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On today’s menu:

• The Prop Firm Red Flags You Can't Ignore 🚩

• The Pound’s Wild Ride: What’s Moving GBP/USD? 💷

• Trump Threatens A 25% Tariff By February 1st 🇨🇦

The Prop Firm Red Flags You Can't Ignore 🚩

Traders, we’re not here to stir the pot, but let’s just say… one of the “big guys” in the prop firm world is in some hot water.

If you’ve been lurking in Discord channels (because what trader hasn’t?), you’ve probably seen the complaints piling up.

Traders are waiting days—sometimes weeks—for payouts they requested ages ago.

And trust us, the vibe in their Discord is about as calm as a Black Friday sale at Walmart.

Now, we’re not gonna name names (we’re classy like that), but if you know, you know.

Here’s the thing: we’ve been saying it forever. A great prop firm isn’t just about fancy websites or aggressive marketing.

It’s about reliability, trust, and making sure you get your hard-earned payouts on time.

So, how do you spot a great prop firm? Let’s break it down.

What Makes a Great Prop Firm?

1. Time in Business ⏰ 

This one’s simple: the longer a firm’s been around, the more likely they’ve got their act together.

If they’ve survived for 2+ years without folding like a cheap tent, that’s a good sign.

In 2024, we saw a bunch of firms vanish faster than your gains on a rogue trade.

Longevity = stability.

2. Proof of Payouts ✅ 

Here’s the deal: you want a firm with a clean track record.

Sometimes the best proof of payouts isn’t what’s posted online—it’s the absence of denials.

If traders aren’t lighting up forums and social media with horror stories, that’s a win.

And don’t just stop at their marketing.

Dig into what other traders are saying.

A quick scroll through Reddit or Discord can give you the tea (and save you from heartbreak).

3. No Drama Zone 👎️ 

A prop firm that’s drama-free? That’s the dream.

You don’t want a CEO who’s beefing with traders on Twitter or writing essays defending payout delays.

A firm that flies under the radar is a good thing.

Boring equals dependable.

And dependable equals you get paid.

Massive Discounts? 🚩

Look, everyone loves a good deal. But if a prop firm is constantly running massive discounts, that’s a red flag.

Here’s how it goes:

1. Sales are low, so they drop prices to drum up business.

2. They sell too many accounts at a discount, but the math doesn’t add up.

3. Traders request payouts, but there’s not enough cash flow to cover them.

4. Payouts get delayed or denied.

It’s a vicious cycle that only gets worse.

The deeper the discounts, the more likely the firm’s business model is on shaky ground.

And if they’re offering 50% off every other week, ask yourself—are they trying to attract serious traders or just anyone with a credit card?

A great prop firm values sustainability over flashy sales tactics.

If the discounts seem too good to be true, they probably are.

So, Who’s Doing It Right?

We’re not saying this because they’re our favorite (okay, maybe we are), but Lark Funding ticks all the boxes:

✅ Almost 3 years in business.
✅ Proof of payouts (and zero payout drama).
✅ CDBO Certified—basically the gold standard for prop firms.

They’re the quiet achievers of the prop world.

No flashy fights on Twitter, no angry mobs in Discord—just reliable payouts and solid terms.

If you’re tired of the drama, maybe it’s time to check them out.

FOREX

The Pound’s Wild Ride: What’s Moving GBP/USD? 💷

If you’ve been trading GBP/USD lately, you’ve probably noticed it’s been slipping faster than a crumpet dunked in tea.

As of January 20, 2025, the exchange rate is sitting at 1.2305, down from a high of 1.2541 earlier this month.

That’s a pretty sharp decline for just a few weeks, so what’s going on?

Let’s break it down.

1. The Bank of England Hit Reverse 🇬🇧 

The Bank of England (BoE) recently hit the brakes, cutting interest rates to 4.75% in November 2024 after holding steady at 5.00%. Why?

• Inflation is cooling (sort of). Inflation ticked up to 2.6% in November, but overall, it’s moving toward the BoE’s 2% target faster than expected.

• The UK economy is slowing. Contracting retail sales in December and whispers of negative GDP growth for Q4 are raising alarms.

Traders are now expecting 3-4 more rate cuts in 2025, and while that might make mortgages cheaper, it’s not doing any favors for the pound.

2. The Fed Isn’t Backing Down ❌ 

Across the pond, the Federal Reserve has stayed firm, keeping interest rates sky-high.

This policy divergence is a major driver for GBP/USD.

Traders are opting for USD-denominated assets, which are now yielding more bang for their buck.

3. The US Economy Is on Fire 🔥 

The US economy isn’t just hanging in there—it’s thriving.

Strong GDP growth and solid job numbers are giving the dollar extra swagger.

Meanwhile, the UK is handing out rate cuts like party favors, trying to stabilize its economy.

4. Inflation: A Tale of Two Central Banks 🏦 

While UK inflation is easing, it’s still causing headaches.

On the other hand, the US is maintaining its “higher for longer” stance to keep inflation under control.

The result? More pressure on the pound.

5. Global Sentiment: Safe Haven Dollar 🇺🇸 

With global uncertainties swirling, the US dollar remains the ultimate fallback option. And the pound?

Let’s just say it’s not winning any popularity contests right now.

What Does This Mean for Traders? 👇️ 

GBP/USD’s recent slump is a classic case of diverging monetary policies and economic realities. Here’s what traders should keep in mind:

• Rate cuts ahead. If the BoE continues to cut rates while the Fed stays hawkish, expect the pound to stay under pressure.

• Economic data is key. UK retail sales, US jobs reports, and inflation figures will be critical for forecasting the next moves.

• Sentiment matters. The stronger the global risk-off vibe, the stronger the dollar tends to get.

For now, the pound is struggling to find solid ground, and the downtrend could persist.

But hey, this is FX—anything can happen.

So stay sharp, keep those stops tight, and enjoy the ride (even if it’s a bumpy one)! 🎢

🚀 Pre-Market Fuel

1. Trump threatens a 25% tariff for both Canada and Mexico on February 1st. Yikes! Can the CAD drop any further? 🇨🇦 

2. Microstrategy just bought another $1 billion of Bitcoin. Michael Saylor doesn’t quit!

🍪 Munchy Memes

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