5 charts every beginner should read before their first trade
Many beginner traders try to learn 20 indicators at once and call it "analysis." Professionals watch a handful of charts — for years.
1. DXY — Dollar Index
The US dollar versus six major currencies. When DXY rises, EUR/USD typically falls. Oil, gold, and many equities all react to the dollar.
2. US10Y — 10-Year US Treasury Yield
Yields tell you what the market thinks the Fed will do next. Yields up → dollar strong, stocks (especially tech) often down.
3. SPX — S&P 500
The global risk-on / risk-off barometer. The S&P moves everything else: money markets, crypto, currencies.
4. XAU/USD — Gold
Gold is three things at once: anti-dollar, anti-inflation, and a safe haven. It often moves when other assets are quiet.
5. VIX — Fear Index
The market's expectation of S&P volatility. Normal is ~15–20; above 25 is fear; 40+ is panic. VIX tells you what kind of regime you're in.
A daily routine
Every morning — before opening any trading screen — glance at these five. What do they say together? If DXY and yields are up and SPX is down, that is not a day to buy stocks. If everything is green, you may be in a risk-on regime.
