empty
02.04.2025 09:16 AM
The Market Needs Proof

It's too late to be afraid. Rumors are circulating in the market that the White House may implement a universal 20% levy instead of reciprocal tariffs—pushing the average import duty to its highest level since the 1930s and triggering a global economic shock. Yet, the S&P 500 remains surprisingly calm and resilient on the eve of America's "Liberation Day." Why? And how will the broad stock index react to the event of the year?

There are several explanations for the S&P 500's resilience. Investors are confident that Donald Trump won't go too far. He is unlikely to pursue a tariff policy so aggressive that it would threaten U.S. economic growth. Investors must see more signs of a cooling U.S. GDP to continue selling the broader index. Finally, greater clarity on import tariffs will reduce uncertainty, which is good for stocks.

S&P 500 Trends and Forecasts

This image is no longer relevant

It's no surprise that while major banks and firms are lowering their forecasts for the S&P 500, they still expect the index to rise by year-end. Yardeni Research now sees a target of 6000 by the end of 2025, down from 6400; Societe Generale forecasts 6400 instead of 6750; and Goldman Sachs lowered its outlook to 5700 from 6200.

UBS Wealth Management believes the worst will happen in the short term, but tariffs will gradually be rolled back by midyear amid negotiations and concessions from other countries. This would create ideal conditions for a renewed uptrend in the S&P 500 between July and December. That scenario seems plausible—but what if other nations don't bend to the White House's demands? They could redirect exports elsewhere, with the U.S. ultimately suffering.

Indeed, the experience of Trump's first trade war with China shouldn't be used as a template. Back then, Washington's allies were largely supportive, and fiscal stimulus helped supercharge the U.S. economy just before the tariffs were implemented. A key difference now is the significantly higher spike in trade policy uncertainty compared to eight years ago.

U.S. Trade Policy Uncertainty Index Trends

This image is no longer relevant

This image is no longer relevant

According to the U.S. administration, tariffs will take effect the day they're announced. The S&P 500's reaction will largely depend on the scale of those tariffs. Only across-the-board 20% levies are likely to shake the index. On the other hand, reciprocal tariffs targeting a group of countries could trigger a rebound in U.S. equities as investors rush to buy the dip.

From a technical perspective, the S&P 500 continues to form a Double Bottom pattern on the daily chart. A breakout above the 5670 resistance level would provide an opportunity to build long positions opened during the drop toward the lower end of the 5500–5790 trading range. Conversely, if bulls fail to break through fair value resistance, it would signal weakness.

Marek Petkovich,
Analytical expert of InstaTrade
© 2007-2025

Recommended Stories

The Euro Is Rushing Things

After a rapid rally from February through April, EUR/USD entered a prolonged consolidation phase. For several weeks now, the major currency pair has remained locked within the 1.1100–1.1400 trading range

Marek Petkovich 18:43 2025-05-28 UTC+2

USD/CAD. Analysis and Forecast

The USD/CAD pair has been recovering for the third consecutive day from this year's lowest level, supported by renewed buying interest in the U.S. dollar. Yesterday's optimistic U.S. economic data

Irina Yanina 11:44 2025-05-28 UTC+2

DXY: U.S. Dollar Index Continues to Show Positive Momentum for the Second Day in a Row

On Wednesday, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) continued its upward momentum for the second consecutive day, rebounding from the monthly low reached earlier this week. The index rose

Irina Yanina 11:36 2025-05-28 UTC+2

Why Are Currencies Traded Against the Dollar Not Declining? (There Is a Chance EUR/USD May Resume Growth and USD/JPY May Fall)

We are truly living in an unusual time, where the classic principles of assessing market situations are being cast aside in favor of more pressing and, more importantly, unclear

Pati Gani 10:05 2025-05-28 UTC+2

Market Conditions Favor the Dollar

Yesterday, the U.S. dollar continued to strengthen against a number of risk assets—particularly gaining ground against the euro and the British pound. Strong U.S. economic data triggered significant movements

Jakub Novak 09:53 2025-05-28 UTC+2

The Market Has Left the Bad Behind

History repeats itself. Markets breathed a sigh of relief and bought the decline in the S&P 500 after Donald Trump's threats of 50% tariffs on the European Union were replaced

Marek Petkovich 09:47 2025-05-28 UTC+2

AUD/NZD. Analysis and Forecast

The AUD/NZD pair attempted to attract buyers on the decline, but so far, there hasn't been enough conviction to support a sustained move. Intraday upward momentum slowed following the Reserve

Irina Yanina 09:33 2025-05-28 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – May 28: What Is Trump's Plan This Time? Part 2

The GBP/USD currency pair also traded with a minimal decline. There was little news on the day, so the market decided to take a breather before the next upward move

Paolo Greco 08:00 2025-05-28 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – May 28: What Is Trump's Plan This Time?

On Tuesday, the EUR/USD currency pair showed a slight decline. The U.S. dollar continues to struggle to gain strength as market participants lack confidence in it. While it was previously

Paolo Greco 08:00 2025-05-28 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on May 28? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Very few macroeconomic reports are scheduled for Wednesday. Among the more or less noteworthy reports, only Germany's unemployment rate and the change in the number of unemployed can be highlighted

Paolo Greco 06:53 2025-05-28 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
 

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 InstaTrade anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.