empty
21.03.2025 10:21 AM
Federal Reserve throws lifebuoy to stock market

This image is no longer relevant

The wave structure on the 24-hour chart for #SPX is fairly clear. The first and most important point is the large-scale five-wave structure, which is so wide that it barely fits in the platform screen even at the smallest scale. In simpler terms, US stock indices have been in a long-term uptrend. But as we know, trends eventually reverse.

At this point, wave 5 of 5 appears to be complete, with the instrument making four failed attempts to break above 6,093, which corresponds to a 200.0% Fibonacci extension from wave 4. In my view, a corrective wave sequence is now unfolding. The US stock market is overheated, and more experts are warning of a "bubble."

On the 4-hour chart, we see a completed complex corrective structure a-b-c-d-e, followed by an upward a-b-c pattern. This suggests that a new downward structure is now in progress, and its first wave closely resembles an impulse.

Hence, I expect an upward wave 2 or b, after which the decline is likely to resume. My current outlook is based on the daily wave count, which implies a prolonged downward movement for the S&P 500.

The Federal Reserve calms market panic, but risks remain

As I previously warned, #SPX has started forming corrective wave b, which could lift the index as high as 5,825—50.0% Fibonacci retracement of wave a. This suggests that while the US stock market may rise in the short term, it will likely be a corrective bounce before the next leg down. Of course, wave structures can evolve in many ways—the retracement could just as easily be 38.2% or even 76.4%, but we do have a baseline scenario for now.

At this week's FOMC meeting, it became clear that only the markets are panicking about Trump's tariffs—not the Federal Reserve. The Fed didn't see any significant negative changes in the economy. The regulator expects inflation to accelerate and GDP growth to lose momentum. Hence, monetary policy will likely be eased slowly, just as previously expected.

However, let me remind you that the market has already priced in the Fed's dovish stance. What matters now is the real state of the US economy and its outlook, which remains cautiously negative. Still, the Fed managed to calm the markets somewhat, though we can't ignore the obvious— the US economy is slowing down. Probably not as fast as markets fear, but slowing nonetheless. Therefore, my wave scenario remains valid.

This image is no longer relevant

Final thoughts

Based on the current wave analysis of #SPX, I conclude that the instrument has completed its upward trend phase. In the current environment, I recommend watching 6,125 and Trump's economic policies. His actions—trade wars, tariffs, and import restrictions—pose risks to the stability of the US economy and corporate earnings, making a new downtrend increasingly likely.

The "bubble" in US stock markets appears fully inflated. The 4-hour chart allows for one more upward wave, followed by a bearish move. The 24-hour chart confirms the start of a larger downtrend. On the higher timeframe, the wave picture is even clearer: a clean five-wave structure, with another five-wave pattern inside the fifth wave—a classic indicator that we may be nearing the end. This all points to a lengthy and complex correction, which may have already begun.

Key principles of my analysis:

  • Wave structures should be simple and clear. Complex patterns are difficult to trade and often change.
  • If you are uncertain about the market trend, it's better to stay out.
  • There is no 100% certainty in price direction. Always use Stop Loss orders to protect your positions.
  • Wave analysis can be combined with other analytical methods and trading strategies for a more comprehensive approach.
Chin Zhao,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Stock Market Outlook for March 21st: S&P 500 and NASDAQ Under Pressure Again

At the close of yesterday's regular trading session, U.S. stock indices ended in the red. The S&P 500 fell by 0.22%, while the Nasdaq 100 lost 0.33%.Asian stock indices also

Jakub Novak 10:46 2025-03-21 UTC+2

US market in consolidation phase. Trump seeks Senate backing for Iran strikes

S&P 500 Overview for March 21 The US market entered a phase of consolidation on Thursday as it struggled to define its next direction. Major US indices on Thursday

Jozef Kovach 10:10 2025-03-21 UTC+2

US market rallies as Fed holds rates steady

S&P500 Overview for March 20 The US market rallied as the Fed left interest rates unchanged. Key US indices on Wednesday: Dow: +0.9%, NASDAQ: +1.4%, S&P 500: +1.1% (S&P

Jozef Kovach 11:19 2025-03-20 UTC+2

US stock market on March 20: S&P 500 and Nasdaq regain their footing

US stock indices ended the day with solid gains. The S&P 500 climbed by 1.1% and the Nasdaq 100 closed 1.41% up. At the moment, S&P 500 futures

Jakub Novak 09:30 2025-03-20 UTC+2

S&P 500 Forecast for March 20, 2025

The S&P 500 experienced a positive trading session yesterday and has started today on a strong note. However, the entire rally since March 14 still appears to be a correction

Laurie Bailey 03:37 2025-03-20 UTC+2

US market overview: pullback after growth. Focus on Fed. No rate change expected

S&P 500 Market overview on March 19 US Market: Pullback. Consolidation. Focus on Fed. Major US indices on Tuesday: Dow -0.6%, NASDAQ -1.7%, S&P 500 -1.1%, S&P 500 5,614, range

Jozef Kovach 10:57 2025-03-19 UTC+2

Stock market overview on March 18: S&P 500 and Nasdaq rise for second day

US stock indices closed with solid gains yesterday. The S&P 500 rose by 0.64%, while the Nasdaq 100 added 0.31%. Asian stocks are also up for the third day, driven

Jakub Novak 12:11 2025-03-18 UTC+2

US stock market: two days of gains from support levels

S&P500 US stock market: two days of gains from support levels Snapshot of major US indices on Monday: Dow Jones: +0.9% NASDAQ: +0.3% S&P 500: +0.6% (closed at 5,675; range

Jozef Kovach 11:18 2025-03-18 UTC+2

Stock market analysis on March 17: S&P 500 and Nasdaq remain under pressure

Futures on US stock indices declined after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the recent market drop "favorable," reinforcing expectations that the Trump administration is unlikely to intervene to stop

Jakub Novak 13:49 2025-03-17 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback