As of yesterday's close, US stock indices finished mixed. The S&P 500 fell by 0.08%, while the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.35%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.51%.
European indices are expected to open higher, following the rally in Japanese markets amid signs of easing trade tensions with the United States and upbeat earnings in the tech sector, which have lifted investor sentiment.
Futures on European equity indices rose by 0.2%. Futures on US indices also increased by a similar margin after Japan's Nikkei 225 jumped by 1.8%. A Japanese trade official stated that the US agreed to halt so-called blanket tariffs and reduce auto duties. The US dollar index edged up by 0.1%.
Gold futures in New York surged after media reports indicated that gold bullion may be subjected to US tariffs. The nearest contract spiked to a historic intraday high, surpassing $3,534 per ounce. Oil posted its largest weekly loss.
As noted above, the US confirmed that it would stop implementing universal tariffs on imports from Japan and reduce automobile duties. This was announced yesterday by Tokyo's chief trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa after a Thursday meeting with his counterparts in Washington. This statement can certainly be seen as a significant step toward stabilizing trade relations between the two countries. The withdrawal of blanket tariffs, which could have negatively impacted a broad range of Japanese goods, and the reduction of auto duties — a key issue in bilateral trade — signal a willingness on both sides to compromise and cooperate.
The reduction of trade barriers, particularly in Japan's automotive sector, could stimulate exports and support domestic manufacturers. This, in turn, could have a positive effect on employment, investment, and overall economic growth. Following the meetings, Akazawa stated that the timing for implementing the rule had not been agreed upon. Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., and other automakers responded positively to these comments.
Yesterday, Donald Trump announced that he had appointed Stephen Miran, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, to the position of Federal Reserve Governor. The US president noted that Miran, whose nomination must be confirmed by the Senate, will serve only until the expiration of Adriana Kugler's term in January. This indicates a more dovish stance within the Federal Reserve, which may contribute to future stock market growth.
As for the technical picture of the S&P 500, the key task for buyers today will be to break through the nearest resistance level of $6,355. This would help trigger growth and open the way for a potential jump to a new level at $6,364. An equally important objective for bulls will be to maintain control above $6,373, which would strengthen their positions. In the event of a downward move due to waning risk appetite, buyers must assert themselves near the $6,343 area. A break below this level would quickly push the instrument back toward $6,331 and open the path to $6,320.
