empty
24.03.2025 10:23 AM
Markets Are Tired of Falling. Investors Look for Growth Triggers (CFD contracts on #SPX and #NDX futures may rise on positive U.S. economic data)

Global financial markets continue to swing back and forth amid uncertainty over the actual impact on the economies of various countries targeted by Donald Trump's tariff hikes, which have prompted retaliatory measures in return.

The spring corporate earnings season in the U.S. is going relatively well. Overall, companies are reporting positively, which should instill optimism among investors. However, this has not translated into a consistent upward movement in the indices. The persistent focus on tariffs pushed by the U.S. president remains the main reason, as Trump continues using aggressive geopolitical tactics to force his key trading partners to foot the bill for America's economic recovery. Despite this, the stock market has managed to stay afloat, as corporate earnings show, but recent economic activity data—particularly in manufacturing—have done little to inspire further optimism.

Today's release of PMI data for the manufacturing and services sectors is particularly noteworthy. According to consensus forecasts, the U.S. Manufacturing PMI is expected to slow from 52.7 to 51.9 in March. However, it is still projected to remain above the 50-point threshold, signaling continued expansion in the U.S. real economy. Meanwhile, the Services PMI is expected to rise from a preliminary 51.0 to 51.2, which would also be a positive sign—assuming the figures meet or exceed expectations.

The tariff issue appears to be nearing its peak, with April 2 marking the deadline for Trump to implement his promised sweeping import duties. Interestingly, futures on the three main U.S. stock indices opened with an upward gap today, indicating that markets have already priced in the tariff topic. At the same time, investors believe that Trump may not follow through with the tariffs. As mentioned earlier, his goal is to pressure trade partners into paying more than the U.S. does, thereby reducing the trade deficit and easing the fiscal burden—steps that would undoubtedly support domestic economic growth.

If today's PMI reports meet or exceed expectations, they could provide local support for the U.S. stock market, which may also benefit global equity indices. And if the April 2 tariffs are delayed or softened, a rebound in the U.S. stock market this week could turn into a more significant rally, accompanied by a strong upside in major stock indices.

This scenario seems realistic, provided the PMI data show positive momentum. That would help calm investors' fears of an imminent recession in the U.S. economy.

Forecast of the Day:

This image is no longer relevant

This image is no longer relevant

#SPX

The CFD contract for S&P 500 futures opened with a gap up today, signaling a positive market outlook ahead of key PMI reports. If the data meets expectations or shows further growth, the contract may rise. A breakout above the resistance level at 5711.85 could lead to an increase towards 5773.65, with an entry point suggested at 5721.47.

#NDX

For the NASDAQ 100 futures, the CFD contract also opened with a gap up, reflecting optimistic expectations surrounding today's key PMI data. If the figures meet or exceed forecasts and show upward momentum, this could boost demand for the contract. A potential target could be set at 20239.80 upon breaking through the resistance at 19946.00, with an entry point suggested at 19977.00.

Pati Gani,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Are Things Really So Optimistic with the Deals with China and the UK?

Last week, Donald Trump announced the signing of the first deal with the United Kingdom under his "America's Liberation" campaign. It was later revealed that the deal had not been

Chin Zhao 00:40 2025-05-16 UTC+2

The Euro Didn't End Up in the Junkyard

Chinese goods have flooded the European market, but EUR/USD bulls aren't alarmed by this. While the U.S. has reduced tariffs on imports from China, the weighted average tariff still sits

Marek Petkovich 00:39 2025-05-16 UTC+2

AUD/USD Outlook: Australia's Economic Momentum Fades

The monthly NAB Business Survey showed that the positive momentum which drove GDP growth of 1.3% y/y in Q1 is fading. Business confidence improved slightly but remains in negative territory

Kuvat Raharjo 19:49 2025-05-15 UTC+2

GBP/USD. The Pound Ignores the UK's Optimistic GDP Report

The UK's economic growth report released today offered support to GBP/USD buyers, although the market's reaction was muted. Traders are reluctant to open large positions ahead of today's speech

Irina Manzenko 19:38 2025-05-15 UTC+2

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Gold is attempting to stay above its 50-period Simple Moving Average (SMA). However, optimism sparked by the de-escalation of the U.S.–China trade war — involving the world's two largest economies

Irina Yanina 19:17 2025-05-15 UTC+2

USD/CHF. Analysis and Forecast

The USD/CHF pair continues to decline, facing headwinds. Intraday losses are driven by selling pressure on the U.S. dollar, pushing spot prices back below the key 0.8400 psychological level —

Irina Yanina 19:11 2025-05-15 UTC+2

AUD/USD: What Do the "Australian Nonfarm Payrolls" Tell Us?

Australia's labor market has exceeded expectations—nearly all components of the April employment report came out in the "green zone." While the release had a few flaws, it overall favored

Irina Manzenko 11:12 2025-05-15 UTC+2

The U.S.–China Trade War Pause Has Been Priced In — What's Next? (A Possible Correction in #SPX and Bitcoin)

On Thursday, a clear slowdown is observed in the stock market rally—one could even say it has stalled. This is due to the market having already priced in the 90-day

Pati Gani 11:07 2025-05-15 UTC+2

The Market Fears Nothing

From an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan, the S&P 500 has shifted from a highly overbought stock index in early April to a considerably oversold one. Since 1950, there

Marek Petkovich 09:20 2025-05-15 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on May 15? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

A relatively large number of macroeconomic events are scheduled for Thursday, but very few are likely to trigger a strong market reaction. The second estimate of Q1 GDP and industrial

Paolo Greco 06:21 2025-05-15 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.