21.04.202609:37 Forex Analysis & Reviews: Stock market on April 21: S&P 500, NASDAQ rally pauses

Yesterday, equity indices closed slightly lower. The S&P 500 fell by 0.24%, while the Nasdaq 100 declined by 0.26%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.01%.

The rally in global equity markets paused, though the overall uptrend remains intact, as signs that Iran may join talks with the US boosted optimism about progress in the Middle East ahead of the ceasefire deadline. Oil prices eased.

The MSCI All Country World Index rose by 0.1% on Tuesday as easing geopolitical tensions and a pickup in AI-related activity supported Asian equity markets. The advance was interrupted on Monday after a turbulent weekend in the Middle East cast doubt on peace talks. South Korean indices hit record highs, while Apple shares fell late in US trading after John Ternus was announced as its next CEO.

Global benchmark Brent crude fell by 0.7% to $94.81 per barrel as expectations that diplomacy would prevail ahead of the two-week ceasefire deadline improved sentiment. Treasury prices and the US dollar index were largely unchanged.

The world's eyes are on Pakistan today, where the fate of one of the planet's most critical shipping corridors — the Strait of Hormuz — is being decided. Tensions between the United States and Iran have reached a peak, and the prospect of renewed talks in Islamabad has become the key factor in efforts to prevent further escalation. The first round of dialogue held there produced no tangible results, leaving a trail of uncertainty and heightened fear of renewed conflict.

As a result of these geopolitical swings, the US dollar has experienced a period of weakness, declining over the past three weeks. At the same time, several equity indices that had borne the brunt of the confrontation's impact have begun actively to recoup their losses. This market reversal suggests that participants are starting to price in scenarios that assume de-escalation. Lower oil prices — a direct consequence of reduced risks around the Strait of Hormuz — in turn bolster expectations for more durable economic growth, which is positive for equities.

Further developments around talks in Pakistan will have a direct — and possibly decisive — impact on financial markets. Success in reaching an agreement, or at least signs of a constructive dialogue, could lead to further strengthening of risk assets, a weaker dollar, and support a sustainable recovery in the global economy. Conversely, failure of diplomatic efforts would likely trigger a new wave of volatility, push energy prices higher, and rekindle concerns about global economic stability.

Elsewhere, gold fell by 0.6% to around $4,800 an ounce. Silver plunged by about 1% to roughly $78.90 an ounce, while Bitcoin eased to approximately $75,750.

As for the S&P 500 technical picture, the primary task for buyers today is to overcome the nearest resistance level of $7,125. That would help the index gain upside momentum and could pave the way for a rally to $7,138. Equally a priority for bulls will be to secure control above $7,156, which would strengthen buyers' positions. In the event of a downside move amid waning risk appetite, buyers must step up around $7,106. A break below that level would likely push the instrument back to $7,087 and could open the way to $7,066.