FX.co ★ US Stock Market News Digest on April 16

S&P500 printed a new all-time high, closing yesterday above 7,000

Yesterday, US stock indices closed higher in confidence: the S&P 500 gained 0.80%, the Nasdaq 100 rose 1.59%, while the Dow Jones, by contrast, slipped 0.15%. Markets are in an upbeat mood — investors are actively buying stocks as hopes for a possible settlement between the US and Iran have reduced the "risk premium" and supported demand.

The global MSCI All Country World index stood out, rising 0.3% to a fresh high and extending a 10?day rally. Strong corporate earnings from the US provided an extra boost — robust results from major companies reinforced investor confidence and helped the market to keep rising. More details via the link.

For S&P 500 bulls, the key levels are 7,049 and 7,087; on a pullback, important support sits around 7,033 and 6,993.

The US and Iran are discussing extending the current ceasefire, which expires next Tuesday, for another two weeks to give both sides more time to negotiate a peace deal. At the same time, Donald Trump said leaders of Israel and Lebanon will also hold talks. Against this backdrop, Asian equity indices are rising again as investors rotate attention from geopolitics to corporate results and profitability.

Technically, for the S&P 500, the buyers' main task today is to break the nearest resistance at 7,049. A successful hold above that would allow a move to 7,066 and then strengthen bids toward 7,087. If risk appetite wanes and prices fall, the key line for bulls is 7,033. With further weakening, a pullback to 7,013 could follow, opening the way to 6,993. More details via the link.

Market confidence is clearly evident despite geopolitical risks

US stock indices are outperforming many global peers: the United States is far from the Middle East hotspots, and its economy is less dependent on the "oil needle" than some Asian and European countries. Competition for energy resources helps the US boost exports and generate additional profits.

The S&P 500 rally is particularly striking: the index has declined no more than 10% from January highs — a behavior not seen in previous market downturns. A similar pattern was last visible in March 2000, just before the dot-com bubble burst. Investors are currently not reacting strongly to geopolitics or the threat of stagflation. Apparently, the market is once again betting on the resilience of the US economy. More details via the link.