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World indices overview: news from US 30, US 500, US Tech, JP 225, and DE 40 for 19 March 2025

Posted on: Mar 20 2025

Global stock indices are rising after a protracted decline, with the German DE 40 being the only one to maintain its upward momentum. Find out more in our analysis and forecast for global indices for 19 March 2025.

US indices forecast: US 30, US 500, US Tech

  • Recent data: US retail sales rose by 0.2% in February
  • Market impact: retail sales reports are particularly significant for companies involved in the consumer sector

Fundamental analysis

Retail sales data is one of the key gauges of consumer spending, which accounts for a significant part of US GDP. A lower-than-expected reading (as in this case, growth of 0.2% below the expected 0.6%) may raise concerns about a decline in consumer activity and slowing GDP growth.

The Federal Reserve takes into account retail sales data when making interest rate decisions. If demand falls, the regulator has more grounds to ease monetary policy. This week, the Fed will decide on the key rate, which will affect the medium-term trend in the US stock market.

US 30 technical analysis

The US 30 stock index rose by over 3% from six-month lows. However, the trend remains downward, with the current growth likely to be considered only a correction. The decline will continue to the 40,035.0 target in the short term.

The following scenarios are considered for the US 30 price forecast:

  • Pessimistic US 30 forecast: if the price consolidates below the previously breached support level at 42,370.0, the index could plunge to 40,035.0
  • Optimistic US 30 forecast: a breakout above the 42,910.0 resistance level could drive the index to 43,890.0
US 30 technical analysis

US 500 technical analysis

The US 500 stock index reached its highest level in the last week as part of a downtrend correction. The trend is unlikely to reverse in the short term, with bears dominating the market.

The following scenarios are considered for the US 500 price forecast:

  • Pessimistic US 500 forecast: a breakout below the 5,530.0 support level could push the index down to 5,395.0
  • Optimistic US 500 forecast: a breakout above the 5,785.0 resistance level could propel the index to 5,960.0
US 500 technical analysis

US Tech technical analysis

The US Tech index is trading below the 200-day Moving Average. Despite the growth in recent trading sessions, the trend is unlikely to reverse yet, with the next downside target at 18,405.0.

The following scenarios are considered for the US Tech price forecast:

  • Pessimistic US Tech forecast: a breakout below the 19,115.0 support level could send the index down to 18,405.0
  • Optimistic US Tech forecast: a breakout above the 20,240.0 resistance level could boost the index to 21,465.0
US Tech technical analysis

Asian index forecast: JP 225

  • Recent data: analysts polled by Reuters expect the Bank of Japan to raise the interest rate to 0.75% in Q3 2025
  • Market impact: higher interest rates can make Japanese government bonds more attractive to some market participants, which could lead to a capital flow from stocks to bonds

Fundamental analysis

Elevated rates typically make borrowings more expensive for companies, which may somewhat dampen investment and corporate earnings growth. Investors may reassess stocks, especially companies with high debt loads or those focused on domestic demand.

Overall, the stock market reaction depends on whether a rate hike is accompanied by positive economic factors. If the economy continues to strengthen, the stock market could react moderately or even positively, especially in the long term.

JP 225 technical analysis

The stock index climbed by over 4% from six-month lows, with the price approaching the 38,485.0 resistance level. If this level does not break, a sideways channel will highly likely form. In case of a breakout below the 36,260.0 support level, the downtrend could become long-term.

The following scenarios are considered for the JP 225 price forecast:

  • Pessimistic JP 225 forecast: a breakout below the 36,260.0 support level could push the index down to 35,115.0
  • Optimistic JP 225 forecast: a breakout above the 38,485.0 resistance level could propel the index to 39,625.0
JP 225 technical analysis

European index forecast: DE 40

  • Recent data: Germany’s CPI was 2.3% year-on-year in February
  • Market impact: if inflation remains stable, equity investments become less risky

Fundamental analysis

With inflation aligning with expectations and showing no sharp increase, investors expect the European Central Bank to maintain the current monetary policy. The lack of surprises in inflation data typically reassures markets. Moderate inflation may indicate steady consumer demand, which potentially supports revenues of companies in the consumer goods and services sector.

If inflation rises significantly, investors may reconsider their positions in favour of more conservative assets such as bonds, which may put pressure on stock prices. Overall, Germany’s stable inflation data gives the market some confidence as the likelihood of strong ECB actions decreases, and companies can plan spending and prices based on a rather predictable dynamics.

DE 40 technical analysis

The DE 40 stock index is one of a few to maintain its upward momentum. Following a correction of over 5%, the price will highly likely break above the 23,315.0 resistance level and rise to new all-time highs, with the first target at 23,670.0.

The following scenarios are considered for the DE 40 price forecast:

  • Pessimistic DE 40 forecast: a breakout below the 22,380.0 support level could send the index down to 21,800.0
  • Optimistic DE 40 forecast: a breakout above the 23,315.0 resistance level could drive the index to 23,670.0
DE 40 technical analysis

Summary

All global stock indices are showing positive dynamics. However, the German DE 40 is the only one in an uptrend. The Japanese JP 225 could form a sideways channel again. The US indices are correcting after a protracted decline, but their trend remains downward. The US Federal Reserve decision on the key interest rate and the regulator’s subsequent comments on future monetary policy may change investor sentiment. One of the significant issues is the impact of new US tariffs on inflation trends.

EURUSD ready for more upside? FOMC and BoJ on tap Wednesday.

Posted on: Mar 19 2025

The consolidation in EURUSD has been quite shallow, suggesting it may be ready to continue its rally.

We start the week with choppy moves as JPY crosses closed strongly on Friday and followed through to test key resistance in USDJPY (149.00+) and EURJPY (162.00). As we discuss below, EURUSD looks ready for more upside after a tight consolidation, with tomorrow’s Bundestag vote on the huge spending package proposed by coming chancellor Friedrich Merz. Elsewhere, the standout in positive momentum terms is the Norwegian krone, with EURNOK testing critical psychological support at 11.50 and possibly read for a further repricing lower. Below we have a look at EURUSD and the event risks for the week ahead, including five central bank meetings. Of those, the Bank of Japan has the most impact potential, while the Fed is stuck with the task of generating a set of projections on the economy and its own policy which will likely be a source of future derision. The Fed would do well to drop this now anachronistic relic of the post GFC years. The Bank of England, Sweden’s Riksbank and Swiss National bank all meet on Thursday.

Chart: EURUSD The consolidation in the EURUSD rally has proven very shallow relative to the magnitude of the rally thus far, suggesting the upside may be ready to quickly resume. The first area of interest will inevitably be the 1.1200+ double top area from late 2024, with another line of resistance at the 2023 high of 1.1276, but the policy divergence here is quite profound and durable, as the US moves into fiscal retrenchment mode to the degree it is able (USD negative), while Germany is set for a profound fiscal expansion, with other EU member states on board with the need to vastly increase defense spending, possibly funded in part with bonds issued by the EU (EUR positive). That suggests this rally could quite easily work into the 1.1500+ area before finding more meaningful resistance. One critical question for the ability of the pair to continue its move higher is the one of trade war risks between the EU and the US, with the early April time frame important as Trump has vowed to impose tariffs on European goods starting April 2.

Source: Saxo

The week ahead – top highlights only.

Today US Feb. Retail Sales. Many US consumers are under pressure, with record delinquent car loans and high credit card debt. When does this show up more consistently in the broader data? Also, some interesting companies reporting this week that are involved in the most discretionary of spending categories, like furniture (Williams Sonoma reporting Wednesday), athletic clothing and equipment (Nike – reporting Thursday), casual dining (Darden Restaurants, reporting Thursday) and cruises (Carnival Cruise reporting Friday).

Tuesday Germany Bundestag vote on the EUR 500 billion infrastructure fund and deficit-driven defense spending. This is only going to a vote because a positive outcome is guaranteed – but it is an important formality to have behind us.

Germany March ZEW Survey – interesting to see how the prospects for fiscal are jolting the Expectations portion of this monthly survey. Expected to soar to 48.3 vs. 26.0 in F be.

Wednesday Bank of Japan – the Bank of Japan ought to hike rates this week, but no one sees them doing so in anticipation that they would like to have a look at a fuller set of the spring wage negotiations before hiking in perhaps June or later. If Japan is serious about getting the JPY level higher versus the US dollar, which I am convinced they are, some more hawkish forward guidance from the BoJ wouldn’t hurt.

FOMC. The FOMC is finding itself firmly wedged between the proverbial rock of a weakening economy and the hard place of soaring inflation expectations, if we are to believe Friday’s stunning set of University of Michigan sentiment survey data, which included a massive collapse in the Expectations part of the survey and long-term inflation expectations soaring to 3.9%, their highest since 1993. Some of this is inevitably just partisan handwringing, but perhaps as well the policy blitz from the Trump administration and what it might mean. The market is fairly pricing for the Fed to do nothing this week, but sees the economy rolling over sufficiently to prompt two-plus rate cuts by December, starting most likely in June. We’ll need realized inflation levels to calm down further to get that eventuality. The Fed will have a hard time guiding anything but wait-and-see, expressing concern on high inflation and hope, but poor visibility on the economy.

Thursday Switzerland SNB meeting. Before the German seismic shift on its fiscal posture, the market had priced the SNB to take its policy rate all the way back to zero and possibly into negative territory, but the outlook for a massive fiscal expansion in Europe and, also important, EURCHF lifting well above 0.9500 has likely changed the mindset at the SNB, such that the market is not fully pricing a rate cut at this meeting (the rate currently 0.50%). Even if we do get the likely rate cut, the SNB is seen signaling a shift to neutral.

Sweden’s Riksbank meeting. This one is easy: the Riksbank is done with its easing cycle, so if Thedeen and company confirm the markets flat forward outlook, this will not prove a catalyst for SEK.

Bank of England. The BoE has the luxury of no expectations for a move at this meeting, with two quarter-point cuts priced for the balance of this year. Starmer’s government is taking a sharp turn to the right to get the UK’s budget reined in, reducing spending in core social welfare categories like the NHS and the dole itself with surprising determination, which will weigh on growth, but inflation would need to fall far more for the Bank of England to wax dovish relative to forward expectations.

FX Board of G10 and CNH trend evolution and strength. Note: If unfamiliar with the FX board, please see a video tutorial for understanding and using the FX Board.

The Swedish krone still managing to post the strongest overall trending reading, but NOK is charging hard and has built momentum over the last week – see more on EURNOK below. CAD may continue to look like a fellow traveler with USD direction unless oil prices rally strongly.

Source: Bloomberg and Saxo Group

Table: NEW FX Board Trend Scoreboard for individual pairs. EURNOK is only three days into its new down-trend, but has been challenging key range support at 11.52 today, trading 11.50 at one point – an important area to break if something bigger is developing. Silver in USD terms has been up posting local highs, eyeing the post-pandemic high of 34.90.

Source: Bloomberg and Saxo Group
John J. HardyGlobal Head of Macro StrategySaxo Bank
Topics: Forex Highlighted articles Trump Version 2 - Traders FR US Actualites et Analyses EURUSD USDJPY
Fox Business reporter sends mixed messages on hopes for Mexico-Canada tariff relief

Posted on: Mar 14 2025

Here was the first post from Fox Business reporter Charlie Gasparino:

BREAKING: Lots of talk in Trump circles about the need for some grand plan to resolve the tariff disputes with Mexico, Canada and Europe that is, cut a deal via one universal settlement. This started bubbling after today's market losses and the growing sentiment that the market upheaval isn't over until this stuff is settled. I have no clue whether this is something the White House is working on, but the chatter among the outside Trump advisers in and around Wall Street and DC is real. The idea is that a compromise --Trump saves face with the base; the trading partners who are now hurting economically because of the uncertainty -- all get relief. The administration then can move on and focus on broader parts of its econ plan ie DOGE budget reductions, tax cuts and deregulation. Story developing

However, this was the follow up:

BREAKING: A person close to the Trump's White House tells me the following: "Unfortunately, this is not being discussed at this time." Story developing

Odd this is coming out just as US and Canadian officials are meeting and have agreed to meet again next week.

Plenty of people in markets (and otherwise) would certainly like that to happen. There is some optimism after Canadian comments and S&P 500 futures are up 25 points.

Update: Even more now.

BREAKING ADDITIONAL DETAIL: There are attempts by Trump supporters outside the White House to put a universal tariff settlement in play but as of now this is not being discussed internally in a serious manner. Story developing

This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.