Indices look for additional gains after Thursday’s US recovery
US markets turned higher late in Thursday’s session, and this has helped risk appetite recover in early trading today.
FTSE 100 targets February highs
The index has shrugged off the weakness from the middle of the week, rallying off the lows of each of the preceding three sessions, and is now on course to head back to the February highs at 7700.
It has done much better than its continental European peers of late, recouping most of the ground lost in the February and March drop, and avoiding any indication of a fresh turn lower.
Renewed bullish momentum would seem to beckon, especially once the index breaches the February highs. From here the 2018 record high at 7903 becomes the next major target, a remarkable recovery both from the March 2022 low and from the sub-5000 level seen during the pandemic.
DAX supported by dip buyers
The buyers have come in to rescue the DAX from further declines it seems, at least for now.
The pullback from the late March high appears to be halted, with the index finding support at 14,130. A recovery off this level then brings the 14,840 level into view, while a move above this will continue the recovery of losses suffered in February.
Sellers will need to see the price drop back below this week’s lows at 14,026, which would revive expectations of further losses and suggest that the high from late March is a lower high and part of a bearish trend.
European markets continue to struggle due to their closeness with the Russian economy, and fears that the conflict in Ukraine may yet spread.
While the FTSE 100 has benefited from its heavy oil and mining contingent, companies in the DAX are feeling the effects of higher prices and tighter supply, which continues to squeeze margins.
S&P 500 pushes higher after late rebound
A recovery for the S&P 500 yesterday has meant that the price has opened back above the 200-day simple moving average (SMA), reversing some of the bearishness that had been building since the pullback from the late March high.
Additional gains here now target the record highs from January at 4800. For now the bearish view has been put into abeyance, with a move back below this week’s lows at 4450 needed to suggest a fresh move to the downside.
US earnings season is fast approaching, and while further growth is expected, investors will be on watch for commentary about inflation, squeezed margins hurting profitability, and weakness in consumer spending due to the higher price of essentials.
Now that the immediate post-pandemic rebound is out of the way, the question is whether indices can sustain themselves at these levels or whether the worsening economic outlook will make further upside difficult to achieve.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets 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. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
Seize your opportunity
Deal on the world’s stock indices today.
- Trade on rising or falling markets
- Get one-point spreads on the FTSE 100
- Unrivalled 24-hour pricing
See opportunity on an index?
Try a risk-free trade in your demo account, and see whether you’re on to something.
- Log in to your demo
- Try a risk-free trade
- See whether your hunch pays off
See opportunity on an index?
Don’t miss your chance – upgrade to a live account to take advantage.
- Get spreads from one point on the FTSE 100
- Trade more 24-hour indices than any other provider
- Analyse and deal seamlessly on smart, fast charts
See opportunity on an index?
Don’t miss your chance. Log in to take your position.
Live prices on most popular markets
- Equities
- Indices
- Forex
- Commodities
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.
