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 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

The Dollar Keeps Moving Forward

The approval by the House of Representatives of what Donald Trump called a "big and beautiful" tax-cut bill, along with a rise in the U.S. composite PMI from 50.6

Marek Petkovich 18:16 2025-05-22 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Weak Euro, Weak Dollar

The three-day bullish rally in EUR/USD has come to an end: today the pair retreated into the 1.12 zone. However, the dollar is in no position to guarantee a sustained

Irina Manzenko 18:09 2025-05-22 UTC+2

RBA Turns Increasingly Dovish, Reducing Chances of AUD/USD Recovery

The RBA cut the interest rate by 25 basis points to 3.85% on Wednesday, in line with market expectations. At the concluding press conference, the RBA Governor acknowledged that

Kuvat Raharjo 12:26 2025-05-22 UTC+2

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Gold is retreating after reaching its highest level in nearly two weeks. This pullback lacks clear fundamental triggers and is likely to remain limited due to several supportive factors. Expectations

Irina Yanina 12:21 2025-05-22 UTC+2

NZD/USD. Analysis and Forecast

The NZD/USD pair is pulling back after reaching a weekly high around the 0.5965–0.5970 level and is currently trading near 0.5920, marking a new daily low. The release

Irina Yanina 12:18 2025-05-22 UTC+2

USD/CAD. Analysis and Forecast

The USD/CAD pair is encountering difficulties in its attempt to recover following an overnight rebound from the 1.3815–1.3810 level, indicating a continuation of the week-long downtrend. Oil prices are rebounding

Irina Yanina 12:12 2025-05-22 UTC+2

GBP/USD. Inflation, Road Tax, and the Outlook for a Northern Trend

The GBP/USD pair hit a new three-year high yesterday, reacting to a sharp spike in UK inflation. However, the significance of the inflation report should not be overstated

Irina Manzenko 11:58 2025-05-22 UTC+2

The Market Is Losing Buyers

If you harm your relationship with your neighbors, don't expect them to offer you help. Donald Trump's tariffs and subsequent coercive negotiations have diminished the willingness of other countries

Marek Petkovich 09:49 2025-05-22 UTC+2

Changes in the U.S. Tax System May Exert Localized Pressure on Market Demand (there is a likelihood of a decline in #SPX and gold prices)

The chaos and instability caused by Donald Trump, both in the U.S. and around the world, have become a regular occurrence. However, they still contribute to significant market volatility

Pati Gani 09:49 2025-05-22 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – May 22: A New Blow to the Dollar: "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"

The EUR/USD currency pair continued its upward movement on Wednesday. The U.S. dollar has been falling steadily for over a week—something that hasn't happened in over a month. However, every

Paolo Greco 08:10 2025-05-22 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.