Are stocks just pausing before the coming economic data?

Stocks extend their short-term consolidation – is this a topping pattern?

The S&P 500 index lost 0.38% on Wednesday as it continued to fluctuate below the 4,300 level following its last week’s rally. On Monday the market reached new medium-term high of 4,299.28 and it was the highest since August of 2022. Yesterday it went to the daily high of 4,299.19 before closing slightly below the 4,270 level. There is still a lot of uncertainty concerning monetary policy, the coming economic data releases, some technology stocks’ valuation, but overall, the investors’ sentiment remains bullish.

Stocks are expected to open 0.1% higher today. So the S&P 500 index will further extend its consolidation. Recently it broke above a two-month-long trading range as we can see on the daily chart:

Futures contract continues sideways

Let’s take a look at the hourly chart of the S&P 500 futures contract. This morning it’s trading along the 4,270 level. The resistance level is at 4,300 and the support level remains at 4,250, among others.

Conclusion

The S&P 500 will extend its short-term consolidation this morning. Investors are now waiting for the next week’s crucial economic data releases, including Tuesday’s CPI and Wednesday’s FOMC, among others. For now it looks like a relatively flat correction within an uptrend. There have been no confirmed negative signals so far.

Here’s the breakdown

• The S&P 500 will likely extend its consolidation this morning; the market is waiting for the next week’s economic data.

• There have been no confirmed negative signals so far.

• In my opinion, the short-term outlook is still bullish.

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