Markets don’t move in isolation – they’re driven by powerful global forces building beneath the surface.
In this episode of Talking Trading, Louise Bedford sits down with Philippe Gijsels, Chief Strategy Officer at BNP Paribas Fortis, to explore the five mega trends that every trader needs to watch.
You’ll Discover:
- Why longer consolidation bases often precede the most explosive trends, and how to spot them.
- How superinflation, hyperinnovation, and climate transition are changing the trading landscape.
- The link between macroeconomics and chart patterns, and how traders can bridge the gap.
- Philippe’s top three things traders should focus on today to ride the biggest global shifts.
- Practical ways to apply the measure rule and technical setups in an environment shaped by massive structural change.
Whether you’re new to trading or you’ve been in the markets for decades, this conversation will sharpen your perspective and prepare you for the opportunities ahead.
Listen now and learn how to trade the big picture with confidence.
Questions we discuss:
Macro Foundations
- “Philippe, your book The New World Economy in 5 Trends talks about five big structural shifts. Could you walk us through them briefly?”
- Multiglobalisation – not just US
- Demographics – aging
- Debt levels rising (drive inflation and interest rates higher – Govt must let inflation run)
- Climate Change
- Innovation – AI
- “When traders hear ‘macro trends’, they sometimes tune out. How do you see these forces directly affecting price action in shares, currencies, or commodities?”
- “Which trend do you feel is the most under-appreciated right now?”
From Macro to the Chart
- “Traders often ask: how does a long-term story translate into a chart pattern? Can you give us an example where a macro theme showed up as a big consolidation base or a powerful breakout?”
- “Do you think longer consolidation periods are more common in times of uncertainty, like high inflation or geopolitical shocks?”
- “How can traders balance macro awareness with staying disciplined in their technical rules?”
Practical Takeaways for Traders
- “Let’s bring this home. If you were a retail trader today, what three things would you be watching most closely in markets?”
- “How can traders use the measure rule or other technical tools to ride a trend that’s being powered by a bigger macro force?”
- “In times of big global shifts, how should traders think about risk management? Does volatility mean we need tighter stops, or wider ones?”
About Philippe Gijsels:
Philippe Gijsels is the Chief Strategy Officer at BNP Paribas Fortis, where he advises on global markets, macroeconomic trends, and investment strategy. A certified CFA with a background in economics and finance, Philippe has built a career spanning decades in trading, research, and portfolio management.
He is co-author of The New World Economy in 5 Trends, exploring themes such as superinflation, hyperinnovation, and climate transition, and is a frequent guest speaker at international conferences. Philippe is known for bridging the gap between big-picture global forces and practical market insights, helping traders and investors understand how structural shifts translate into opportunities on the chart.
Stay in touch with Philippe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-gijsels-5563131
About Louise Bedford
Louise Bedford has traded, taught, and written extensively about the financial markets for over 30 years, building a reputation as a highly accomplished and experienced trader, educator, and author.
She co-founded The Trading Game and has gained recognition for her unique approach to teaching trading psychology and market analysis.
Louise has authored several successful trading books. In particular, her titles include Trading Secrets, Charting Secrets, The Secret of Candlestick Charting, and Investing Psychology Secrets.
Louise runs her hugely popular, repeat-for-free Mentor Program Pro online course. Through this course, she shows you how to automate your trading so you can retire early and get on with your life.
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