SP500 continues to move higher as traders react to economic reports and focus on tariff news. Building Permits declined by -4.7% month-over-month in April, compared to analyst forecast of -1.2%. Housing Starts increased by 1.6%, while analysts expected that they would drop by -1%. Today, traders also had a chance to take a look at Michigan Consumer Sentiment report for May. The report showed that Consumer Sentiment declined from 52.2 in April to 50.8 in May, compared to analyst consensus of 53.4. Importantly, year-ahead inflation expectations soared from 6.5% to 7.2%. Rising inflation expectations may present a serious problem for the Fed. However, stock traders remain bullish despite inflation worries. Donald Trump announced that he would set tariff rates for trading partners in the next few weeks as it was impossible to negotiate more than 100 trading deals during a short period of time. Traders bet that this move will mark the end of the active phase of the trade war. It should be noted that today’s market move is broad, and most sectors are moving higher. Healthcare stocks are among the biggest gainers in the SP500 index today as traders have started to buy the dip.
From the technical point of view, SP500 climbed above the resistance level at 5910 – 5920 and is moving towards the next resistance level at 6000 – 6010.
NASDAQ remains stuck below the key resistance at 21,450 – 21,500 as traders wait for stronger catalysts. Profit-taking puts some pressure on the index, which is not surprising as NASDAQ bulls enjoyed a strong rally from April lows.
A move above the 21,500 level will push NASDAQ towards the resistance level at 21,950 – 22,000.
Dow Jones is moving higher, supported by the rebound in healthcare stocks. Unitedhealth Group, which is up by 5.6%, is the best performer in the Dow Jones index today.
If Dow Jones climbs above the 42,800 level, it will move towards the next resistance level, which is located in the 43,700 – 43,800 range.
For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.
Vladimir is an independent trader, with over 18 years of experience in the financial markets. His expertise spans a wide range of instruments like stocks, futures, forex, indices, and commodities, forecasting both long-term and short-term market movements.