KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- JustMarkets, a multi-asset CFD broker, today released market insights analyzing how volatility in the US100 and S&P 500 index CFDs may create broader CFD trading opportunities. Recognizing that large movements in US equities frequently impact the forex market, gold prices, and overall market sentiment, the company aims to help CFD traders consider more than one instrument when assessing market conditions.
The US100 index may be influenced by attitudes to technology and growth stocks, while the S&P 500 provides a bigger picture of the US equities market. In case of substantial fluctuations of these index CFDs, traders tend to reevaluate their risks.
The role of VIX
Also referred to as the market's "fear gauge," the VIX index measures the level of anticipated volatility in the S&P 500.
An increase in VIX values is commonly an indicator of growing market uncertainty, which may fuel the demand for safe-haven assets like the US dollar, Japanese yen, or gold. On the other hand, a decrease in VIX values would normally point to growing investor confidence.
Why forex traders watch US indices
It is common for index volatility to extend to the foreign exchange market; however, the effect will usually depend on the cause of the volatility. In the case of stocks falling due to investor risk aversion, the US dollar could rally as capital moves to liquidity, which may in turn affect the EUR/USD and GBP/USD CFDs.
Alternatively, if the stocks fall because of expectations of slower economic growth in the US or an accommodative policy from the Federal Reserve, the dollar could weaken instead. In high volatility conditions, the Japanese yen may also warrant attention, as investors tend to move towards safe-haven assets when selling riskier ones.
Gold and changing risk sentiment
Gold may attract demand during times of increased uncertainty, but its correlation with equity markets is not always consistent.
Aside from fluctuations in the stock markets, gold is affected by the US dollar, interest rates, inflation expectations, and central bank policies. That is why many investors may use both technical and macroeconomic analysis together rather than depending solely on correlation.
Managing volatility
Higher volatility may create opportunities, but it also adds execution risk. In times leading up to important releases like inflation figures, Fed meetings, quarterly earnings, or other geopolitical events, markets may see increased spreads, volatility, and false breakouts.
Risk management practices commonly discussed in this context include position sizing, stop-loss placement, and confirming setups before entering a trade, as well as avoiding concentration in highly correlated positions.
Looking beyond a single market
Many CFD traders may look beyond a single asset class. Observing US100 and S&P 500 CFDs in connection with the VIX index, the dollar and yen, as well as gold, may give a wider picture of the market and help identify opportunities overlooked on a single chart.
Platforms such as JustMarkets, which offer an opportunity to trade CFDs across several asset classes, may make this easier. It is possible to observe and trade CFDs on stock indices, currency pairs, commodities, stocks, and cryptos in one platform.
About JustMarkets
JustMarkets is a global financial CFD trading platform designed to eliminate technical "noise," enabling investors to focus on what matters most: making accurate decisions. With modern infrastructure and professional services, JustMarkets serves as a reliable partner for CFD traders seeking to master the financial arena.
Risk Warning: Trading Forex and CFDs involves significant risk and can result in the loss of your invested capital. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
JustMarkets highlights how US100 and S&P 500 volatility may create broader CFD trading opportunities
HONG KONG, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and Saint Francis University (SFU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership focused on advancing research and development in AI-enabled biomaterials and digital health technologies. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation, facilitate technology transfer, and nurture the next generation of talent in applied sciences.
The MoU was signed by Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, and Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, President of Saint Francis University.
Ir Dr Ted Suen said, "We are delighted to partner with Saint Francis University to advance innovation in AI-enabled biomaterials and digital health. This collaboration exemplifies both institutions' shared commitment to applied research that translates into tangible solutions addressing real-world societal challenges. By combining ASTRI's R&D capabilities with SFU's academic strengths, we can drive innovation across healthcare, smart city applications, education technology, elderly care, and more, whilst nurturing the diverse talent pipeline essential for Hong Kong's development as an international innovation and technology hub."
Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung said, "This partnership between SFU and ASTRI will leverage their respective strengths in applied research, artificial intelligence, and health sciences. As Hong Kong's largest tertiary institution for registered nurse training, SFU offers not only nursing programmes but also programmes in physiotherapy, pharmaceutical studies, and community health. This collaboration will further drive the integration and application of AI in health sciences and related professional services. SFU is also committed to advancing AI education and research. Through this partnership, we aim to explore AI applications in digital health, elderly care, medical support, and special educational needs, uniting technology with professional expertise to meet the changing demands of society."
Under the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate across three key pillars: joint research and development, technology transfer and commercialisation, and talent development.
Joint R&D in AI-Enabled Biomaterials & Digital Health
The partnership will focus on co-developing AI-driven biomaterial design platforms that integrate machine learning with material science to accelerate the discovery and optimisation of biocompatible materials for medical applications. Research initiatives will include nano-biomaterial-based diagnostic and therapeutic solutions, such as targeted drug delivery systems, bio-sensing platforms, and biodegradable implants, paired with AI algorithms for real-time patient monitoring and personalised treatment adjustment.
The collaboration will also extend to AI-powered solutions for digital health, elderly care, special educational needs (SEN) support, smart city applications, and educational technology. Both parties will jointly submit research proposals to government funding schemes, industry sponsorship programmes, and regional innovation grants.
Technology Transfer & Commercialisation
ASTRI and SFU will jointly explore commercialisation pathways including technology licensing, industry partnerships, and spin-off opportunities, with particular focus on the Greater Bay Area healthcare market and the emerging Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) health tech sector. ASTRI will provide professional technical support to facilitate SFU's research advancement and real-world commercialisation, leveraging complementary strengths to advance the commercial translation and practical deployment of research outcomes.
Talent Development & Knowledge Exchange
The partnership will establish student internship and attachment programmes, with ASTRI hosting SFU students for research internships in AI-related R&D teams. The institutions will co-organise AI-themed academic and industry events, including the expansion of ASTRI's "AI Empowerment" seminar series, to foster knowledge exchange between academia, industry, and the public sector. Visiting scholar arrangements will facilitate the exchange of researchers and faculty members for collaborative research and teaching activities.
This partnership paves the way for collaboration in course development, internships, joint research, and specialised labs. Together, ASTRI and SFU aim to foster innovation, advance IT and digital health education, and cultivate diverse talent with expertise and industry insights to support Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem.
Photos Download: bit.ly/4znxbCy
About ASTRI
Founded in 2000 by the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is the city's largest government-funded R&D centre. Committed to transforming high-impact research into practical innovations, ASTRI drives market-driven, interdisciplinary advancements across sectors, including Smart City, FinTech, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies. Following its merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, ASTRI has further strengthened its capabilities, with over 1,500 patents and 2,200 successful cases of technology transfer. Recognised with numerous international awards, ASTRI continues to nurture top I&T talent and foster collaborations among the I&T ecosystem, contributing to Hong Kong's high-value economic development. For more information, please visit: https://www.astri.org
About Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University (SFU), formerly known as Caritas Institute of Higher Education, has a history of over four decades, with its origin tracing back to Caritas Francis Hsu College established in 1985. SFU was officially granted the university title in 2024 and became an applied science university in the same year.
As a pioneering applied science university, SFU integrates theory and practice, offering over 40 programmes at various levels, including undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, covering academic areas including Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities & Languages, Technology, and Business Management. SFU is committed to nurturing a new generation of talent equipped with solid professional knowledge and the spirit of lifelong learning. For details, please visit: https://www.sfu.edu.hk/
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
ASTRI and Saint Francis University Sign MoU to Advance AI-Enabled Biomaterials and Digital Health Innovation
ASTRI and Saint Francis University Sign MoU to Advance AI-Enabled Biomaterials and Digital Health Innovation
