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. This has lead to some choppy price action for the index, which after opening on Monday at 24140, has bounced between a Tuesday high of 24293 and a Wednesday low of 23923, 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: Assessing Current Pirce Action
Having posted a new all-time high at 24639 on July 9th the Germany 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, whether current price declines can develop into a more extended phase of weakness, or if the downside move could be limited as buyers return once again.
Time will tell, but in the meantime, technical analysis may help pinpoint potential support and resistance levels which can aid traders in establishing the next possible trends and directional risks.
Potential Support Levels:
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. The mid-average stands at 23954, so may mark the first support focus for traders over coming sessions.
However, 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, which is the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of April to July 2025 price strength.
Potential Resistance Levels:
If the 23954 mid-average successfully holds the current price setback, it could prompt further attempts to extend recent strength.
The first resistance might then stand at 24282, which is equal to half of the latest weakness, with successful closing breaks above this level possibly opening scope back to the 24639 all-time high and maybe further, if this in turn gives way.
The material provided here has not been prepared accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients.
Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.
