empty
15.04.2025 09:08 AM
The Market Celebrates a Ceasefire

While there is still no peace in the trade conflict, a semblance of a ceasefire has appeared. The White House is beginning to frantically realize it has gone too far with its protectionist policies and is slowly but surely making concessions. First, it announces removing tariffs on electronics; then, it starts talking about easing restrictions on the automotive industry. This has allowed the S&P 500 to rise for the second consecutive day.

Investors are increasingly convinced that aggressive tariff policy has limits. Perhaps this is driven by Donald Trump's desire to see rising stock indices or by the Treasury's aim to bring down bond yields. When the S&P 500 was falling, and bond yields were rising on fears of mass selloffs by China, the White House took a step back in advancing import tariffs.

Despite elevated uncertainty, most banks and investment firms are optimistic about the broader stock index's prospects. They expect a recovery by year-end, with the median forecast at 6,067—roughly 12% above current levels.

Bank and Investment Firm Forecasts for the S&P 500

This image is no longer relevant

At the same time, the chaotic nature of Donald Trump's policies has led to the broadest range of forecasts for the S&P 500 in at least two decades. Optimists view the White House's actions as savvy diplomacy, believing that after trade deals are reached with other countries, the tariffs will be lifted. Pessimists remain convinced that a recession and declining corporate profits are inevitable.

Interestingly, the current forecasts from banks and investment firms go against historical patterns. Since 1957, the S&P 500 has declined by 15% or more before April, only 16 times. In just three of those cases — in 1982, 2009, and 2020 — the index rebounded and ended the year in the green. In each instance, the Federal Reserve saved the market. If history teaches us anything, it is to expect either aggressive monetary expansion or that the majority view may be incorrect.

Forecast Dispersion Trends for the S&P 500

This image is no longer relevant

This image is no longer relevant

U.S. administration officials are also contributing to the broad index's recovery. According to National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, there's "no talk" of a U.S. recession, and Donald Trump is ready to listen to and hear the concerns of American business leaders. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that the Treasury has the tools to stabilize the bond market.

Technically, the daily S&P 500 chart shows a completed inside bar, which provides an entry point for long positions from 5,355. However, the likelihood of consolidation remains high, so a rejection from resistance levels at 5,500 or 5,600 would be a good opportunity for short positions — as would the index's inability to hold above the pivot level at 5,400.

Marek Petkovich,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

What to Pay Attention to on April 21? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

No macroeconomic events are scheduled for Monday—not in the U.S., the Eurozone, Germany, or the U.K. Therefore, even if the market was paying attention to the macroeconomic backdrop, today, there

Paolo Greco 06:30 2025-04-21 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – April 21: The Inertial Growth Continues

The GBP/USD currency pair continued its upward movement on Friday. If we had seen such price action away from peak levels, there would have been no questions. In essence

Paolo Greco 04:01 2025-04-21 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – April 21: The Market Sleeps, Only Trump Can Wake It Up

On Friday, the EUR/USD currency pair made no notable movements whatsoever. This was unsurprising, as Friday marked Good Friday, and Sunday was Easter. Many banks and trading venues were closed

Paolo Greco 04:01 2025-04-21 UTC+2

US Dollar: Weekly Preview

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? The US dollar will again try to answer that question in the new week. To briefly recap: over the past

Chin Zhao 01:01 2025-04-21 UTC+2

British Pound: Weekly Preview

Several fairly interesting reports were released in the UK, but they almost did not impact market participants' actions. Demand for the British pound increased on all five days except

Chin Zhao 01:01 2025-04-21 UTC+2

Euro: Weekly Preview

There were very few changes regarding the euro last week. We observed horizontal movement for most of the week, which naturally did not affect the current wave markup. I want

Chin Zhao 01:00 2025-04-21 UTC+2

Trump targets Powell

Yesterday, US President Donald Trump stated that he could dismiss Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, casting doubt on the idea of central bank independence. He also expressed frustration that policymakers

Jakub Novak 14:42 2025-04-18 UTC+2

EU increases pressure on US

The entire world is now watching the ongoing negotiations between the US and its key trading partners. Despite President Trump's loud claims that the talks are going well, there

Jakub Novak 14:04 2025-04-18 UTC+2

The Market Taken Hostage

Will the White House cross the Rubicon by initiating the dismissal of Jerome Powell from his position as Chair of the Federal Reserve? That would deal another blow to financial

Marek Petkovich 09:16 2025-04-18 UTC+2

Why Are Markets Frozen and What Are They Waiting For? (There is a possibility of continued Bitcoin and Ethereum consolidation in sideways ranges)

Today is Good Friday, a day Christians observe worldwide across all denominations. Market activity has noticeably decreased ahead of the Easter holiday, but this isn't the main reason for market

Pati Gani 09:00 2025-04-18 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.