Interview with Rick Lambroff Founder RKTP Capital Management

Rick Lambroff is the founder and president of Canadian investment firm RKTP Capital Management. He is one of the best-known analysts in Canada with regard to the FX and precious metals markets, making regular TV appearances on ITC Canada for Taheri Exchange.

lambroffAs an analyst, Lambroff specializes in researching the technical and economic indicators that can influence market trends, and Lambroff’s Daily Market Reports are essential reading for anyone trading the forex or precious metals markets. They are particularly interesting for those that trade the USD/CAD pairing, as he has a strong focus on this pairing in his daily reports due to the high trading volumes of this pairing in the North American market.

As well as this subscription-based service, he also personally advises and educates a range of B2B and B2C clients about the markets, and the opportunities for wealth preservation and capital growth that they present.

We caught up with Rick for a chat about how he got involved in the markets, what drove him to start RKTP, and the advantages of trading forex and precious metals over other asset classes…

Can you tell us about you and your background? 

I am an entrepreneur that enjoys seeking information, researching market trends and new challenges. When I had been introduced to the FX markets back in July of 2005, I found an industry that not only provided that challenge, but had been rewarding in all aspects of my career.

What is your education background?      

I graduated from a Graphic Arts program in 89 from Canada…and received a Graphic Design Diploma. My introduction to the financial services markets began in Australia back in 1998.

In 2006, I received a certificate from ASIC in Australia for providing advice on the derivatives market i.e. Foreign Exchange and trading, and since 2007 I have completed various AML (Anti-Money Laundering) courses.

You worked with a big forex player in Australia – can you tell us about that experience?     

I had worked for an FX brokerage that began in 2000 in Australia. When I had joined that firm, FX was trying to “break ground” in a market that was dominated by equities, mutual funds and insurance products. The firm was a startup and had been at the time only less than 2% of total contribution in business for the world office. Within less than 3 months I had grasped a strong understanding of the FX markets, due to two excellent mentors in the organization that had provided daily knowledge on capital markets and the usage of derivatives. I would state we were the “guinea pigs” for our organization and succeeded. When I had left the organization in July of 2007, we had contributed with over 13% total business and established our name in the FX markets. In 2000 there were less than 5 FX brokers in Australia – today, there are over 20.

Can you tell us about RKTP Capital Management?   

RKTP Capital Management was formed due to my years of experience providing market knowledge and trends with various brokers. I wanted to provide an alternative advantage, mainly as my motto states on my website “Empowerment via market based knowledge”.

What were the motivations behind the launch of RKTP Capital Management?  

Providing knowledge to the average investor, speculative traders, advisors, mortgage brokers and  corporations in assisting with their understanding of the current trends in the FX markets. Overall, there is a lack of understanding of FX markets in Canada, I felt that educating and providing information would help to fill that void.

How do you differentiate between RKTP Capital Management and other market investment players?  

The main difference, I think, is that I try to provide “Analysis that makes sense”. I provide analysis for all to comprehend, whether new or experienced. I cannot compete with the banks 10 to 20 personnel research team, I am a one man research team and I can provide an alternative to the current information an individual may receive daily.

What are the main considerations about the Investment alternatives to preserve wealth and Forex Trading in the present shift landscape?

As far as preserving wealth goes, history is the key, and for myself that is “precious metals” – owning a physical asset (i.e. gold & silver) in your portfolio. FX trading offers an alternative to speculating in equities, with less margin and quicker gains.

You offer a newsletter as your main product offering can you tell us the main features and its differentiator?

The main features are FX technical ranges, FX commentary, and a twist on the current developments in today’s “uncertain” markets. The thing that I think differentiates it is that I avoid the excessive jargon that often pervades reports such as these, providing a clearer picture of economic and technical trends.

You offer daily market trends for Foreign Exchange & Precious Metal markets. How do you see this for traders and investors?    

Both traders and investors seek the common goals: “who is providing an advantage on current trends?”, “where can I read information without requiring a ‘deciphering code’ to understand the lingo?’, and “who has been consistent in their analysis?”. I feel I can assist with all of these.

What kind of technical and educational information on daily market movements do you highlight for traders and investors?   

On the technical side, I highlight the use of realistic technical ranges that aren’t too broad. Education-wise, I like to emphasize the importance of seeking value in a trade.

goldsilverYour specialty is in precious metals, namely Gold and Silver.  Can you tell us about it and your views on it as an investment opportunity?    

Gold & Silver currently have not been favoured by the media or by some hedge funds as we see currently in the markets. We have to remember that, similar to equities, bullion has it’s ‘mark’ in today’s current market as the hedge against inflation, but more so as the “preserver of wealth for centuries”. Whether you are a new buyer or have bought for years, if you own precious metals and have followed the markets, precious metals have intrinsic value. It’s worth remembering that “debt does not create growth” i.e. the current fiat monetary system. My personal view is that there are, at present, great buying opportunities for physical bullion and we may see lower levels for bullion. If the average investor remembers the key motto “buy low sell high”, commonly stated in the equity markets, why not use the same strategy for precious metals. Which would you prefer…a paper product or a physical tangible asset? I let the investor decide…..

You are based in Canada a strong financial market. Can you tell us about trading and investment in Canada?     

FX trading in Canada is not very common, mainly due to lack of education in understanding FX as an alternative speculative trading option. The core of trading remains in the equity markets, and to be honest, Canadians believe that the only way to speculate with precious metals is via ETF’s, not understanding trading on platforms that offer higher leverage and 1% margin to trade. Overall, FX, precious metals and equities are risky, but we have to remember that what eliminates all profits is “greed”. Stick with your trading strategy, remain consistent, and trade with confidence – and you will be profitable.