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A Big Batch of PMIs

In focus today

In the euro area, the April flash PMI report is released, a key input ahead of the ECB meeting. We expect the manufacturing PMI to show a steep decline from 51.6 to 49.6, driven by higher energy prices. The surprise increase in the headline index in March was largely due to longer delivery times, which pose an upward risk to the headline number again. As such, monitoring the output sub-component will be crucial. The services PMI fell more than expected in March to 50.2 and we expect it to remain at same level in April, as services are less directly hit than manufacturing. However, the uncertainty of the index is unusually high, so interpretation should be more cautious than usual. The price components will be more important than usual.

From the US and UK, the flash April PMIs will also provide key insights ahead of next week's central bank meetings. In the US, attention will centre on whether manufacturing PMI is sustained around March's strong print at 52.4. In the UK, March's composite PMI fell sharply to 51.0, reflecting challenges from surging energy prices and supply chain disruptions. These reports will offer a timely view of the Middle East conflict's impact on economic activity.

In Sweden, we have our eyes on Anna Seim, a relative hawk, giving a speech at 08:00 CET - a summary of the speech will be published on the website.

Overnight in Japan, the national March CPI is released. We are not likely to see a Japanese inflation surge, as opposed to the global trend. Tokyo headline inflation even suggests a modest decline, as government subsidies are keeping gasoline prices close to a price of USD1/litre. Consensus is pointing to a modest increase, though, to 1.8% for CPI inflation excluding fresh food.

Economic and market news

What happened overnight

In Japan, the April Composite PMI declined slightly to 52.4 from 53.0, as a strong rise in Manufacturing PMI to 54.9 (prior: 51.6) was offset by a slowdown in Services PMI to 51.2 (prior: 53.4). Notably, factory output recorded its strongest increase since February 2014, driven by manufacturers ramping up production amid concerns over potential future supply shortages linked to the war in the Middle East.

What happened yesterday

In the oil space, Brent crude rose above USD100/bbl as talks between the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz seem to have yet to start, with the two sides remaining far apart. Polymarket investors now see a 40% chance of traffic normalising before the end of May, down from 60% earlier in the day. The US kept the pace of selling of strategic reserves at 600kb/d last week, which is still well below peak selling levels in 2022. Hence, more support to global oil supply could still come from this side over the coming weeks.

In Sweden, unemployment rose to 9.2% in March, but should be interpreted with caution, as Statistics Sweden noted the rate was likely overestimated. Monthly numbers are very volatile, and the volatility has increased in recent years. Looking at the full quarter, outcomes were fairly well in line with our forecast. Employment rose by 0.3% q/q (forecast 0.4%) and the unemployment rate held steady at 8.6%. The overall picture on the Swedish labour market is that it has improved, but the rate of improvement has declined. Indicators have worsened recently, pointing to unchanged employment in the near term. For the Riksbank, inflation risks are the focal point, but on the margin, the labour market data favours a cautious approach.

In the UK, CPI inflation for March came in as a mixed bag with services a touch higher than expected at 4.5% y/y (cons: 4.3%, prior: 4.3%), while core was lower than expected at 3.1% y/y (cons: 3.2%, prior: 3.2%). It remains too early to assess whether this will lead to broader second-round effects, which the Bank of England has identified as a key concern. During its March meeting, the Bank highlighted the increased risk of domestic inflationary pressures driven by second-round effects in wage and price-setting.

The European Commission revealed its energy bill "AccelerateEU" aimed at tackling higher energy costs from the war in Iran. The package does not contain new funding, limiting its near-term impact. It promotes tax cuts and levies for low-income households and allows member states to implement temporary emergency measures to support the most exposed sectors. This raises the likelihood of more fiscal support from individual governments, larger public deficits, and possibly untargeted fiscal easing measures, which could lead to further ECB hikes.

In Denmark, April consumer confidence dropped from -13.8 in March to -18.6, reflecting rising energy prices and concerns over the ongoing conflict in Iran. Inflation expectations surged to their highest since early 2022, driven by fears of prolonged energy price increases. Despite solid wage growth and improved disposable incomes from tax cuts and higher benefits, uncertainty surrounding inflation and energy prices continues to weigh on consumer spending, posing challenges for domestic growth.

Equities: Equity markets in the US performed strongly on the open yesterday, without Europe following suit. While tech and banks were in either side of the league table, that alone does not provide a fully satisfactory explanation for the divergence. Global equities were up 0.6%, with S&P500 rising 1.1%, Nasdaq 1.6%, Russell2000 0.7% higher and Stoxx600 down 0.4%. Overnight, futures are lower, as well as Asian markets.

FI and FX: Markets open on a weak foot with headlines from a locked-in stand-off over the SOH dominating the news. Asian equities are down while US treasuries rise a couple of basis points this morning and EUR/USD falls back below 1.1700. Oil prices climb further with a barrel of brent trading close to USD 104. News from the Middle East will continuously dominate market movements, but PMI releases, and their price components in particular, might attract some attention. I Norway the SBB releases figures for wage growth and industrial confidence and the Swedish Riksbank's Anna Seim gives a speech at CET 08:00.

EUR/USD Daily Outlook

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.1684; (P) 1.1724; (R1) 1.1745; More….

EUR/USD's pullback from 1.1848 extends lower today but stays above 1.1662 support. Intraday bias remains on the upside and further rise is still in favor. On the upside, sustained trading above 61.8% retracement of 1.2081 to 1.1408 at 1.1824 will pave the way to retest 1.2081 high. However, firm break of 1.1662 support will bring deeper decline back towards 1.1408 low instead.

In the bigger picture, the strong support from 38.2% retracement of 1.0176 to 1.2081 at 1.1353 suggests that the pullback from 1.2081 is more likely a corrective move. Strong support was also found in 55 W EMA (now at 1.1507). Focus is back on 1.2 key cluster resistance level. Decisive break there will carry long term bullish implications. Nevertheless, break of 1.1408 support will revive the case of medium term bearish trend reversal.

Stocks Stall as US–Iran Maritime Conflict Broadens, Oil Tests Limits of Rally

The record equity rally is probably starting to lose momentum as oil prices push higher again and the US–Iran conflict expands beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Caution is already evident in Asia. After record closes in the S&P 500 and NASDAQ overnight, both Nikkei and KOSPI briefly hit new highs before reversing into negative territory. At the same time, currency markets are showing early signs of repositioning. Flows into US Dollar and Canadian Dollar suggest a mix of safe-haven demand and oil-linked support.

While markets initially welcomed the extension of the ceasefire, ongoing tanker seizures and naval interdictions suggest disruption is intensifying rather than easing. With Brent crude holding above $100 and targeting $110, oil is once again emerging as a key constraint on risk sentiment.

The core issue is that the ceasefire has not translated into de-escalation on the ground—or at sea. The U.S. has moved beyond guarding the Strait of Hormuz and is now enforcing a global maritime interdiction of Iranian crude. U.S. forces have intercepted and redirected multiple Iranian-linked vessels not just near Hormuz, but across wider Asian waters, including near India and Southeast Asia.

From Washington’s perspective, this is framed as sanctions enforcement—an extension of economic pressure designed to choke off Iranian oil revenue. The blockade applies to ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and has already seen vessels seized or disabled when attempting to bypass restrictions.

This followed Iran’s navy saying it had seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The seizure of the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas in the Strait is Tehran's way of showing that while they can't stop the U.S. globally, they can "blind" the world’s most vital waterway by targeting ships that tamper with navigation systems.

This creates a two-layer conflict. The US is attempting to restrict Iranian exports globally, while Iran is attempting to destabilize the chokepoint locally. The result is persistent uncertainty over both supply and transit—two critical components of the global oil market.

With no clarity on the US–Iran situation, focus is shifting back to economic data, particularly April PMI releases. These will be critical in assessing how the energy shock is feeding into real economic activity across regions.

Australia’s PMI showed overall activity returning to modest expansion, but the contraction in manufacturing output is a warning sign. At the same time, price pressures have surged to the highest level in nearly four years. Japan’s PMI data points to continued expansion, with surprising strength in manufacturing. However, input cost pressures are rising rapidly. The weak Yen is a double-edged sword—supporting exports while sharply increasing the cost of imported raw materials, squeezing profit margins.

PMIs from the Eurozone, the UK, and the US later today will provide a clearer picture of how these economies are absorbing the shock. A combination of contraction readings (below 50) and rising prices would reinforce stagflation concerns and could weigh further on Euro and Sterling. Europe remains particularly vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

In FX markets, Canadian Dollar now leads the week on oil strength, followed by Kiwi and Dollar. Yen is the weakest, with Euro and Swiss Franc also underperforming. Sterling and Aussie sit in the middle.

Fake Trigger, Real Rally: Brent Oil Breaks $106, $110 Now Key

Oil didn’t retrace after the spike on fake news—and that’s the signal. With Brent breaking $106, attention turns to whether $110 can be cleared next. Read More.

Japan PMI Composite Falls to Four-Month Low, Out Prices Hit Record

Manufacturing is driving Japan’s growth, but services are losing momentum and costs are rising fast. The divergence is becoming harder to ignore. Read More.

Australia Composite PMI Back in Expansion, Price Pressures Highest in Nearly Four Years

Australia PMI Composite returned to growth at 50.1 in April, led by services rebound. Manufacturing output weakened while rising fuel and shipping costs lifted inflation pressures to highest in nearly four years. Read More.

EUR/USD Daily Outlook

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.1684; (P) 1.1724; (R1) 1.1745; More….

EUR/USD's pullback from 1.1848 extends lower today but stays above 1.1662 support. Intraday bias remains on the upside and further rise is still in favor. On the upside, sustained trading above 61.8% retracement of 1.2081 to 1.1408 at 1.1824 will pave the way to retest 1.2081 high. However, firm break of 1.1662 support will bring deeper decline back towards 1.1408 low instead.

In the bigger picture, the strong support from 38.2% retracement of 1.0176 to 1.2081 at 1.1353 suggests that the pullback from 1.2081 is more likely a corrective move. Strong support was also found in 55 W EMA (now at 1.1507). Focus is back on 1.2 key cluster resistance level. Decisive break there will carry long term bullish implications. Nevertheless, break of 1.1408 support will revive the case of medium term bearish trend reversal.


Economic Indicators Update

GMT CCY EVENTS Act Cons Prev Rev
23:00 AUD Manufacturing PMI Apr P 51 49.8
23:00 AUD Services PMI Apr P 50.3 46.3
00:30 JPY Manufacturing PMI Apr P 54.9 51.2 51.6
00:30 JPY Services PMI Apr P 51.2 53.4
06:00 GBP Public Sector Net Borrowing (GBP) Mar 10.3B 14.3B
07:15 EUR France Manufacturing PMI Apr P 49.5 50
07:15 EUR France Services PMI Apr P 48.5 48.8
07:30 EUR Germany Manufacturing PMI Apr P 51.3 52.2
07:30 EUR Germany Services PMI Apr P 50.4 50.9
08:00 EUR Eurozone Manufacturing PMI Apr P 50.7 51.6
08:00 EUR Eurozone Services PMI Apr P 49.8 50.2
08:30 GBP Manufacturing PMI Apr P 50.2 51
08:30 GBP Services PMI Apr P 50 50.5
12:30 CAD Industrial Product Price M/M Mar 1.80% 0.40%
12:30 CAD Raw Material Price Index Mar 9.50% 0.60%
12:30 USD Initial Jobless Claims (Apr 17) 210K 207K
13:45 USD Manufacturing PMI Apr P 52.5 52.3
13:45 USD Services PMI Apr P 50.1 49.8
14:30 USD Natural Gas Storage (Apr 17) 96B 59B

 

Fake Trigger, Real Rally: Brent Oil Breaks $106, $110 Now Key

Oil spiked on fake news—but didn’t fall when the story unraveled. That reaction says more about the market than the headline itself, pointing to strengthening underlying demand and persistent supply risks. With Brent crude now clearing the $106 level, attention shifts to resistance near $110, where a break could pave the way for a retest of the $120 highs seen at the onset of the Iran war.

The false headlines claiming explosions in Tehran, driven by viral social media posts using AI-generated or recycled footage, briefly suggested that the ceasefire had collapsed. Yet the critical takeaway is not the spike itself, but the aftermath. Once these claims were debunked, oil failed to retrace meaningfully. This lack of reversal suggests that underlying bullish pressure is building, independent of headline noise.

The key driver remains the unresolved situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the extension of the ceasefire, the situation in the Strait remains tense. Reports of ongoing military activity in the Gulf highlight the fragility of the current arrangement. The ceasefire is more a pause than a resolution.

At the center of the issue is a fundamental disagreement between the US and Iran. Washington maintains that its naval blockade of Iranian ports is an enforcement of sanctions, while Tehran views it as a direct act of war. This divergence ensures that the risk surrounding roughly 15 million barrels per day of oil transit through the Strait remains firmly in place.

This backdrop is forcing a repositioning in the market. Traders who had anticipated a de-escalation and reduced exposure are now returning, driven by fears of prolonged supply disruptions. The shift from “selling the news” to rebuilding long positions is amplifying the upward move.

Technically, Brent’s break above 106.10 resistance marks a key turning point. The earlier decline from 114.81 appears to have bottomed at 87.79, and the trend is now shifting higher, supported by strong momentum. The bias has now shifted back to the upside, with prices expected to extend higher as long as 97.58 support holds.

The next key level to watch is the near-term channel resistance around 110.98. A decisive break above this zone would open the path toward a retest of the 119.70 high.

Bitcoin Extends Gains, Can Bulls Drive A Larger Rally?

Key Highlights

  • Bitcoin started a fresh increase above $75,000 and $76,500.
  • A bullish trend line is forming with support at $76,000 on the 4-hour chart of BTC/USD.
  • Ethereum also climbed over 5% and surpassed $2,400.
  • Gold is consolidating below the $4,850 resistance.

Bitcoin Price Technical Analysis

Bitcoin price remained supported above $74,000 against the US Dollar. BTC formed a base and started a fresh increase above $76,500.

Looking at the 4-hour chart, the price settled above $76,850, the 100 simple moving average (red, 4-hour), and the 200 simple moving average (green, 4-hour). The bulls even pumped the price above the 76.4% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $78,369 swing high to the $72,723 low.

On the upside, the price now faces resistance near $79,200. The first key hurdle is $80,000. A close above $80,000 could send the price toward $81,250 or the 1.618 Fib extension level of the downward move from the $78,369 swing high to the $72,723 low.

Any more gains might call for a test of $85,000. Immediate support sits at $76,500. The first key support could be $76,000. There is also a bullish trend line forming with support at $76,000. The main breakdown support could be near $74,000.

A downside break below $74,000 might start another decline. The next major support is $72,000, below which BTC could decline toward $70,000.

Looking at Ethereum, the price also gained bullish momentum above $2,350, and the bulls could now aim for a move toward $2,550.

Today’s Key Economic Releases

  • US Initial Jobless Claims - Forecast 212K, versus 207K previous.
  • US S&P Global Manufacturing PMI for April 2026 (Preliminary) – Forecast 52.5, versus 52.3 previous.
  • US S&P Global Services PMI for April 2026 (Preliminary) – Forecast 50.0, versus 49.8 previous.

Japan PMI Composite Falls to Four-Month Low, Out Prices Hit Record

Japan’s private sector growth softened in April despite a sharp surge in manufacturing activity. PMI Composite slipped from 53.0 to 52.4, marking a four-month low, as weakness in services offset strong gains in the factory sector.

Manufacturing was the clear standout. PMI Manufacturing jumped from 51.6 to 54.9, while output rose from 52.1 to 55.4, the strongest pace in over a decade. Firms reported a solid pickup in new orders, with some boosting production preemptively amid concerns over supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

In contrast, services lost momentum, with PMI falling from 53.4 to 51.2. Slower growth in activity and sales points to softening domestic demand, creating a divergence between external-facing manufacturing strength and more fragile services conditions.

At the same time, inflation pressures are building rapidly. Input costs rose at the fastest pace since January 2023, driven by higher fuel, energy, and raw material prices, alongside a weaker Yen. Firms passed on these costs aggressively, with output prices rising at the fastest rate on record. Despite the manufacturing strength, business confidence dropped to its lowest since August 2020, highlighting concerns that current momentum may prove unsustainable.

Indicator Apr 2026 Mar 2026
PMI Composite 52.4 53.0
PMI Manufacturing 54.9 51.6
Manufacturing Output 55.4 52.1
PMI Services 51.2 53.4
Input Cost Inflation
Output Price Inflation
Supply Chain Conditions Worsened
Business Confidence

Full Japan PMI flash release here.

Australia Composite PMI Back in Expansion, Price Pressures Highest in Nearly Four Years

Australia’s private sector returned to modest growth in April, with the S&P Global Flash Composite PMI rising from 46.6 to 50.1, just crossing back above the expansion threshold. The improvement was driven by a sharp rebound in services, where PMI jumped from 46.3 to 50.3, signaling stabilization after March’s contraction.

However, the recovery remains uneven. Manufacturing PMI rose from 49.8 to 51.0, back into expansion territory, but output within the sector fell further from 49.4 to 48.2. This divergence suggests that while sentiment and headline activity improved, actual production conditions remain under pressure, reflecting ongoing disruptions in supply chains.

Cost pressures are intensifying. Input price inflation accelerated for a third consecutive month, reaching its highest level since August 2022, driven largely by higher fuel and shipping costs linked to the Middle East conflict. Businesses are passing on part of these increases, with output prices rising at the fastest pace in three-and-a-half years.

Overall, the data points to a fragile recovery. Services are providing near-term support, but manufacturing remains constrained, and inflation pressures are building again.

Indicator Apr 2026 Mar 2026
PMI Composite 50.1 46.6
PMI Services 50.3 46.3
PMI Manufacturing 51.0 49.8
Manufacturing Output 48.2 49.4
Input Cost Inflation
Output Price Inflation
Supply Chain Lead Times Lengthened
Demand / Confidence Soft Soft

Full Australia PMI flash release here.

Cryptos Breakout of Bear Trends, But Will It Continue? Bitcoin (BTC) & Ethereum (ETH) Outlook

  • Bitcoin reaches $79,000 in daily trading and tests a breakout of its main October descending channel
  • Profiting from the rebound and new inflows in tech, exploring if Crypto has enough momentum to keep bouncing
  • Exploring a Technical Analysis and trading levels for Bitcoin and Ethereum

Only 13 days since our last Crypto in-depth analysis, Bitcoin has surged an additional $7,000, (10%!) and Ethereum has broken through several major resistance levels, back to $2,400.

While altcoins are slowly gathering momentum, the spotlight remains firmly on the largest, highest-cap cryptocurrencies, with the rest still struggling to catch up as Investors still aim to pick up the highest quality names in case the narrative shifted again for the worst.

Nevertheless, the total crypto market cap is extending gains at levels similar to last Friday, clearly dominating the February lows – A very positive sign but this move will need further traction to avoid forming a short-term double top.

Total Crypto Market Cap – Daily Chart. April 22, 2026 – Source: TradingView

Extending beyond $2.65T will be key for the next phase of the rebound.

The coming days will present a particularly key test with the well-anticipated peace talks; In the event of a tumble in negotiations, Participants will be watching closely to see if crypto truly behaves as the safe haven its proponents claim, or if it remains just another risk asset.

So far, cryptocurrencies have maintained a strong correlation with the Nasdaq.

However, while the tech index has reclaimed its all-time highs, Bitcoin is now testing a major breakout at $79,000 as it challenges the upper boundary of its main October descending channel.

The big question now is whether cryptos will decouple from equities in the event of a stock market downturn—a factor that could determine if Bitcoin and its peers are truly poised to return to record highs.

Profiting from renewed tech sector inflows, the priorly dormant Crypto markets are exploring whether there is enough momentum to sustain this bounce.

Let's dive right into a technical analysis and key trading levels for both Bitcoin and Ethereum to spot if a clear breakout in indeed into play from here.

Bitcoin (BTC) 4H Chart and Technical Levels

Bitcoin (BTC) 4H Chart, April 22, 2026 – Source: TradingView

Bitcoin is now clearly extending above its $75,000 long-term pivot, a quintessential level of action for the Bulls to dominate the next phase and an even better run as traders finally broke out of the October bear channel.

For buyers to continue the run, with the RSI momentum coming closer to overbought, they will have to at least break above the $80,000 level – They do have the intermediate momentum in hand however.

Failing to break the level could however provide a decent opportunity for profit-takers to stall the move.

Levels of interest for BTC trading:

Support Levels:

  • $75,000 Key long-term Pivot (acting as resistance)
  • $70,000 Short-term momentum Pivot (50 and 200-4H MA)
  • $60,000 to $63,000 Main 2024 support (recent double bottom)
  • $59,935 February Lows
  • $52,000 to $58,000 Next support and 200-Week MA ($55,000 Mid-point)
  • $40,000 Mid-2024 breakout support

Resistance Levels:

  • $79,100 Daily Highs
  • $80,000 to $83,000 mini-resistance
  • $90,000 to $95,000 minor Resistance
  • $98,000 to $100,000 Pivotal Resistance
  • Current ATH Resistance $124,000 to $126,000

Ethereum (ETH) 4H Chart and Technical Levels

Ethereum (ETH) 4H Chart, April 22, 2026– Source: TradingView

The rebound in Ethereum remains very consistent, having also officially broken out of its descending channel.

ETH bulls will have to breach the $2,450 highs reached last Friday to confirm a breakout, but overall are well in control of the action.

Entering the $2,500 pivotal resistance within the next week should maintain high odds of a continued breakout – With Momentum not close to overbought, ETH buyers still have space to push.

Shorter timeframes are hinting at a slowdown, so traders will have to be careful for the next phase.

Levels of interest for ETH trading:

Support Levels:

  • 4H 50 and 200 MA $2,118
  • Channel lows $2,000
  • $1,700 to $1,800 Pre-Bounce 2025 Key Support (testing)
  • $1,744 February 6 lows
  • $1,380 to $1,500 2025 Support
  • 2025 Lows $1,384

Resistance Levels:

  • March 4 Highs $2,201 (breaking!)
  • $2,300 June War Key Pivot (bullish above)
  • $2,500 to $2,700 June 2025 Key Support now Resistance (Channel Highs)
  • $3,000 to $3,200 Major momentum Pivot (Test of the $3,000)
  • $4,950 Current new All-time highs

The narrative is easing, but keep track of WTI Crude and the latest headlines to stay ahead of the game.

Safe Trades!

Nasdaq Breaks a New Record after Ceasefire Extension – Dow Jones and US Stock Market Outlook

  • US Stock Benchmarks corrected yesterday from a reappearing angst regarding the Ceasefire and Kevin Warsh's hawkish hearing
  • Donald Trump saved the day by announcing yet another short-term extension to the Ceasefire
  • Exploring Technical Levels for the Dow Jones, Nasdaq and S&P 500

US stock benchmarks experienced a sharp correction yesterday, dragged down by reappearing angst over a collapsing US-Iran ceasefire and incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s hawkish Senate hearing.

However, President Trump quickly swooped in to save the day, announcing yet another short-term extension to the fragile truce.

While Trump has yet to set an official timeline for this new ceasefire extension, recent reports suggest that high-stakes talks with the Iranian delegation are now possible by Friday.

This crucial geopolitical lifeline allowed investors to aggressively buy the dip and erase the pain from yesterday's selloff.

By doing so, buyers successfully voided the ominous double-top formation that was threatening the Nasdaq, sending the tech-heavy index skyrocketing back to fresh all-time highs – the S&P 500 is still threatened by its double-top however.

Technology continues to relentlessly lead the broader market.

The Nasdaq is currently outperforming all other global benchmarks as US bulls keep flexing their insatiable risk appetite.

This tech-lead rally is directly spilling over into the crypto space as well, with Bitcoin surging to new highs and closing in fast on the massive $80,000 milestone.

Expect volatility to remain elevated as markets eagerly await further confirmation regarding Friday's potential diplomatic meetings and traders will have to see proper developments to maintain the current optimism.

Let's dive into intraday charts and trading levels for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Composite, and S&P 500.

Current Session's Stock Heatmap

Current picture for the Stock Market (11:21) – Source: TradingView – April 22, 2026

The Stock Market is mostly green, but under some heavy sectorial inequality as investors still focus on local targeted plays, with a preference for value in the already high-cap Magnificent 7s, outperforming all other Stocks and helping to propel Nasdaq on top.

Dow Jones 2H Chart and Trading Levels

Dow Jones (CFD) 2H Chart – April 22, 2026 – Source: TradingView

The DJIA is slowly creeping higher but still lacks some conviction.

Bulls will want to see an extension above 49,600 to confirm a test of 50,000.

However, as long at the action remains above the 2H 50-period MA, bulls remain in control.

Dow Jones technical levels for trading:

Resistance Levels

  • Weekend Gap Fill Resistance 49,500 - 49,600 (testing)
  • 49,900 to 50,000 Resistance and Early 2026 Highs
  • All-Time Highs 50,544

Support Levels

  • 2H 50-period MA (49,300)
  • Major Pivot – 49,000 to 49,200 (short-term bearish below)
  • Momentum Support 48,500
  • Pivotal Support at 48,000 (Mid-term Bearish below)
  • Mini Support 47,400 to 47,600

Nasdaq 2H Chart and Trading Levels

Nasdaq (CFD) 2H Chart – April 22, 2026 – Source: TradingView

Nasdaq is officially breaching some new all-time highs and running towards 27,000.

Momentum is stalling about 100 points to the psychological level with RSI reaching overbought conditions, so a newfound momentum will have to be found.

Still, the path of least resistance on the short-run is to the upside for the index.

  • The situation turns more bearish short-term if sellers bring back the action below 26,580 (2H 50-period MA)

Nasdaq technical levels of interest:

Resistance Levels

  • Daily resistance 26,600 to 26,750
  • New all-time highs 26,736
  • Potential Resistance at 27,000

Support Levels

  • 26,580 (2H 50-period MA)
  • Prior ATH Pivot 26,200 to 26,300 (Short-term bearish below)
  • 25,400 to 25,500 Feb Range Intraday Support
  • War Support 25,000 to 25,250
  • 24,450 to 24,550 Key Support
  • Early 2025 ATH at 22,000 to 22,229 Support

S&P 500 2H Chart and Trading Levels

S&P 500 (CFD) 2H Chart – April 22, 2026 – Source: TradingView

The S&P 500 is attempting an extension to retest its all-time highs, but the momentum is not coinciding with a proper bullish price action.

The daily highs are at 7,138 and those will have to be surpassed in order to properly undo the Double top formation.

S&P 500 technical levels of interest:

Resistance Levels

  • Daily highs 7,138
  • New all-time resistance 7,150
  • Next key potential resistance 7,200

Support Levels

  • 7,100 psychological level and 2H 50-period MA
  • Prior ATH Pivot 7,000 to 7,020
  • December ATH Mini support 6,945 to 6,975
  • Minor Support 6,880 to 6,900
  • Pivotal Support 6,750 to 6,770
  • 6,680 to 6,700 Key Support
  • 6,300 psychological level (War lows)

Keep track of WTI Crude and the latest headlines throughout the week to stay ahead of the curve, with investors still confused about US-Iran negotiations.

Safe Trades!

Natural Gas Wave Analysis

Natural Gas: ⬆️ Buy

  • Natural Gas reversed from support area
  • Likely to rise to resistance level 3.080

Natural Gas recently reversed from the support area between the strong support level 2.675 (which stopped the previous sharp downward impulse from the start of December) and the lower daily Bollinger Band.

The upward reversal from this support zone started the active short-term correction ii.

Given the strength of the support level 2.675, Natural Gas can be expected to rise to the next resistance level 3.080 (top of the previous correction ii).