NASDAQ100 continue its strength due to the strong earning seasonFundamental:
USTEC (NASDAQ100) continues its strength, propelled by robust Alphabet (GOOG) earnings that buoyed technology companies. Cloud services recorded the largest growth at 32% YoY, primarily driven by AI. Concurrently, the company plans to allocate $85 bln to capital expenditure in 2025 for AI, an increase from $75 bln, signaling continued surging demand for AI infrastructure.
In addition, recent US economic data indicated strong consumption and optimism, with the July Services PMI expanding to 55.2 from 52.9 in the previous month. Initial Jobless Claims also fell to 217k, the lowest in 14 weeks, reinforcing optimism regarding the labor market, alongside stronger-than-expected Nonfarm Payrolls from early July.
Inflation data showed a minor impact from tariffs, and tariff negotiations have progressed favorably. Trade deals have been secured with Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines, and potential trade agreements with the Eurozone and India are anticipated before the deadline.
Major earnings releases are slated for next week, including MSFT, META, and QCOM on July 30. AMZN and APPL's results the following day could provide a clearer picture of USTEC's overall earnings.
Meanwhile, USTEC's forward P/E currently stands at 27x, aligning with its 5-year average despite reaching a new record high, suggesting further upside potential.
Technical:
The index is trading above its EMAs, which are extending, signaling a continuation of the rally.
If USTEC sustains its momentum, the index may reach 24000 upon breaking above the potential resistance at 23400.
Conversely, a pullback near the swing high may suggest a retest of the support at 23000.
