Germany 40 – Preparing For A Short Term Range BreakoutTariff worries, including new comments from President Trump stating that he is likely to impose fresh import charges on pharmaceuticals, have continued to dominate the thinking of Germany 40 traders this week, leading to some choppy price action for the index, which after opening on Monday at 24084, has bounced between a Tuesday high of 24293 and a Wednesday low of 23925, before settling back into the middle of that range.
Throw into the mix, the start of Q2 earnings season for European corporates and an upcoming ECB interest rate decision in a week's time and you can see how price action could become increasingly volatile moving forward into the end of July.
Earnings season has so far got off to a slow start in Europe and Germany 40 traders may have to wait until SAP, the company carrying the highest market capitalisation ($352 billion) and index weighting (14.5%), reports its results next Tuesday (after the close) for further insight into where prices may move next.
In terms of the ECB rate decision next Thursday (July 24th), market expectations may currently be indicating that another rate cut is unlikely, although it could be a close call. Traders seem to be focusing on recent commentary from policymakers which suggests the balance of power for the time being has shifted to the more hawkish committee members, who have stated that with inflation sitting on the central bank's target of 2% there is no need to cut rates further. Choosing instead to wait for more clarity on the outcome of trade negotiations with the US, which could decide whether a trade war between the world's first and third biggest economies may be something they need to navigate.
Technical Update:
Having posted a new all-time high at 24639 on July 9th the German 40 index has entered a corrective period in price. However, while much will depend on future market sentiment and price trends, traders may well be asking, if current price declines can develop into a more extended phase of weakness, or if downside is just a limited move before buyers return to extend price strength.
Time will tell, but in the meantime, technical analysis may help pinpoint potential support and resistance levels, aiding in establishing next possible trends and directional risks.
Potential Support:
Having recently posted a new all-time high at 24639, it might be argued this is still a positive price trend, especially as the Bollinger mid-average is currently rising. This for Thursday stands at 23954, so may mark the first support focus for traders over coming sessions.
If closing breaks of this 23954 level materialise, it might lead towards a further phase of price weakness towards 23013, the June 19th session low, even 22406, the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of April to July 2025 price strength.
Potential Resistance:
If the 23954 mid-average successfully holds the current price setback, it could possibly prompt further attempts to extend recent strength.
First resistance might then stand at 24282, equal to half latest weakness, with successful closing breaks possibly then opening scope back to the 24639 all-time high and maybe further, if this in turn gives way.
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