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US markets consolidate amid AI disruption and trade war concerns

US markets face headwinds from Chinese AI disruption, trade tensions, and monetary policy uncertainty. Still, the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 stay in long-term uptrends while entering a consolidation phase near all-time highs.

SourcE: Adobe Images

As US equity markets digest corporate earnings, the trade war narrative, inflation, the outlook for monetary policy and the disruption threat of more cost effective Chinese AI (DeepSeek), major indices have now moved into a consolidation phase.

Dow Jones (Wall Street): The Blue-Chip Safe Haven

Comprised of 30 blue-chip companies, the Dow Jones represents stability and established industry leaders. It appeals to investors seeking a more conservative approach, providing a haven amidst market uncertainty.

Source: IG Charts
Source: IG Charts

Currently the index, while not far off all-time high territory currently trades within a short to medium term consolidation between levels 41700 and 45100. The long term trend for the index remains up and as such trend followers might prefer to keep a long bias to trades on the index for the time being.

Long entry might be considered on a bullish price reversal closer to one of the labelled levels of support on the chart above, or on a close above resistance at 45100. Overhead trendline resistance at 46630 provides a longer term upside target for the index. Only on a break (close) below the major low at 41700 would our long only bias to trades on the index be reconsidered.

Nasdaq (US Tech): High-Growth, High-Risk

The Nasdaq, known for its heavy concentration in technology and growth stocks, presents a more volatile but potentially higher-reward scenario. While attractive to investors seeking dynamic growth, the Nasdaq faces challenges. Concerns about inflated valuations and potential competition from emerging AI players like DeepSeek AI, a Chinese startup whose advanced AI models are disrupting the market, have cast a shadow over the tech-heavy index.

Source: IG Charts
Source: IG Charts

The index also trades near all-time high territory although is currently in a short to medium term consolidation between levels 20755 and 22135. The long term trend for the index remains up and as such trend followers might prefer to keep a long bias to trades on the index for the time being.

Long entry might be considered on a bullish price reversal closer to one of the labelled levels of support on the chart above, or on a close above resistance at 22135. Overhead trendline resistance at 23230 provides a longer term upside target for the index. Only on a break (close) below the 200 day simple moving average (blue line) would our long only bias to trades on the index be reconsidered.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Ltd 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. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

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