US equities advanced despite concerns over Fed independence
Despite the uncertainty following President Trump’s dismissal of Fed Governor Cook, USTEC advanced slightly.
President Trump dismissed Fed Governor Cook due to allegations of mortgage fraud, raising concerns over the Fed's independence. JPMorgan warned the move could set a precedent for politically driven dismissals of other board members.
Meanwhile, the August CB Consumer Confidence Index rose to 97.4, indicating a more positive outlook on current conditions. However, 12-month inflation expectations rose from 5.7% to 6.2%, while the share of respondents viewing jobs as plentiful decreased from 29.9% to 29.7%.
USTEC has risen above both EMAs, signaling an attempt at a trend reversal. The narrowing distance between EMA21 and EMA78 suggests a potential shift toward bullish momentum. If USTEC holds above both EMAs, the index may gain upward momentum toward the resistance at 23700. Conversely, if USTEC falls back below both EMAs, the index could retreat toward the support at 23300.
Ustec
Bearish drop off?USTEC has rejected off the pivot and could drop to the 1st support which acts as a multi swing low support.
Pivot: 23,523.60
1st Support: 22,967.13
1st Resistance: 23,920.26
Risk Warning:
Trading Forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary.
Disclaimer:
The above opinions given constitute general market commentary, and do not constitute the opinion or advice of IC Markets or any form of personal or investment advice.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this website are provided on an "as-is" basis, are intended only to be informative, is not an advice nor a recommendation, nor research, or a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument and thus should not be treated as such. The information provided does not involve any specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. Please be aware, that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and/or results. Past Performance or Forward-looking scenarios based upon the reasonable beliefs of the third-party provider are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking or past performance statements. IC Markets makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or any information supplied by any third-party.
NASDAQ Technicals
NASDAQ (NAS100) Technical Analysis
Based on the 4 hour chart, NASDAQ (NAS100) is currently showing range bound price action, indicating a period of consolidation after a recent downtrend. This price behavior suggests a tug of war between bulls and bears, with neither side able to decisively break through key support or resistance levels.
Key Levels and Price Zones
The market is trading within a defined range. The key support zone is identified around 23,055 to 22,958. This is a critical area, as a clean break below it would signal a continuation of the previous bearish trend. The primary resistance zone is located between 23,309 and 23,418. This zone must be broken and held for a potential bullish reversal to be considered.
Bullish and Bearish Scenarios
* Bullish Scenario: For a bullish trend to resume, the price needs to break above the 23,418 resistance level. A confirmed breakout with a subsequent retest of this level as support could open the door for a move towards the higher resistance at 23,736. Traders should watch for a strong bullish candle closing above this zone and an increase in buying volume to confirm the breakout.
* Bearish Scenario: The bearish outlook remains intact as long as the price stays below the resistance zone. A break below the support zone around 22,958 would be a significant bearish signal. This could lead to a further drop toward the lower range's support at 22,690. A strong bearish candle closing below the support zone would provide confirmation.
Risk Management and Final Thoughts
Given the current consolidation, traders should be cautious about initiating new positions without clear confirmation. The most prudent approach is to wait for a definitive breakout above resistance or a breakdown below support. Trading within the range can be highly volatile and is generally considered higher risk. Placing stop loss orders outside of the key support and resistance zones is crucial to manage potential risks effectively. The current technical screenshot of NAS100 is one of indecision, and a significant move is likely on the horizon once one of the boundaries is breached.
Could elevated valuations start weighing heavily on USTEC?
US equities fell sharply under pressure from stretched AI valuations. OpenAI CEO Altman cautioned that investors are overly excited about AI, warning that valuations have become “out of control.” Adding to the drag, Nvidia shares tumbled as China mandated domestic AI chips account for over 50% of local data center usage, raising concerns over export reliance. Markets now turn their focus to Fed Governor Waller’s speech and the FOMC minutes for clues on the rate-cut outlook.
USTEC is sliding lower, approaching the support at 23300. The narrowing gap between EMA21 and EMA78 points to a possible shift toward bearish momentum. If USTEC breaks below 23300, the index could decline further toward the next support at 23000. Conversely, if USTEC climbs back above both EMAs, the index may gain upside traction toward the resistance at 23700.
NASDAQ Potential Bullish ContinuationNASDAQ price action seems to exhibit signs of potential Bullish momentum as the price action may form a credible Higher High (after tarriff delays on the EU) with multiple confluences through key Fibonacci and Support levels which presents us with a potential long opportunity.
Trade Plan:
Entry : 21600
Stop Loss : 20550
TP 1: 22649
NAS100 4H Channel: Bounce or Breakdown?NASDAQ100 has been trending within a clean ascending channel on the 4H timeframe. We’re now sitting at a crucial decision point — the midline and horizontal support around 23,670.
This zone has historically acted as a strong S/R pivot. If price holds, we could see another bullish bounce toward 24,000+. But if it breaks and closes below, we may get a clean drop toward the bottom of the channel — with 23,200 and 22,663 as targets.
Plan:
• Wait for a 4H close above or below the 23,670 level
• Bullish scenario: Bounce toward upper channel (~24,300)
• Bearish scenario: Drop to lower channel boundary with incremental TP levels
Structure:
• 4H rising channel structure still intact
• Price testing midline zone
• Horizontal level at ~23,670 adds confluence
• No confirmed break of channel yet
Key Zones:
• Support: 23,670 (midline + structure support)
• Bullish flip zone: 23,967
• Bearish continuation zones:
‣ 23,200
‣ 22,994
‣ 22,663
Bullish continuation?USTEC is falling towards the pivot which has been identified as a pullback support and could bounce to the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 23,670.91
1st Support: 23,281.34
1st Resistance: 24,400.68
Risk Warning:
Trading Forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary.
Disclaimer:
The above opinions given constitute general market commentary, and do not constitute the opinion or advice of IC Markets or any form of personal or investment advice.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this website are provided on an "as-is" basis, are intended only to be informative, is not an advice nor a recommendation, nor research, or a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument and thus should not be treated as such. The information provided does not involve any specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. Please be aware, that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and/or results. Past Performance or Forward-looking scenarios based upon the reasonable beliefs of the third-party provider are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking or past performance statements. IC Markets makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or any information supplied by any third-party.
Rate-cut optimism fueled risk-on mood, lifting US equities
July CPI showed little inflationary impact from tariffs, amplifying expectations for a September Fed cut. Optimism also returned for small-cap firms, previously seen as most vulnerable to tariff pressures. Headline CPI rose 2.7% YoY in July, 0.1% lower than a year earlier, with a 1.1% MoM drop in energy prices contributing to the overall decline.
BlackRock CIO Rick Rieder noted that shelter costs, the largest CPI component, slowed to their lowest since 2021, significantly boosting the odds of a September cut. He added that the Fed could take a more aggressive approach, with a 50bp cut at the September FOMC.
USTEC extended its sharp uptrend after breaching above the 23700 high. The widening gap between both EMAs indicates the potential continuation of bullish momentum. If USTEC holds above 23700, the index may gain upward momentum toward the psychological resistance at 24000. Conversely, if USTEC breaks below 23700, the index could retreat toward 23300.
US indices paused as fragile macro data undermined recent gains
US equity gains paused amid President Trump’s renewed tariff threats and weakening economic data. Trump warned of steep tariff hikes on India and a potential 35% levy on the EU if obligations are not met. Meanwhile, the US July Services PMI fell from 50.8 to 50.1, missing the 51.5 consensus. New orders dropped to 50.3, while employment declined to 46.4—the lowest since March.
USTEC briefly tested 23300 before breaking below both EMAs. The widening gap between EMA21 and EMA78 suggests a potential shift toward bearish momentum. If USTEC fails to break above the resistance at 23300, the index could decline further toward 22700. Conversely, if USTEC breaks above both EMAs and 23300, the index may gain bullish traction toward 23700.
Alphabet (GOOGL) extends its rally on upbeat 2Q earnings
US equities continue to post record highs, driven by stronger-than-expected 2Q earnings and optimism over ongoing trade agreements. Alphabet’s (GOOGL) Q2 results reaffirmed the accelerating pace of AI-led growth. The company’s cloud revenue surged 32% YoY, up from 28% in 1Q, and it raised its full-year capex guidance from $75B to $85B.
Alphabet (GOOGL) remains firm within its ascending channel. The price solidly holds above both EMAs, indicating the potential extension of bullish momentum. If Alphabet (GOOGL) holds above EMA21, the price may gain upside traction toward the previous high at 198.00. Conversely, if Alphabet (GOOGL) breaks below the support at 189.50, the price could retreat to the next support at 184.30.
NASDAQ100 continue its strength due to the strong earning seasonFundamental:
USTEC (NASDAQ100) continues its strength, propelled by robust Alphabet (GOOG) earnings that buoyed technology companies. Cloud services recorded the largest growth at 32% YoY, primarily driven by AI. Concurrently, the company plans to allocate $85 bln to capital expenditure in 2025 for AI, an increase from $75 bln, signaling continued surging demand for AI infrastructure.
In addition, recent US economic data indicated strong consumption and optimism, with the July Services PMI expanding to 55.2 from 52.9 in the previous month. Initial Jobless Claims also fell to 217k, the lowest in 14 weeks, reinforcing optimism regarding the labor market, alongside stronger-than-expected Nonfarm Payrolls from early July.
Inflation data showed a minor impact from tariffs, and tariff negotiations have progressed favorably. Trade deals have been secured with Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines, and potential trade agreements with the Eurozone and India are anticipated before the deadline.
Major earnings releases are slated for next week, including MSFT, META, and QCOM on July 30. AMZN and APPL's results the following day could provide a clearer picture of USTEC's overall earnings.
Meanwhile, USTEC's forward P/E currently stands at 27x, aligning with its 5-year average despite reaching a new record high, suggesting further upside potential.
Technical:
The index is trading above its EMAs, which are extending, signaling a continuation of the rally.
If USTEC sustains its momentum, the index may reach 24000 upon breaking above the potential resistance at 23400.
Conversely, a pullback near the swing high may suggest a retest of the support at 23000.
Bullish continuation?USTEC has bounced off the pivot and could potentially rise to the 1st resistancewhihc lines up with the 61.8% Fibonacci projection.
Pivot: 22,997.77
1st Support: 22,639.22
1st Resistance: 23,703.56
Risk Warning:
Trading Forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary.
Disclaimer:
The above opinions given constitute general market commentary, and do not constitute the opinion or advice of IC Markets or any form of personal or investment advice.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this website are provided on an "as-is" basis, are intended only to be informative, is not an advice nor a recommendation, nor research, or a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument and thus should not be treated as such. The information provided does not involve any specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. Please be aware, that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and/or results. Past Performance or Forward-looking scenarios based upon the reasonable beliefs of the third-party provider are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking or past performance statements. IC Markets makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or any information supplied by any third-party.
The US100-Nasdaq Playbook: Prime Sell Zone Approaching!Hey friends 👋
I’ve prepared a fresh US100-NASDAQ analysis for you all. Nothing makes me happier than seeing us grow and profit together.
📌 Once price reaches the 23,192 – 23,231 zone, I plan to enter a **Sell** trade from that area.
🔐 Feel free to set your stop-loss based on your personal margin and risk tolerance.
🎯 My target level is: **23,024**
Every single like from you means the world to me—it’s my biggest motivation to keep sharing high-quality analysis 🙏
Huge thanks to everyone who supports with their likes 💙
Bullish continuation?USTEC has bounced off the pivot, which has been identified as an overlap support, and could rise to the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 22,997.77
1st Support: 22,639.22
1st Resistance: 23,703.56
Risk Warning:
Trading Forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary.
Disclaimer:
The above opinions given constitute general market commentary, and do not constitute the opinion or advice of IC Markets or any form of personal or investment advice.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this website are provided on an "as-is" basis, are intended only to be informative, is not an advice nor a recommendation, nor research, or a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument and thus should not be treated as such. The information provided does not involve any specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. Please be aware, that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and/or results. Past Performance or Forward-looking scenarios based upon the reasonable beliefs of the third-party provider are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking or past performance statements. IC Markets makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or any information supplied by any third-party.
NASDAQNASDAQ If the price cannot break through the 22728 level, it is expected that the price will drop. Consider selling the red zone.
🔥Trading futures, forex, CFDs and stocks carries a risk of loss.
Please consider carefully whether such trading is suitable for you.
>>GooD Luck 😊
❤️ Like and subscribe to never miss a new idea!
NASDAQ, USTECUSTEC price is currently near the main resistance level of 22168-22229. If the price cannot break through the level of 22229, it is expected that the price will have a chance to go down. Consider selling the red zone.
🔥Trading futures, forex, CFDs and stocks carries a risk of loss.
Please consider carefully whether such trading is suitable for you.
>>GooD Luck 😊
❤️ Like and subscribe to never miss a new idea!
USTECPrevious analysis on May 30 found that the price came down to test the support level at 20,693 but could not break through. Now the price has returned to test the resistance level at 21,737-22,139 again. If the price cannot break through the level of 22,139, it is expected that the price will drop. Consider selling in the red zone.
🔥Trading futures, forex, CFDs and stocks carries a risk of loss.
Please consider carefully whether such trading is suitable for you.
>>GooD Luck 😊
❤️ Like and subscribe to never miss a new idea!
Bearish reversal off pullback resistance?USTEC is rising toward the pivot, which serves as a pullback resistance. A reversal from this level could indicate a double top pattern, potentially leading to a price drop to the 1st support.
Pivot: 22,270.83
1st Support: 21,142.23
1st Resistance: 23,070.85
Risk Warning:
Trading Forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary.
Disclaimer:
The above opinions given constitute general market commentary, and do not constitute the opinion or advice of IC Markets or any form of personal or investment advice.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this website are provided on an "as-is" basis, are intended only to be informative, is not an advice nor a recommendation, nor research, or a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument and thus should not be treated as such. The information provided does not involve any specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. Please be aware, that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and/or results. Past Performance or Forward-looking scenarios based upon the reasonable beliefs of the third-party provider are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking or past performance statements. IC Markets makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or any information supplied by any third-party.
USTECUSTEC price is now near the resistance zone 21916-22226. If the price cannot break through the 22226 level, it is expected that the price will drop. Consider selling the red zone.
🔥Trading futures, forex, CFDs and stocks carries a risk of loss.
Please consider carefully whether such trading is suitable for you.
>>GooD Luck 😊
❤️ Like and subscribe to never miss a new idea!
Bullish continuation?USTEC is falling towards the pivot and could bounce to the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 21,115.24
1st Support: 20,647.83
1st Resistance: 22,217.62
Risk Warning:
Trading Forex and CFDs carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Trading Forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary.
Disclaimer:
The above opinions given constitute general market commentary, and do not constitute the opinion or advice of IC Markets or any form of personal or investment advice.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this website are provided on an "as-is" basis, are intended only to be informative, is not an advice nor a recommendation, nor research, or a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument and thus should not be treated as such. The information provided does not involve any specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. Please be aware, that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and/or results. Past Performance or Forward-looking scenarios based upon the reasonable beliefs of the third-party provider are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking or past performance statements. IC Markets makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or any information supplied by any third-party.
USTECUSTEC price is near the resistance zone 21776-22139. If the price cannot break through the 22139 level, it is expected that the price will drop. Consider selling the red zone.
🔥Trading futures, forex, CFDs and stocks carries a risk of loss.
Please consider carefully whether such trading is suitable for you.
>>GooD Luck 😊
❤️ Like and subscribe to never miss a new idea!