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Better-than-expected inflation data has eased rate hike fears and is supporting a potential bullish breakout in U.S. equity indices, particularly the S&P 500.
U.S. inflation came in at 3.5%, below expectations of 3.8% and down from 4.2% previously. The softer reading has reduced market expectations for aggressive monetary tightening, shifting forecasts from two additional rate hikes to just one. This moderation has improved sentiment across risk assets.
Equity indices responded with a strong upward move, printing bullish daily candles. The shift in rate expectations has provided immediate support for equities, as lower borrowing costs typically enhance valuations and risk appetite.
Technical patterns suggest the NASDAQ may be exiting a contraction phase. After a liquidity sweep in early June and subsequent consolidation, price action has formed a higher low and absorbed key inefficiencies. Analysts point to 28,918 points as a critical support level that must hold to sustain bullish structure.
Market structure indicates that downside liquidity has largely been cleared, while significant buy-side liquidity remains above current levels. Equal highs and previous peaks are acting as targets, suggesting a potential upward expansion if bullish momentum continues.
The U.S. dollar index shows signs of weakening after rejecting key resistance zones. This shift aligns with reduced rate hike expectations and could further support equities. A softer dollar typically boosts global liquidity and increases demand for riskier assets.
The VIX continues to trend downward, with no clear bullish reversal signals. Repeated rejections at resistance levels and ongoing lower highs reinforce a low-volatility environment, which is generally favorable for equity markets.
The S&P 500 is showing stronger momentum than the NASDAQ, with technical indicators pointing toward a potential all-time high (ATH) in the near term. Key support zones have held, and price action suggests a continuation toward 7,649 points and possibly beyond.
Options data reveals a significant increase in bullish positioning, with gamma exposure reaching approximately $312 billion, above its 90-day average. Notably, large call buying occurred ahead of the inflation release, indicating strong conviction among institutional participants.
Despite a weakening dollar, gold has not shown significant upside momentum. This divergence suggests limited investor interest in safe-haven assets at present, though a potential liquidity sweep could trigger a rebound later in the quarter.
Oil prices remain in a short-term bullish phase, with expectations of a move toward higher price zones. However, the broader trend is still considered fragile, with concerns about unresolved geopolitical risks and potential volatility ahead.
European markets, including the DAX and CAC 40, appear more subdued. Both indices are testing key technical zones but lack strong bullish momentum. Analysts anticipate a slower summer period, with possible retests of June or May lows before any sustained upward move.
Cooling inflation and shifting rate expectations are improving conditions for equities, with U.S. indices—especially the S&P 500—positioned for potential upside, while global markets remain uneven in strength.