E-mini S&P 500 climbs off 50-day MA after Friday's drop. Trump’s softer tone on China trade lifts US indices and tech stocks in early trading today.
E-mini S&P 500 Index futures climbed early Monday, retracing losses from Friday’s steep sell-off that had driven the market through its 50-day moving average at 6603.00 and into the 50% retracement level at 6554.75. The bounce follows a calming message from President Donald Trump regarding U.S.-China trade tensions, helping restore risk appetite across equity markets.
As of 13:49 GMT, the S&P 500 cash index was up 1.24%, rebounding from its largest single-day drop since April. The Dow gained 387 points (0.85%) and the Nasdaq outperformed with a 1.68% rally, led by battered technology stocks.
Today’s rally pushed futures back into a key retracement zone between 6676.25 and 6708.25, defined by the recent high at 6812.25 and low at 6540.25. Monday’s pre-market high stalled at 6706.25, signaling potential hesitation just below the top of this range.
Traders are watching 6708.25 closely—sustained trade above this level could trigger bullish continuation, while a rejection opens the door for a pullback toward the 50-day moving average at 6603.00. If that fails, downside targets lie at 6554.75 and the low at 6540.25.
Stocks rallied after Trump posted on Truth Social that trade with China “will all be fine,” backing away from Friday’s threat to implement a massive increase in tariffs. Vice President JD Vance reinforced the administration’s willingness to negotiate, though tensions remain unresolved.
While the rhetoric may have cooled near-term fears, markets remain sensitive to any signs of renewed trade pressure. Analysts note that Trump’s comments suggest investors are being invited to buy the dip—a strategy that has paid off throughout the year.
If futures can sustain above 6708.25, bulls could regain momentum with 6812.25 as the next upside target. However, a breakdown below 6676.25 would shift the tone bearish again, particularly if 6603.00 fails to hold as support.
With earnings from major banks set to begin Tuesday and a government payroll deadline looming on October 15, traders should stay alert for headline-driven swings this week.
More Information in our Economic Calendar.
James Hyerczyk is a U.S. based seasoned technical analyst and educator with over 40 years of experience in market analysis and trading, specializing in chart patterns and price movement. He is the author of two books on technical analysis and has a background in both futures and stock markets.