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March proved to be one of the weakest months for the German index in recent years, though conditions stabilised by mid-April. At present, the DAX (Germany 40 mini on FXOpen) is showing a solid recovery, trading around 24,650. The rebound has been largely driven by gains in Rheinmetall and Infineon, highlighting investor preference for defence and technology stocks amid the current geopolitical backdrop.

The index remains highly sensitive to developments around the Strait of Hormuz. Ongoing reports of blockades and resumptions in shipping continue to fuel uncertainty in energy markets, directly affecting costs for German industry. At the same time, ECB policy remains a limiting factor: the central bank has kept rates at 2.0%, and despite inflation concerns, markets are not pricing in easing before the summer.

Technical picture

After reaching highs near 25,500 in January 2026, the index entered a sharp correction phase. A gap on 2 March signalled a shift in sentiment, prompting traders to close long positions. On 9 March, an extreme spike in vertical volume was recorded as the market attempted to break below 23,000. The index later tested strong support at 22,000, where heavy buying emerged and a base began to form.

Following the rebound, the price consolidated above the POC zone of 23,500–23,800, which has since turned into support. Volume levels have normalised after the March volatility, suggesting that panic selling has subsided. The RSI indicator confirms improving momentum, rising to 64.9 and holding above its moving averages, pointing to renewed bullish strength. The next key resistance for buyers stands at 25,000.
Summary

Holding above the POC zone has restored a bullish structure, returning control to buyers. The 23,000 level is now shaping up as a strong support area, while RSI with MA signals recovering demand. However, despite the current rebound, the broader fundamental backdrop remains mixed, with geopolitical risks and ECB policy expectations continuing to influence the index’s trajectory.

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Daily Pivots: (S1) 213.74; (P) 214.72; (R1) 215.43; More...

Intraday bias in GBP/JPY remains neutral for the moment, and more consolidations could be seen below 215.89. Further rise is expected as long as 213.29 resistance turned support holds. Firm break of 215.89 will resume larger up trend to 61.8% projection of 199.04 to 214.98 from 209.58 at 219.43.

In the bigger picture, up trend from 123.94 (2020 low) is still in progress. Firm break of 214.98 will target 61.8% projection of 148.93 (2022 low) to 208.09 (2024 high) from 184.35 at 220.90. This will remain the favored case as long as 55 W EMA (now at 204.83) holds, even in case of another deep pullback.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 185.99; (P) 186.97; (R1) 187.63; More...

Intraday bias in EUR/JPY is turned neutral with current recovery. But more consolidations could be seen below 187.93 short term top. Another fall might be seen to 38.2% retracement of 182.56 to 187.93 at 185.87. On the upside, though, break of 187.93 will resume larger up trend.

In the bigger picture, up trend from 114.42 (2020 low) is in progress Next target is 78.6% projection of 124.37 (2022 low) to 175.41 (2025 high) from 154.77 at 194.88 next. For now, medium term outlook will stay bullish as long as 180.78 support holds, even in case of deeper pullback.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 0.8693; (P) 0.8710; (R1) 0.8719; More…

Intraday bias in EUR/GBP remains neutral and more consolidations could be seen below 0.8740. As long as 0.8675 support holds, further rise remains mildly in favor. On the upside, break of 0.8740 will resume the rally from 0.8610 to 0.8788 resistance. However, firm break of 0.8675 will turn bias back to the downside for retesting 0.8610 low instead.

In the bigger picture, strong support was seen again from 38.2% retracement of 0.8821 to 0.8863 at 0.8618. Break of 0.8788 resistance will argue that larger rise from 0.8221 might be ready to resume through 0.8863 (2025 high). Nevertheless, sustained trading below 0.8618 should confirm bearish reversal, and bring deeper fall to 61.8% retracement at 0.8466 at least.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.6381; (P) 1.6423; (R1) 1.6452; More...

Further decline is expected in EUR/AUD as long as 1.6667 resistance holds. Deeper fall should be seen to retest 1.6125 low. Firm break there will resume whole down trend from 1.8554 to 1.5913 fibonacci level next. However, break of 1.6667 will turn bias back to the upside for 1.6842 resistance instead.

In the bigger picture, fall from 1.8554 (2025 high) is in progress and deeper decline should be seen to 61.8% retracement of 1.4281 to 1.8554 at 1.5913, which is slightly below 1.5963 structural support. Decisive break there will pave the way back to 1.4281 (2022 low). For now, risk will stay on the downside as long as 55 W EMA (now at 1.7131) holds, even in case of strong rebound.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 0.9180; (P) 0.9208; (R1) 0.9225; More....

Intraday bias sin EUR/CHF stays neutral and consolidations from 0.9264 could extend further. With 0.9155 support intact, further rally is still expected. Firm break of 0.9264 will resume the rise from 0.8979 to 0.9394 resistance next. However, break of 0.9155 will turn bias back to the downside for deeper pullback.

In the bigger picture, considering bullish convergence condition in W MACD, a medium term bottom should be in place at 0.8979. Sustained trading above 55 W EMA (now at 0.9280) will add more credence to this case. Further break of 0.9394 resistance will pave the way to 0.9660 resistance next. However rejection by the 55 W EMA will set up another fall through 0.8979 low at a later stage.

Gold price extended losses below $4,800 before the bulls appeared. WTI Crude oil prices are rising and could climb further higher toward $92.00.

Important Takeaways for Gold and WTI Crude Oil Prices Analysis Today

• Gold price failed to clear $4,900 and declined steadily against the US Dollar.
• There is a key bearish trend line forming with resistance at $4,815 on the hourly chart of gold at FXOpen.
• WTI Crude oil prices are moving higher above the $85.00 pivot zone.
• There is a connecting bearish trend line forming with resistance at $89.10 on the hourly chart of XTI/USD at FXOpen.

Gold Price Technical Analysis

On the hourly chart of Gold at FXOpen, the price failed to settle above $4,900 and reacted to the downside, as discussed in the previous analysis. The price traded below $4,850 and $4,800 to enter a short-term bearish zone.

There was a sharp drop below $4,750. The price settled below the 50-hour simple moving average, and RSI dipped below 40. Finally, it tested the $4,700 zone. A low was formed at $4,699, and the price is now correcting some losses.

Immediate hurdle on the upside is $4,815 or the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $4,889 swing high to the $4,699 low. There is also a key bearish trend line forming with resistance at $4,815.

The first major barrier for the bulls could be $4,830 and the 61.8% Fib retracement. A close above $4,830 could initiate a recovery wave to $4,855. An upside break above $4,855 could send Gold price toward $4,890. Any more gains may perhaps set the pace for an increase toward $5,000.

If there is no fresh increase, the price could continue to move down. Initial support on the downside is near the $4,770 level. The first key area of interest might be $4,700. If there is a downside break below $4,700, the price might decline further. In the stated case, the price might drop to $4,500.

WTI Crude Oil Price Technical Analysis

On the hourly chart of WTI Crude Oil at FXOpen, the price started a fresh increase from $79.00 against the US Dollar. The price gained bullish momentum after it broke $84.00.

There was a sustained upward movement above $84.50 and $85.00. The bulls pushed the price above the 50-hour simple moving average, and the RSI climbed toward 60. A high was formed near $89.08 before there was a minor pullback. The price declined below the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $78.96 swing low to the $89.08 high.

However, the bulls are active above $85.00. Immediate resistance is near a connecting bearish trend line at $89.10. If the price climbs further, it could face hurdles near $90.25.

The next major stop for the bulls might be $91.90. Any more gain might send the price toward $95.00. Conversely, the price might correct gains and test the 50% Fib retracement at $84.00. The next area of interest on the WTI crude oil chart could be $81.35.

If there is a downside break, the price might decline to $80.00. Any more losses may perhaps open the doors for a move toward $75.00.

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This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

US Dollar

Over the past two weeks, the US dollar has fallen to its lowest level since early March, giving back almost all the gains made since the start of the armed conflict in the Middle East. Talks with Iran are set to resume in the coming days. Donald Trump continues to insist that the war will end soon and that an extension of the ceasefire will not be necessary. Coupled with record highs in US stock indices, this is contributing to the continued rally in EURUSD, as geopolitics has ceased to support the greenback, bringing macroeconomics back into focus.

Investors’ attention has also shifted to corporate earnings reports and Congress’s deliberations on Kevin Warsh’s nomination for the post of Fed Chair. Contrary to Trump’s promises, the replacement of the Fed Chair may coincide with accelerating inflation driven by rising oil prices, requiring a tightening of monetary policy. What will Warsh choose? To justify the president’s trust or to demonstrate the central bank’s independence and stick to its principles?

Investors are drawing parallels with the 1970s, when an inflationary shock amid the oil crisis saw the Fed chair, who was loyal to the White House, ease monetary policy. The rate cuts resulted in an even sharper rise in consumer prices and reinforced high inflation expectations. At that time, the US dollar collapsed. It was only after a change in central bank leadership and aggressive monetary tightening, despite the recession, that the dollar began a steady rise from the summer of 1980.

Stock indices

Confidence in an approaching end to the war in the Middle East, the resilience of the US economy to geopolitical shocks, and expectations of a strong first-quarter earnings season enabled the S&P 500 to surpass the January record highs.

About a year ago, after the White House introduced tariffs, the broad stock index first fell and then surged as Trump Chickens Out. Nowadays, since late March, the fear of missing out on TACO has been driving strong volumes, as investors who missed last year’s rally rush to catch up.

Usually, such sharp surges occur from the very bottom of a bear market. This time, the S&P 500 has lost less than 10% from its January highs. So, it has not even been officially called a correction. Something similar occurred only in March 2000, on the eve of the dot-com bubble bursting. For history to repeat itself, an escalation of the conflict in the Middle East would be required, which seems unlikely.

Gold

Gold is slowly but surely recouping its losses on expectations that a peace deal between the US and Iran will bring down oil prices. This will curb inflation and dampen central banks’ appetite for tightening monetary policy. Fears on this front led to a decline in gold prices during the Middle East conflict. Now that Bloomberg has reported that the parties are ready to extend the ceasefire agreement, the situation has done a complete U-turn.

The precious metal will be supported by uncertainty over White House policy and the associated decline in confidence in the US dollar. Donald Trump has resumed his attacks on Jerome Powell. The US president intends to sack the Fed chair if he remains on the FOMC after his term ends. The Republican claims that interest rates will start to fall as soon as Kevin Warsh takes the helm of the central bank. He will have to face a confirmation hearing in Congress.

The revival of the idea of easing the Fed’s monetary policy, driven by the weakness of the US economy or the new Fed Chair, will act as a tailwind for gold.

Crypto

The de-escalation of the conflict has triggered a rally in Bitcoin. However, Bitcoin is not rising as quickly as the US stock indices. There is a view that the factor holding back the upward movement is Congress’s consideration of the Clarity Act, which would regulate the circulation of cryptocurrencies. As soon as lawmakers approve it, enthusiasts expect a rally in digital assets.

However, the market situation has actually changed significantly. Over the last couple of years, its structure has shifted. Whereas crypto-whales previously dominated, their share is now declining. The proportion of institutional investors is growing, leading to lower volatility and limiting the potential for a Bitcoin rally.

Miners’ approach to the business is also changing. The cost of electricity for Bitcoin mining is higher than for artificial intelligence data centres. CoinShares forecasts that data centres’ profitability will rise from 30% to 70% by the end of the year. This increases the likelihood that crypto miners will sell their tokens, thereby holding back BTC.

What next?

The ceasefire in the Middle East expires on the 21st of April. Investors will be watching closely for its extension, with a view to peace negotiations between the US and Iran. De-escalation of the conflict is the base-case scenario. In the event of an escalation, demand for the US dollar will surge.

Congress’s consideration of Kevin Warsh’s nomination for the post of Fed Chair could turn into a real thriller. Not all Republicans are prepared to support Donald Trump’s choice.

Investors will be keeping a close eye on the corporate earnings season and the economic calendar. Inflation data from Canada, the UK and Japan will help gauge the impact of high oil prices on the CPI and offer clues about central banks’ next steps on monetary policy. It will be quite interesting to observe the Forex market’s reaction to reports on business activity in European countries and the US, as well as to the release of US retail sales data for March.

Key takeaways

• Bullish trend intact despite volatility: The Nasdaq 100 has led the post-ceasefire rally, breaking to new highs, and remains in a bullish structure even after a gap-down driven by renewed US–Iran tensions.
• Strong market breadth supports upside: A sharp improvement in breadth, more stocks trading above key moving averages, confirms broad participation and reinforces the sustainability of the uptrend.
• Key support holding keeps bulls in control: The index is stabilising above the critical 26,288/26,142 support zone; holding this level maintains upside potential toward 26,700–27,380, while a break below risks a deeper corrective pullback.

Risk assets, particularly global equities, staged a sharp bullish reversal on 8 February 2026 following the US–Iran temporary ceasefire, which paused the six-week conflict and raised hopes of a broader peace deal. The high-beta, tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 led the rally, reversing an earlier 8% loss to post a 6.9% gain (from the 27 February 2026 pre-war baseline to 17 April 2026) and breaking above its previous all-time high set on 29 October 2025 (see Fig. 1).

Fig. 1: Global benchmark stock indices performances from 27 Feb 2026 to 17 Apr 2026 (Source: MacroMicro).

Nasdaq 100’s market breadth has improved significantly

Fig. 2: Percentage of Nasdaq 100 stocks trading above 20-day, 50-day & 200-day moving averages as of 17 Apr 2026 (Source: TradingView).

Over the past five trading sessions, market breadth within the Nasdaq 100 has strengthened markedly, reinforcing the ongoing bullish trend.

The share of component stocks trading above their 20-day and 50-day moving averages has surged from 11% and 15% on 27 March 2026 to 80% and 62%, respectively, as of 17 April 2026 (see Fig. 2).

Similarly, the proportion of stocks above the key 200-day moving average has risen to 50% from 40% over the same period.

Let's now focus on the short-term trajectory (1 to 3 days) of the US Nasdaq 100 CFD index and its supporting elements from a technical analysis perspective.

Nasdaq 100 – Gapped down but found support at 26,288/142

Fig. 3: US Nasdaq 100 CFD index minor trend as of 20 Apr 2026 (Source: TradingView).

The index gapped down by 1.1% at the open of the Asian session on Monday, 20 April 2026, as renewed hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz saw Tehran target vessels and reimpose controls, underscoring a highly fluid US–Iran conflict.

In response, the US Navy engaged and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, casting fresh doubt over the ceasefire set to expire on Tuesday night (US time).

While US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead another round of peace talks, Iranian state media reports no plans for participation. Notably, the US Nasdaq 100 CFD index managed to stabilise around its former all-time high of 26,288 at this time of writing.

The price actions of the US Nasdaq 100 CFD index (a proxy of the Nasdaq 100 E-mini futures) have continued to oscillate within a minor ascending channel in place from the 7 April 2026 low of 23,808.

Watch the 26,288/26,142 key short-term pivotal support to maintain its minor bullish acceleration phase for the next intermediate resistances to come in at 26,776, 27,140, and 27,380 (see Fig. 3).

On the flip side, a break and an hourly close below 26,142 invalidates the bullish tone for a minor corrective decline to retest the next intermediate support at 25,900/800. Below 25,800 opens scope for a deeper slide towards the 25,215/25,110 medium-term pivotal support area.

Key elements to support the near-term bullish bias on the Nasdaq 100

• Its price actions have traded above 20-day, 50-day, and 200-day moving averages since 8 April 2026. In addition, the 20-day moving average is now shaping a potential bullish crossover condition above the 50-day and 200-day moving averages.
• The hourly RSI momentum indicator has continued to exhibit a bullish momentum condition above its pull-back support at the 44 level.
• Elliot Wave Theory suggests the recent rally from the 2 April 2026 low of 23,511 is likely considered as a minor bullish impulsive wave three structure with its potential terminal zone at 27,140/27,380 (Fibonacci extension cluster from and the upper boundary of the minor ascending channel).

Markets

Market rallied last Friday after Iran’s foreign minister declared the Strait of Hormuz ‘completely open’. At the same time other US (including President Trump) and non-US sources suggested that a deal on the nuclear program could be within reach.. Brent oil temporary dropped below the $90/b mark (close $90.4). The three major US equity indices (Dow, S&P 500 & Nasdaq) all closed at new historic top levels. The Eurostoxx 50 isn’t at that point yet, but also added 2%+ to close at 6057,71. Even as a return to normalcy in energy supply would still take quite a long time, even in case of an agreement, interest rate markets further priced out central bank rate hike probabilities as an oil price (well?) below $100/b provides time to assess potential long-lasting inflationary effects. US yields eased between 7.2 bps (5-y) and 4.9 bps (30-y). EMU interest rate markets outperformed with Bund yields tumbling between 10.9 bps (2-y) and 5 bps (30-y). Money markets almost fully priced out any probability of an ECB rate hike next week and see less than two 25 bps rate hikes by the end of the year (+/- 38 bps discounted). The dollar initially declined sharply on the overall optimism with DXY temporary tumbling below 98 and EUR/USD reaching the 1.185 area. However, the US currency soon regained ground to close little changed (EUR/USD 1.1765; DXY 98.10).

The weekend showed that the optimism on Iran and the US reaching a mutually acceptable deal isn’t as evident as was suggested on Friday. Iran isn’t prepared to meet the US conditions on its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz de facto proved not to be (‘completely’) open. The situation further escalated as the US seized an Iranian ship in the Gulf of Oman clouding the prospects for new talks between the US and Iran that were hoped to take place ahead of the ceasefire deadline Tuesday evening. US president Trump even repeated his threat that the US might attack Iran infrastructure if no deal is reached. From a market point of view, trading is again heading for a period of limited visibility going into the ceasefire deadline of Tuesday evening. Even so, the reaction on Asian (equity) markets this morning remains orderly. Most indices even trade with, admittedly way smaller, gains compared to the US and Europe on Friday (e.g. Nikkei + 0.57%). US yields are rebounding 1.5-2.5 bps across the curve. ST EMU yields add up to 5 bps. Brent oil returns to $95/b. Interest rate markets still hold the view that oil prices sub $100/b give central banks time to assess the impact of current developments. The dollar regains some further ground (DXY 98.35; EUR/USD 1.175). Trading will probably again be driven by headlines on the Middle East conflict. Markets still take the working assumption that the parties will try to avoid an outright new military escalation. Aside from the conflict in the Middle East, the eco calendar is thin today. We keep an eye at the appearance of UK PM Starmer to the House of Commons on the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador, which might raise pressure on his position as PM. EUR/GBP sticks just above 0.87.

News & Views

Rating agency Moody’s stripped Belgium of its Aa3 rating, downgrading it to A1 with a stable outlook. It shadows the decision by Fitch last year which was the first (ever) of the big three rating agencies to lower the rating below “AA” category. Moody’s decision reflects three interrelated developments that relate to the fiscal outlook, growth perspectives and Belgium’s institutional set-up (the year-end 2025 budget process showed the limits of politically possible fiscal consolidation). Modest medium-term growth, higher interest expenses and structural increases in expenditure due to the social risks associated with ageing as well as defence have compounded an already-challenging government budget picture. Under Moody’s baseline, fiscal deficits remain high at around 5% of GDP. Debt-to-GDP is increasing despite significant consolidation measures that have been undertaken by the government. The rating agency projects debt to rise to 116% of GDP by 2030 from 104% in 2024. Trend growth will remain well below the average growth rate of around 1.5% over 2010–2019, pointing to a structurally weaker growth environment than the one that supported Belgium's fiscal profile in the past.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the United Arab Emirates opened talks with US Treasury Secretary Bessent on the idea of an FX swap line. Such financial backstop isn’t needed at the time, but there’s concern that the war could inflict major damage on its economy (damaged energy infrastructure and inability to transit Hormuz) and its position as a global financial hub, depleting foreign reserves and triggering a money drain. According to officials cited by the WSJ, Emirati officials also told US officials that if the UAE runs short of dollars, it may be forced to use Chinese yuan or other countries’ currencies for oil sales and other transactions..