US stocks show mixed performance amid trade tensions with the EU and China. Asian markets decline, and gold rallies. Our technical analysis covers key levels across major markets.
US and Asian stock indices staged bearish reversals
U.S. equities had a muted session on 15 April, as trade tariff concerns overshadowed better-than-expected earnings from Bank of America and Citigroup. The S&P 500 reversed an early 0.7% gain to close down 0.2%, while the Dow fell 0.4%. The Nasdaq 100 and Russell 2000 managed modest gains of 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively.
Market sentiment was weighed down by stalled trade talks between the U.S. and European Union, with Washington signalling that most tariffs on EU goods will remain. Tensions with China also escalated, as Beijing ordered airlines to halt Boeing aircraft deliveries, a retaliatory move suggesting further trade deterioration.
Also read: What are stock market indices? How to invest in them?
After the U.S. close, reports emerged that the White House instructed Nvidia to restrict H20 chip exports to China. Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 E-mini futures responded sharply, falling 2.3% and 1.5%, respectively, in today’s Asian session.
Demand for safe havens remained firm. Gold (XAU/USD) surged 1.9% intraday, hitting a fresh record high of $3,291 at the time of writing.
Asian markets opened weaker across the board. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1.7%, snapping a two-day winning streak. Although China’s Q1 GDP, retail sales, and industrial production data beat expectations, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 2.4%, following the global risk-off tone.
The latest intraday technical analysis on US Wall Street 30, US Nas 100, Hong Kong 33, Japan 225, Germany 30, EUR/USD, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, USD/JPY, Gold (XAU/USD), and West Texas Oil can be found in our YouTube video above.
