All Eyes on Powell

A better start to the week for most of the global equities indices tracked here. Dovish expectations ahead of Fed chairman Powell’s Jackson Hole speech late this week have seen the US Dollar on the back foot, allowing room for equities markets to trade higher here. Broadly speaking, the market is already pricing in some amount of tapering this year and with that in mind, the thinking is that it would take a firm hawkish surprise from Powell to affect any significant USD buying. In light of the rising risks from the Delta variant, such a development seems unlikely here meaning that, the risks into the meeting, appear skewed to the downside for USD, keeping equities on the bullish track. We heard from Dallas Fed president Kaplan last week that if the current surge in Delta infections continues, he might adjust his views on tapering. The market appears to judge this as likely being a broader view within the Fed which is colouring the price action ahead of the meeting. Elsewhere, news of the first fully FDA-approved COVID vaccine has helped lift sentiment somewhat. However, vaccine optimism is not uniform, which might explain why price action in European and Asian asset markets (where vaccination rates are lagging) has been weaker than in the US and UK.

Technical Views

DAX

The recent downside test of the 15743.01 level has seen buyers stepping back in to keep the DAX supported for now. With MACD and RSI indicators both positive, the outlook remains bullish while price holds above this level. Any break lower will turn focus to deeper support at the 15486.96 with the rising trend line in that area also.

S&P500

The recent downside test of the 4383.50 level, with the rising trend line support there also, has seen price bouncing firmly higher. The market has since taken out the 4475.25 level and is trading above. RSI is pointed higher here with MACD on course to turn positive, keeping the outlook firmly bullish in the near term.

FTSE

The correction from the recent test of the 7241 level has seen price trading back down to retest the broken bear channel top, ahead of deeper support at the 6968.7 level. With MACD and RSI both bearish here, there is risk of a continuation lower unless bulls can clear the 7137 level, putting 7241 back in focus.

NIKKEI

The latest downside break of the 27422.9 level saw price trading as low as the 26932.1 level before reversing higher. Price is now attempting to break above the bear channel top, with MACD and RSI both turned higher here. If we do break, 28356.6 is the next upside marker to watch.