Finance Magnates spoke with several industry experts to understand how brokers are preparing for the expected volatility of the upcoming US elections.
“It is important for brokers to use a diverse mix of top-tier liquidity providers,” said ThinkMarkets' Chantelle Lea.
As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, the market is bracing for extreme volatility, which could present significant challenges for brokers, particularly in terms of liquidity management. Finance Magnates spoke with industry experts to understand how brokers are preparing for potential market disruptions, and how liquidity issues could lead to price spikes, outages, and other risks.
The 2024 US Election: How Volatility Impacts Liquidity
“Liquidity issues tend to arise during news events that trigger unexpected volatility,” said Jonathan Brewer, Chief Revenue Officer at GCEX, when discussing with Finance Magnates the possible impact of the upcoming US elections on the brokerage business. “This particular election could result in extreme volatility, which may lead to liquidity challenges for brokers who have not carefully curated their liquidity.”
Jonathan Brewer, Chief Revenue Officer, GCEX
“Poor liquidity management could result in price spikes, outages, and even, in extreme cases, erroneous liquidations of client positions,” he added.
Trump vs Harris: Market Expectations and Volatility
The US Presidential election is scheduled for November 5, 2024, which is less than three weeks away. However, unlike previous elections, the race between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris is extremely close. Such uncertainty often leads to unexpected market movements. Interestingly, recent betting market odds show that Trump is leading by double digits.
“Trump is seen as more ‘market-friendly’ than Harris,” said David Morrison, Senior Market Analyst at Trade Nation. “Investors feel he understands business and has consistently supported low taxes and low interest rates. If he were to win, the dollar might drop, while precious metals and equities could rise, at least initially.”
David Morrison, Senior Market Analyst at Trade Nation
However, if Harris wins the election, Morrison believes “there may be some initial disappointment among investors that Trump didn’t win,” adding that in this scenario, “the dollar could strengthen, while equity markets might see a temporary sell-off.”
Ernest Yiu, VP of Marketing at Ultima Markets
On the other hand, Ultima Markets' VP of Marketing, Ernest Yiu, thinks that “a Harris victory could signal a shift towards more progressive policies, potentially leading to increased regulation and higher corporate taxes, while a Trump victory could heighten geopolitical tensions, similar to his previous trade war with China.”
Expert Opinions on Liquidity Challenges for Brokers
Despite the close competition, the market is expected to react sharply, whichever side wins the election. The US election is one of the most impactful global market events due to the size of the country’s economy and its worldwide influence.
Chantelle Lea, Regional Marketing Director at ThinkMarkets
Chantelle Lea, Regional Director of Marketing at ThinkMarkets, expects “market volatility to decrease just before the vote, followed by a surge once the exit polls are released.” According to her, “The key will be to watch the exit polls in swing states, as they will have the most impact on the election result.”
Tickmill’s Managing Principal, Joseph Dahrieh, noted that “Historically, markets tend to rally after elections as uncertainty fades and new policies are anticipated.” Tickmill has even launched a hub for traders to track US election-specific market volatility, providing data, expert analysis, and historical insights.
Several other brokers have also enhanced their market analysis tools for traders, anticipating a surge in trading activity around the US elections.
Joseph Dahrieh, the Managing Director at Tickmill
“Volatility related to large events like elections tends to increase trade volumes, which benefits brokers through commission and spreads,” said Ultima Markets’ Yiu. Trade Nation’s Morrison agreed to this notion and added that “Brokers favor higher volatility because it typically leads to active markets, providing plenty of trading opportunities for their clients. Some brokers widen their spreads when volatility rises.”
Despite these advantages to brokers, GCEX’s Brewer said: “Retail clients’ trading performance is often inversely related to market volatility.”
“Strong market movements tend to trigger significant liquidations of retail clients, especially those who overuse leverage or take on excessive risk,” he added. “Volatility spikes lead to high trading volumes but also to substantial client losses. This makes volatility beneficial for brokers, whether they operate a risk-based model (B book) or a flow-based model (A book / STP / ECN).”
Strategies Brokers Are Using to Prepare for Volatility
However, volatility also poses risks for brokers who are unprepared. “Extreme volatility is risky for brokers due to increased margin calls, potential slippage, and widened spreads,” Yiu noted. Liquidity is another challenge in volatile markets, as he pointed out: “Liquidity providers may pull back or widen spreads, making it harder to execute trades at desirable prices.”
“The increase in trading activity requires strong relationships with liquidity providers to manage risks effectively,” said Dahrieh. “Brokers must also ensure reliable technology to handle the surge in transactions and avoid operational failures.”
Brokers should work with multiple liquidity providers to prevent disruptions during volatile periods. “It is essential for brokers to use a diverse mix of top-tier liquidity providers,” said Lea. “This ensures consistent pricing, execution, and competitive spreads, even if one or two providers withdraw liquidity.”
Interestingly, some brokers reduce leverage or increase margin requirements during times of thin liquidity to manage risk, Yiu pointed out.
“Brokers approach high-impact events like the US elections by implementing various risk management strategies to handle market volatility, such as setting exposure limits, monitoring market changes in real time, and conducting stress tests to identify weaknesses,” said Dahrieh. “As conditions evolve, they adapt their practices, develop crisis management plans to maintain operations, and ensure adequate liquidity. Brokers also assist traders by improving risk management tools and providing real-time market insights to help them navigate the expected volatility.”
Market Reactions: How Will the Election Influence Trading?
There is no doubt that trading volumes increase during volatile markets. But how do traders behave? How do traders' sentiments change in volatile markets?
Most retail brokers experienced a boom during the volatile period caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Trading activity surged, and the revenue of many publicly listed brokers, including IG Group and CMC Markets, peaked during those months.
“With Trump looking to break the mold, excitement will be high, and we expect a surge in new client sign-ups, deposits, and trading volume,” said ThinkMarkets’ Lea.
However, Yiu noted, “Most traders become more cautious before major events like elections. They tend to reduce exposure, close positions early, or hedge their positions to protect themselves against unexpected outcomes.”
He added that “some traders might act differently, seizing opportunities by trading short-term in the higher volatility, either through scalping or day trading.”
GCEX’s Brewer also pointed out: “EAs, which account for a large percentage of transactions in our market, are likely to trade very actively and, in some cases, erratically.”
Conclusion: Navigating Volatility During the 2024 US Election
With the 2024 US election expected to bring significant market volatility, brokers are taking various steps to prepare. By diversifying liquidity providers, upgrading technology, and improving risk management tools, brokers aim to mitigate the risks of price spikes, outages, and liquidity challenges. While volatility can present trading opportunities, both brokers and traders must be prepared for the potential risks involved.
As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, the market is bracing for extreme volatility, which could present significant challenges for brokers, particularly in terms of liquidity management. Finance Magnates spoke with industry experts to understand how brokers are preparing for potential market disruptions, and how liquidity issues could lead to price spikes, outages, and other risks.
The 2024 US Election: How Volatility Impacts Liquidity
“Liquidity issues tend to arise during news events that trigger unexpected volatility,” said Jonathan Brewer, Chief Revenue Officer at GCEX, when discussing with Finance Magnates the possible impact of the upcoming US elections on the brokerage business. “This particular election could result in extreme volatility, which may lead to liquidity challenges for brokers who have not carefully curated their liquidity.”
Jonathan Brewer, Chief Revenue Officer, GCEX
“Poor liquidity management could result in price spikes, outages, and even, in extreme cases, erroneous liquidations of client positions,” he added.
Trump vs Harris: Market Expectations and Volatility
The US Presidential election is scheduled for November 5, 2024, which is less than three weeks away. However, unlike previous elections, the race between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris is extremely close. Such uncertainty often leads to unexpected market movements. Interestingly, recent betting market odds show that Trump is leading by double digits.
“Trump is seen as more ‘market-friendly’ than Harris,” said David Morrison, Senior Market Analyst at Trade Nation. “Investors feel he understands business and has consistently supported low taxes and low interest rates. If he were to win, the dollar might drop, while precious metals and equities could rise, at least initially.”
David Morrison, Senior Market Analyst at Trade Nation
However, if Harris wins the election, Morrison believes “there may be some initial disappointment among investors that Trump didn’t win,” adding that in this scenario, “the dollar could strengthen, while equity markets might see a temporary sell-off.”
Ernest Yiu, VP of Marketing at Ultima Markets
On the other hand, Ultima Markets' VP of Marketing, Ernest Yiu, thinks that “a Harris victory could signal a shift towards more progressive policies, potentially leading to increased regulation and higher corporate taxes, while a Trump victory could heighten geopolitical tensions, similar to his previous trade war with China.”
Expert Opinions on Liquidity Challenges for Brokers
Despite the close competition, the market is expected to react sharply, whichever side wins the election. The US election is one of the most impactful global market events due to the size of the country’s economy and its worldwide influence.
Chantelle Lea, Regional Marketing Director at ThinkMarkets
Chantelle Lea, Regional Director of Marketing at ThinkMarkets, expects “market volatility to decrease just before the vote, followed by a surge once the exit polls are released.” According to her, “The key will be to watch the exit polls in swing states, as they will have the most impact on the election result.”
Tickmill’s Managing Principal, Joseph Dahrieh, noted that “Historically, markets tend to rally after elections as uncertainty fades and new policies are anticipated.” Tickmill has even launched a hub for traders to track US election-specific market volatility, providing data, expert analysis, and historical insights.
Several other brokers have also enhanced their market analysis tools for traders, anticipating a surge in trading activity around the US elections.
Joseph Dahrieh, the Managing Director at Tickmill
“Volatility related to large events like elections tends to increase trade volumes, which benefits brokers through commission and spreads,” said Ultima Markets’ Yiu. Trade Nation’s Morrison agreed to this notion and added that “Brokers favor higher volatility because it typically leads to active markets, providing plenty of trading opportunities for their clients. Some brokers widen their spreads when volatility rises.”
Despite these advantages to brokers, GCEX’s Brewer said: “Retail clients’ trading performance is often inversely related to market volatility.”
“Strong market movements tend to trigger significant liquidations of retail clients, especially those who overuse leverage or take on excessive risk,” he added. “Volatility spikes lead to high trading volumes but also to substantial client losses. This makes volatility beneficial for brokers, whether they operate a risk-based model (B book) or a flow-based model (A book / STP / ECN).”
Strategies Brokers Are Using to Prepare for Volatility
However, volatility also poses risks for brokers who are unprepared. “Extreme volatility is risky for brokers due to increased margin calls, potential slippage, and widened spreads,” Yiu noted. Liquidity is another challenge in volatile markets, as he pointed out: “Liquidity providers may pull back or widen spreads, making it harder to execute trades at desirable prices.”
“The increase in trading activity requires strong relationships with liquidity providers to manage risks effectively,” said Dahrieh. “Brokers must also ensure reliable technology to handle the surge in transactions and avoid operational failures.”
Brokers should work with multiple liquidity providers to prevent disruptions during volatile periods. “It is essential for brokers to use a diverse mix of top-tier liquidity providers,” said Lea. “This ensures consistent pricing, execution, and competitive spreads, even if one or two providers withdraw liquidity.”
Interestingly, some brokers reduce leverage or increase margin requirements during times of thin liquidity to manage risk, Yiu pointed out.
“Brokers approach high-impact events like the US elections by implementing various risk management strategies to handle market volatility, such as setting exposure limits, monitoring market changes in real time, and conducting stress tests to identify weaknesses,” said Dahrieh. “As conditions evolve, they adapt their practices, develop crisis management plans to maintain operations, and ensure adequate liquidity. Brokers also assist traders by improving risk management tools and providing real-time market insights to help them navigate the expected volatility.”
Market Reactions: How Will the Election Influence Trading?
There is no doubt that trading volumes increase during volatile markets. But how do traders behave? How do traders' sentiments change in volatile markets?
Most retail brokers experienced a boom during the volatile period caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Trading activity surged, and the revenue of many publicly listed brokers, including IG Group and CMC Markets, peaked during those months.
“With Trump looking to break the mold, excitement will be high, and we expect a surge in new client sign-ups, deposits, and trading volume,” said ThinkMarkets’ Lea.
However, Yiu noted, “Most traders become more cautious before major events like elections. They tend to reduce exposure, close positions early, or hedge their positions to protect themselves against unexpected outcomes.”
He added that “some traders might act differently, seizing opportunities by trading short-term in the higher volatility, either through scalping or day trading.”
GCEX’s Brewer also pointed out: “EAs, which account for a large percentage of transactions in our market, are likely to trade very actively and, in some cases, erratically.”
Conclusion: Navigating Volatility During the 2024 US Election
With the 2024 US election expected to bring significant market volatility, brokers are taking various steps to prepare. By diversifying liquidity providers, upgrading technology, and improving risk management tools, brokers aim to mitigate the risks of price spikes, outages, and liquidity challenges. While volatility can present trading opportunities, both brokers and traders must be prepared for the potential risks involved.
Arnab is an electronics engineer-turned-financial editor. He entered the industry covering the cryptocurrency market for Finance Magnates and later expanded his reach to forex as well. He is passionate about the changing regulatory landscape on financial markets and keenly follows the disruptions in the industry with new-age technologies.
PrimeXBT Consolidates Market Research Tools Into a Single Platform Feature
Executive Interview | Dor Eligula | Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, BridgeWise | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Dor Eligula | Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, BridgeWise | FMLS:25
In this session, Jonathan Fine form Ultimate Group speaks with Dor Eligula from Bridgewise, a fast-growing AI-powered research and analytics firm supporting brokers and exchanges worldwide.
We start with Dor’s reaction to the Summit and then move to broker growth and the quick wins brokers often overlook. Dor shares where he sees “blue ocean” growth across Asian markets and how local client behaviour shapes demand.
We also discuss the rollout of AI across investment research. Dor gives real examples of how automation and human judgment meet at Bridgewise — including moments when analysts corrected AI output, and times when AI prevented an error.
We close with a practical question: how retail investors can actually use AI without falling into common traps.
In this session, Jonathan Fine form Ultimate Group speaks with Dor Eligula from Bridgewise, a fast-growing AI-powered research and analytics firm supporting brokers and exchanges worldwide.
We start with Dor’s reaction to the Summit and then move to broker growth and the quick wins brokers often overlook. Dor shares where he sees “blue ocean” growth across Asian markets and how local client behaviour shapes demand.
We also discuss the rollout of AI across investment research. Dor gives real examples of how automation and human judgment meet at Bridgewise — including moments when analysts corrected AI output, and times when AI prevented an error.
We close with a practical question: how retail investors can actually use AI without falling into common traps.
Brendan Callan joined us fresh off the Summit’s most anticipated debate: “Is Prop Trading Good for the Industry?” Brendan argued against the motion — and the audience voted him the winner.
In this interview, Brendan explains the reasoning behind his position. He walks through the message he believes many firms avoid: that the current prop trading model is too dependent on fees, too loose on risk, and too confusing for retail audiences.
We discuss why he thinks the model grew fast, why it may run into walls, and what he believes is needed for a cleaner, more responsible version of prop trading.
This is Brendan at his frankest — sharp, grounded, and very clear about what changes are overdue.
Brendan Callan joined us fresh off the Summit’s most anticipated debate: “Is Prop Trading Good for the Industry?” Brendan argued against the motion — and the audience voted him the winner.
In this interview, Brendan explains the reasoning behind his position. He walks through the message he believes many firms avoid: that the current prop trading model is too dependent on fees, too loose on risk, and too confusing for retail audiences.
We discuss why he thinks the model grew fast, why it may run into walls, and what he believes is needed for a cleaner, more responsible version of prop trading.
This is Brendan at his frankest — sharp, grounded, and very clear about what changes are overdue.
Elina Pedersen on Growth, Stability & Ultra-Low Latency | Executive Interview | Your Bourse
Elina Pedersen on Growth, Stability & Ultra-Low Latency | Executive Interview | Your Bourse
Recorded live at FMLS:25 London, this executive interview features Elina Pedersen, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following her company’s win for Best Connectivity 2025.
🔹In this wide-ranging discussion, Elina shares insights on:
🔹What winning a Finance Magnates award means for credibility and reputation
🔹How broker demand for stability and reliability is driving rapid growth
🔹The launch of a new trade server enabling flexible front-end integrations
🔹Why ultra-low latency must be proven with data, not buzzwords
🔹Common mistakes brokers make when scaling globally
🔹Educating the industry through a newly launched Dealers Academy
🔹Where AI fits into trading infrastructure and where it doesn’t
Elina explains why resilient back-end infrastructure, deep client partnerships, and disciplined focus are critical for brokers looking to scale sustainably in today’s competitive market.
🏆 Award Highlight: Best Connectivity 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #BestConnectivity #TradingTechnology #UltraLowLatency #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview
Recorded live at FMLS:25 London, this executive interview features Elina Pedersen, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following her company’s win for Best Connectivity 2025.
🔹In this wide-ranging discussion, Elina shares insights on:
🔹What winning a Finance Magnates award means for credibility and reputation
🔹How broker demand for stability and reliability is driving rapid growth
🔹The launch of a new trade server enabling flexible front-end integrations
🔹Why ultra-low latency must be proven with data, not buzzwords
🔹Common mistakes brokers make when scaling globally
🔹Educating the industry through a newly launched Dealers Academy
🔹Where AI fits into trading infrastructure and where it doesn’t
Elina explains why resilient back-end infrastructure, deep client partnerships, and disciplined focus are critical for brokers looking to scale sustainably in today’s competitive market.
🏆 Award Highlight: Best Connectivity 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #BestConnectivity #TradingTechnology #UltraLowLatency #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview
In this video, we take an in-depth look at @BlueberryMarketsForex , a forex and CFD broker operating since 2016, offering access to multiple trading platforms, over 1,000 instruments, and flexible account types for different trading styles.
We break down Blueberry’s regulatory structure, including its Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), as well as its authorisation and registrations in other jurisdictions. The review also covers supported platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Blueberry.X, and web-based trading.
You’ll learn about available instruments across forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto CFDs, along with leverage options, minimum and maximum trade sizes, and how Blueberry structures its Standard and Raw accounts.
We also explain spreads, commissions, swap rates, swap-free account availability, funding and withdrawal methods, processing times, and what traders can expect from customer support and additional services.
Watch the full review to see whether Blueberry’s trading setup aligns with your experience level, strategy, and risk tolerance.
📣 Stay up to date with the latest in finance and trading. Follow Finance Magnates for industry news, insights, and global event coverage.
Connect with us:
🔗 LinkedIn: /financemagnates
👍 Facebook: /financemagnates
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financemagnates
🐦 X: https://x.com/financemagnates
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemagnates
▶️ YouTube: /@financemagnates_official
#Blueberry #BlueberryMarkets #BrokerReview #ForexBroker #CFDTrading #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #TradingPlatforms #MarketInsights
In this video, we take an in-depth look at @BlueberryMarketsForex , a forex and CFD broker operating since 2016, offering access to multiple trading platforms, over 1,000 instruments, and flexible account types for different trading styles.
We break down Blueberry’s regulatory structure, including its Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), as well as its authorisation and registrations in other jurisdictions. The review also covers supported platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Blueberry.X, and web-based trading.
You’ll learn about available instruments across forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto CFDs, along with leverage options, minimum and maximum trade sizes, and how Blueberry structures its Standard and Raw accounts.
We also explain spreads, commissions, swap rates, swap-free account availability, funding and withdrawal methods, processing times, and what traders can expect from customer support and additional services.
Watch the full review to see whether Blueberry’s trading setup aligns with your experience level, strategy, and risk tolerance.
📣 Stay up to date with the latest in finance and trading. Follow Finance Magnates for industry news, insights, and global event coverage.
Connect with us:
🔗 LinkedIn: /financemagnates
👍 Facebook: /financemagnates
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financemagnates
🐦 X: https://x.com/financemagnates
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemagnates
▶️ YouTube: /@financemagnates_official
#Blueberry #BlueberryMarkets #BrokerReview #ForexBroker #CFDTrading #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #TradingPlatforms #MarketInsights
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness CMO Alfonso Cardalda on Cape Town office launch, Africa growth, and marketing strategy
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
Exness is expanding its presence in Africa, and in this exclusive interview, CMO Alfonso Cardalda shares how.
Filmed during the grand opening of Exness’s new Cape Town office, Alfonso sits down with Andrea Badiola Mateos from Finance Magnates to discuss:
- Exness’s marketing approach in South Africa
- What makes their trading product stand out
- Customer retention vs. acquisition strategies
- The role of local influencers
- Managing growth across emerging markets
👉 Watch the full interview for fundamental insights into the future of trading in Africa.
#Exness #Forex #Trading #SouthAfrica #CapeTown #Finance #FinanceMagnates
