The US 500 index recorded a 2-month high of 5958 on Friday before settling back to close the week at 5922, an incredible 24% rally from the index's tariff induced lows at 4799 seen on April 7th. Impressive indeed.
However, late on Friday evening the ratings agency Moody’s downgraded US government debt from its top credit rating of Aa1 to Aaa, citing a ballooning budget deficit and no clear plan to narrow this in the future.
This Moody’s decision generated some weekend headlines in the financial press around the sustainability of President Trump’s plans for unfunded tax cuts as the US economy slows due to his recent trade tariff announcements. This even led to a comment on the downgrade from the much-respected US Treasury Scott Bessant, who played down concerns over the US government debt and attempted to reassure investors the Trump administration is determined to bring down spending and grow the economy.
Early Monday Trading:
Given the extent of the recent upside rally to just short of the physiological 6000 level, perhaps unsurprisingly, early Monday trading possibly suggests traders are reacting with caution to this news, with the US 500 trading down 0.6% at 5888, at time of writing. However, there is a long trading week ahead and it will be important to see how markets respond once US traders are back at their desks.
Technical Update: Looking For Potential Support and Resistance Levels This Week
As seen on the chart below, the move in the US 500 index from the April 7th low at 4799 into last Friday’s latest recovery high at 5958 completed a rally of 24%, as recent concerns over global trade eased.
However, Friday’s downgrade of US debt may prompt some traders to question the sustainability of the current advance, even concluding it is something that could lead to the potential for fresh price weakness.
With that in mind, let’s look at possible technical levels in the US 500 that can be monitored this week to gauge the next potential directional price risks
Potential Support Levels:
The first possible support level to focus on if a more extended phase of price weakness is seen, may be the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of May price strength which stands at 5813.
While by no means a guarantee of continued declines, if closing breaks of 5813 are seen, a more extended price correction may then be on the cards, which could suggest tests of the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, which stands at 5722, or even 5575, equal to the May 7th session low, are possible.
Potential Resistance Levels:
Previous price highs can be viewed by traders as possible resistance levels, as having previously marked a point where selling pressure has been found, it may be the case again.
As such, with the latest price strength trading close to 5988/6007, which is an area where sellers were previously found between February 26th 2025 and March 3rd 2025, this may now be a resistance focus for some.
However, closing breaks of this 5988/6007 price range may lead to attempts at further strength, with the next resistance perhaps then marked by 6144, which is the February 19th 2025 all-time high.
The material provided here has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients.
Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.
However, late on Friday evening the ratings agency Moody’s downgraded US government debt from its top credit rating of Aa1 to Aaa, citing a ballooning budget deficit and no clear plan to narrow this in the future.
This Moody’s decision generated some weekend headlines in the financial press around the sustainability of President Trump’s plans for unfunded tax cuts as the US economy slows due to his recent trade tariff announcements. This even led to a comment on the downgrade from the much-respected US Treasury Scott Bessant, who played down concerns over the US government debt and attempted to reassure investors the Trump administration is determined to bring down spending and grow the economy.
Early Monday Trading:
Given the extent of the recent upside rally to just short of the physiological 6000 level, perhaps unsurprisingly, early Monday trading possibly suggests traders are reacting with caution to this news, with the US 500 trading down 0.6% at 5888, at time of writing. However, there is a long trading week ahead and it will be important to see how markets respond once US traders are back at their desks.
Technical Update: Looking For Potential Support and Resistance Levels This Week
As seen on the chart below, the move in the US 500 index from the April 7th low at 4799 into last Friday’s latest recovery high at 5958 completed a rally of 24%, as recent concerns over global trade eased.
However, Friday’s downgrade of US debt may prompt some traders to question the sustainability of the current advance, even concluding it is something that could lead to the potential for fresh price weakness.
With that in mind, let’s look at possible technical levels in the US 500 that can be monitored this week to gauge the next potential directional price risks
Potential Support Levels:
The first possible support level to focus on if a more extended phase of price weakness is seen, may be the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of May price strength which stands at 5813.
While by no means a guarantee of continued declines, if closing breaks of 5813 are seen, a more extended price correction may then be on the cards, which could suggest tests of the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, which stands at 5722, or even 5575, equal to the May 7th session low, are possible.
Potential Resistance Levels:
Previous price highs can be viewed by traders as possible resistance levels, as having previously marked a point where selling pressure has been found, it may be the case again.
As such, with the latest price strength trading close to 5988/6007, which is an area where sellers were previously found between February 26th 2025 and March 3rd 2025, this may now be a resistance focus for some.
However, closing breaks of this 5988/6007 price range may lead to attempts at further strength, with the next resistance perhaps then marked by 6144, which is the February 19th 2025 all-time high.
The material provided here has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients.
Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.
Global risk Warning CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading in CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFD
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.
Global risk Warning CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading in CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFD
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.