Indices outlook: European indices on the back foot ahead of Fed minutes release
The FTSE 100, DAX 40 and S&P 500 have given back recent gains ahead of tonight’s publication of FOMC minutes as investors worry about the Fed soon aggressively reducing its balance sheet.
FTSE 100 gunning for its 7,688 February high
The FTSE 100 has managed to heave itself above the 25 February high as it continues its ascent towards the February peak at 7,688, unperturbed by worries about the Federal Reserve (Fed) reducing its balance sheet next month.
The ongoing advance in the index probably has to do with the FTSE 100 having a more defensive makeup than its peers.
Minor support below yesterday’s low at 7,536 remains to be seen at the 23 March high at 7,522, below which sits the 31 March low at 7,489. While above there, the bulls should remain in charge.
Below 7,489 meanders the 55-day simple moving average (SMA) at 7,438.
DAX 40 stays below 55-day simple moving average
The DAX 40 is still trading sideways below the 55-day SMA at 14,642, having been dragged lower by US and Asian markets overnight following hawkish comments by one of the US Federal Reserve's usually more dovish members.
Vice chair-elect, Lael Brainard, said that she sees a balance sheet reduction soon and 'at a rapid pace..., if warranted.'
The index has so far revisited last week’s low at 14,323 below which lies the 24 March low at 14,187. Only a rise above yesterday’s high and the 55-day SMA at 14,642 would push the 2022 downtrend line at 14,785 to the fore, above which key multi-year resistance remains to be seen at 14,840 to 14,917. This goes all the way back to May 2021.
In case of the March high at 14,927 being exceeded, the 200-day SMA at 15,399 would be targeted.
S&P 500 slips back towards 200-day simple moving average
Yesterday the S&P 500 formed a Bearish Engulfing pattern on the daily candlestick chart as US bonds dropped aggressively on the back of the Fed’s known dove, Lael Brainard’s comments which put the reduction in the Fed’s balance sheet back at the centre of the monetary policy discussion.
A slide towards the 200-day SMA at 4,495 is currently underway. Below it there is no significant support to speak of until the 55-day SMA and the early March high at 4,414 to 4,422.
Only a currently unexpected rise and daily chart close above yesterday’s high at 4,593 would negate the current bearish bias.
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.