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Levels to watch: FTSE, DAX and S&P 500

Indices are generally quiet after the excitement earlier in the week, but so far, the mood is one of consolidation rather than bearishness. 

Trader looking at data
Source: Bloomberg

FTSE 100 holding on

The FTSE flirted with 7400 yesterday but held above it, and this morning is only fractionally lower.

Below 7400 it would target 7380 and then 7358, the 200-hour simple moving average (SMA), while in case of a bigger pullback, the index would head towards the 50-day SMA at 7269. Only a close below 7174 would really indicate that the rally has run its course.

FTSE chart

DAX finds substantial support

The two-year high in the DAX yesterday was knocked back, but we may see the price find support off the rising trendline that has prevailed since the beginning of February.

Even if this is lost then the 11,920 area could provide further support. In the longer-term, it needs a move below 11,700 to really indicate a downward move is in progress.

DAX chart

S&P 500 looking at all-time highs

S&P 500 failed to push to new highs this week, but with the 2355 area providing plenty of support, it is unwise to suggest the rally is finished.

In reality, we should be expecting a bigger unwind, either to 2370 or 2355, to provide a good buying opportunity. Rallies need to take out 2380 and then 2400 to push to all-time highs. 

S&P 500 chart

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This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited and IG Markets South Africa 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. International accounts are offered by IG Markets Limited in the UK (FCA Number 195355), a juristic representative of IG Markets South Africa Limited (FSP No 41393). South African residents are required to obtain the necessary tax clearance certificates in line with their foreign investment allowance and may not use credit or debit cards to fund their international account.