 23 stock exchanges.

Commenting on the partnership, Pierre de Perthuis, co-founding partner of Agricote, said: “Our partnership with Saxo Banque will enable farmers to move forward and manage their own production and sales. Farmers no longer want to suffer from the pressures imposed by a volatile market, and seeing farmers taking positions on an online future trading platform is an innovative step forward for the industry. We are very proud to support these pioneers. Farmers are now able to control their destiny”.

Pierre-Antoine Dusoulier, CEO of Saxo Banque France added: “We are pleased to partner with Agricote and acknowledge that the agricultural industry is changing and needs strong support. Agricote was looking for a trusted partner and we met its requirements: Saxo Banque is a perennial French Bank and we have a highly efficient online trading platform and services for fast deployment.”

Main characteristics of the partnership:
– Privileged access to International Futures Markets
– Ability to adopt and implement own marketing strategy
– An appropriate account with user profile
– Trading account access via PC, website or cell phone
– Personalized assistance by Agricote
– A free demo account for 20 days

Farmers will be able to access their online trading platform via a dedicated page on the Agricote website.

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Trading Floor Launch News Widget

Trading Floor, the website featuring commentary by Saxo Bank’s strategy team, is launching a news widget – a ‘mini web site’ – allowing the latest stories from Trading Floor to be placed on any website or blog by pasting a few lines of computer code.

Trading Floor Launch News Widget

The widget is the first of several FX Tools under development that will be launched during 2010. The tools will support Trading Floor’s aim of providing the best knowledge to online traders in Forex trading, equities, FX options and CFD trading. The code can be copied from tradingfloor.com/FX-Tools and links are provided to help on how to add the code to the two of the most widely used blogging platforms.

Trading Floor’s strategy team writes posts throughout the trading day, starting with the opening of European markets to the close of Asian.

Trading Floor offers a range of news and market analysis including the daily trading stance which highlights the important signs to watch for in economic indicators and key levels for the major currency crosses, FX options and commodities. This includes a calendar for important earnings announcements and macroeconomic events. Trading Floor also publishes a wide range of reports covering macroeconomic indicators, and trading suggestions for FX and equities which are all free to download. Trading Floor also offers two to three interviews a week covering FX, equities and commodities. Commodities are covered with Ole Hansen on Wednesday and the FX and equity update is broadcast on Friday. Extra interviews are posted for significant macroeconomic indicators or reports.

Commentary on Trading Floor is written by Chief Economist David Karsbøl, Equity Strategist Christian Tegllund Blaabjerg and Forex expert John Hardy. Futures and Fixed Income expertise is provided by Ole S. Hansen and Alan Plaugmann. Also commenting are Market Strategist Mads Koefoed and Research Analyst Robin Bagger-Sjöbäck.

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Saxo Bank Offers New Guide To Global Economic Indicators

Saxo Bank’s strategy team has gathered together the most important of its macroeconomic forecasts into a new monthly publication that can be downloaded for free from the Trading Floor website.

Saxo Bank Offers New Guide To Global Economic Indicators

The new Macro Forecast publication is based on the results of Saxo Bank’s comprehensive macroeconomic models and is released on the first working day of every month. The publication will give the most important economic indicators for the US, Eurozone and Japan.

“The US gets the most attention in line with its position as the most important world economy with more than 20 quarterly and monthly indicators. The most important indicators from Europe and Japan will be covered initially, with more depth added with time as the publication grows,” said David Karsbøl, Chief Economist at Saxo Bank.

The Macro Forecast has been designed to be easy to read and navigate. Each country has a table giving the consensus forecast, Saxo Bank’s forecast, the previous level, percentage change and release date.

“The Macro Forecast isn’t meant to provide trading triggers,” added Saxo Bank Market Strategist Mads Koefoed, who has been responsible for developing the model. “The publication is more a signpost to the general economy and makes the strategy teams views on the development of the economy easier to follow on a regular basis.”

Tradingfloor.com has been running since May 2009 and features expert commentary starting every morning with The Daily Trading Stance that Saxo Bank’s strategists distribute to clients giving a rundown of the main themes of the day in Forex trading, equities, FX options and CFD trading.

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Saxo Banque Wins Banking Innovation Award 2009

Saxo Banque, the French division of the online trading and investment specialist Saxo Bank, has been awarded the “Prix de l’Innovation 2009” (Banking Innovation Award), by the Investment Forum for its TradeMaker service. The innovative and free-of-charge service enables the bank’s customers to translate an idea into an order, to be kept informed of opportunities, and to compare results from trading ideas proposed by analysts.

The Award ceremony took place on 10th October at the Palais des Congrès, in Paris. Each year, a panel composed of financial journalists and editors from publications including La Tribune, Le Revenu and Investir are convened by the Forum’s organizers to present the innovation award. In the category of ‘Informed Investors’, the panel awarded the 2009 prize to Saxo Bank’s new TradeMaker facility.

TradeMaker was developed in response to two of the obstacles facing both futures traders and more general investors. Firstly, TradeMaker addresses the feelings of confusion that often arise from an overwhelming abundance of information. Secondly, TradeMaker facilitates the application of this information, allowing the investor to employ the resultant data in their trading.

TradeMaker publishes the results of proposed trading ideas. Customers can subsequently choose the issuer with the best performance for a given product. TradeMaker then uses text and graphics to explain trading ideas before pre-completing order forms which include such considerations as Stops and Limits. Relevant trade data, which is not always easy to assimilate, is translated into an order by the issuer. The customer need simply choose the value of his or her investment before validating the order with a click of the mouse. Advice, Trading Assistance and Transparency are the three major advantages of the TradeMaker tool.

Pierre-Antoine Dusoulier, CEO of Saxo Banque, declared: “It is a real honour for Saxo Banque to win an award such as this. It is reward in particular for our engineers who work hard all year on the development of new services to grow the platform and deliver increasingly innovative solutions to our customers. Saxo Banque is an independent bank, we create our own products by way of a dedicated technology research unit.”

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Positive Economy Growth For Late 2009 Predicted by Trading Floor Expert

Trading Floor columnist and Saxo Bank chief economist David Karsbol says the American economy will return to positive GDP growth in the second half of 2009; however, the reliance of the recovery on government spending and inventory re-stocking may mean the growth is not sustainable.

Karsbol says consumer deleveraging will continue and demand will remain subdued. US unemployment will continue to rise over the coming months, further hindering debt repayments and consumption.

Saxo Bank’s fourth quarterly financial outlook for 2009 is available for download on the Trading Floor site, which has been running since May 2009. Trading Floor gives daily and quarterly outlook and trading analysis of Forex, Equities, FX options, CFD trading, and commodities.

The Saxo Bank quarterly report is put together by the bank’s strategy team of chief economist David Karsbol, chief equity strategist Christian Blaabjerg, consulting FX strategist John Hardy and market strategist Mads Koefoed.

The quarterly outlook predicts that monetary stimuli and government deficits are likely to continue, leading to a ‘Japanisation’ of financial markets – higher price-to-earnings ratios and lower yields on both corporate bonds and treasuries.

Karsbol added: “Because Western economies are more flexible and able to embrace the necessary changes, we do not think that things will get as bad as was the case in Japan.

“However, it is increasingly evident that the current scenario in the West bears a close resemblance to post-1990 Japan, and it looks progressively like we have entered a new regime in which everyone assumes that large companies will be bailed out. This means that default risk is ‘priced out’, and we see higher price-to-earnings ratios and lower yields on fixed income.”

With maximum stimulus in the rear view mirror and austerity and exit strategies increasingly on the menu, Forex trading as a whole may begin to shift away from the rosier recovery projection that is already priced in. This could likely mean the exhaustion of many of the trends that are currently in place in FX, where so many trades are aligned along the ubiquitous risk appetite axis.

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