Blog OANDA

Algorithmic trading, or algo trading, is the use of computer programmes to execute trades automatically based on a predefined set of rules. Those rules can be built around price movements, technical indicators, timing, or a combination of all three. The system removes emotion from trading, reacts faster than any human, and can run around the clock. Once reserved for institutional desks, it is now accessible to retail traders via platforms such as MetaTrader, TradingView, and the OANDA API.

Global equity markets are experiencing a turbulent phase as robust economic data, tightening monetary conditions, and massive corporate moves reshape investor strategies. While the artificial intelligence boom continues to drive historic corporate actions, rising inflation and shifting central bank expectations have forced a pause in the recent market rally.

The precious metals sector faced another challenging month, with prices weakening across the board. Relative to their January peaks, all four major precious metals have officially entered a bear market. Gold has fallen 20.1% from its January peak, while silver (-39.6%), platinum (-35.5%), and palladium (-39.7%) have experienced even steeper declines from their yearly highs.

Short answer: SpaceX shares are now available to retail investors for the first time, following the company's long-awaited stock market debut. After more than two decades as a private enterprise, the aerospace giant has gone public, with the SpaceX IPO giving everyday investors direct access to one of the most ambitious companies in the world.

Global financial markets split dramatically over the past month. A massive artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure capital expenditure boom from Big Tech propelled United States and Asian benchmarks higher, while European equity bourses stalled due to mounting geopolitical and economic headwinds.

The precious metals market has entered a period of consolidation, with prices remaining largely range-bound as speculative positioning continues to correct. While short-term movements have been influenced by geopolitical shifts in the Middle East and fluctuations in the US dollar, the underlying long-term drivers for gold remain supportive.

Equities rebounded in early April 2026 as geopolitical fears regarding the Middle East began to subside. While the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Iran-Israel/US conflict sparked a strong rally, lifting US indexes back toward flat for the month, the long term outlook remains balanced between robust earnings growth and persistent credit risks.

The precious metals landscape is currently navigating a period of significant correction. Despite the persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, gold and its peers have faced downward pressure, largely driven by the liquidation of speculative investor positions. This April 2026 gold market overview examines the technical supports, shifting sentiment, and the underlying fundamentals of the current bullion market.

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