Nasdaq Braces for CPI Impact

The Nasdaq 100 futures (CME: NQ) are in a consolidation phase following a robust 2% surge earlier in the week. Anticipation looms as US equity futures eagerly await the forthcoming CPI report, a pivotal moment slated for tomorrow.  

Analysts project a rise in year-over-year inflation to 3.2%, while core inflation is expected to ease from 4% to 3.8%. The market braces for the potential impact of this data release, as it could significantly shape expectations regarding the timing of the Federal Reserve’s inaugural round of rate adjustments this year. These developments might usher in distinct directional movements in the market during the final sessions of the week. 

Technical 

On the 4H chart, a recent downtrend has been broken, and a retracement has been initiated. The recent uptick has pushed the futures above the 25-SMA (green line) and the 50-SMA (blue line), signalling a bullish shift in the current momentum. However, the 100-SMA (orange line) aligns with the 61.8% Fibonacci golden ratio, creating a stern resistance at 16,849.50. 

If this resistance withholds the current buying pressure, the futures could slip back to the Fibonacci midpoint, where the 50-SMA provides support at 16,751.75. Should a breakdown occur at this level, the futures could take back some of its recent gains, bringing lower support at 16,630.75 and 16,602.14, the 25-SMA, into play. 

However, a breakout above the 100-SMA resistance could signal a longer-term bullish reversal. Resistance at 16,957.25 and 17,072.75 could then become levels of interest to traders in the upcoming sessions if the inflation data supports the view that rate cuts could occur in the opening months of the year.  

Summary 

After a recent bullish run, the Nasdaq 100 is consolidating ahead of tomorrow’s CPI report. Strong resistance is established at 16,849.50, which could result in low trading ranges in the upcoming session until the latest data becomes available. 

Sources: Koyfin, Tradingview 

Piece written by Tiaan van Aswegen, Trive Financial Market Analyst 

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