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CFDs are complex financial instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFDs are complex financial instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

S&P 500, Nasdaq and ASX powered by more certainty as Powell cemented 25 basis-point rate hike

S&P 500, Nasdaq and ASX were back by the return of risk appetite after the Federal Reserve Chair, Jerome Powell, cemented the view of a 25 basis-point rate hike.

Source: Bloomberg

The global stock market shrugged off the haze after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech on Wednesday, which introduced more certainty over the US central bank’s next move. While acknowledging the effect of the Ukraine war as “highly uncertain," Powell confirmed the need to tackle the fastest-growing inflation which has not changed in 40 years.

The Federal Reserve Chair made it clear that he is “inclined” to back a quarter-point interest-rate hike this month but did not rule out a more aggressive move if inflation comes in too hot. The US’s February data on consumer prices will be released on Thursday 10 March, five days before the next FOMC meeting. The reading would be the final stone to cement the rate hike decision.

Nasdaq

The tech-heavy Nasdaq index was back by the return of risk appetite and jumped over 1% on the day. The price is moving toward the week-high level supported by a weekly ascending trend line. Near-term support sits at the 20-hours MA around 141016. Pressure comes from the 100-hour MA, which, if broken through, could open the door to the high on 17 February, looking at 14583.

Nasdaq Hourly Chart

Nasdaq Hourly Chart Source: IG

S&P 500

S&P 500 surged 1.86% by the end of the Wednesday trading session. The daily chart shows that the index has confirmed a breakout from the downward moving channel and has eyes on the next challenge. The low from the end of January around 4283 should be the imminent support insight. If the price manages to overcome the pressure from the 20 days MA, the next test will be 4485.

S&P500 Daily Chart

S&P500 Daily Chart Source: IG

ASX 200

The Australian stock market enjoyed its second day of gains on Thursday. The 4-hour chart shows the price is facing the 100-MA after successfully jumping above 20 and 50 MAs. The level of 7172 would be a major test for the index as the price has been pushed back from this level for the past five weeks (according to the weekly chart). If the index succeeds for the sixth try, we can expect the ASX to climb towards 7240 for the near term. Next support is looking at 7097, where the black and green line sits from the 4-hour chart.

ASX Hourly Chart

ASX Hourly Chart Source: IG
ASX Weekly Chart Source: IG

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This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients.
CFDs are a leveraged products. CFD trading may not be suitable for everyone and can result in losses that exceed your initial deposit, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved.

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