01.05.202608:11 Forex Analysis & Reviews: Stock market on May 1: S&P 500 and NASDAQ end month at record highs

Yesterday, equity indices closed with sharp gains. The S&P 500 rose by 1.02%, while the Nasdaq 100 jumped by 1.89%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average strengthened by 1.62%.

Futures on US equity indices climbed, suggesting the rally that pushed Wall Street indices to record highs, powered by strong earnings from the largest tech companies, may continue. This advance reflects growing investor optimism about the prospects for US corporates, supported by the latest financial results from leading technology giants.

Quarterly reports from companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Alphabet showed impressive revenue and earnings growth, beating analyst expectations. Apple shares rallied in after-hours trading after a strong revenue guide, despite a warning about higher memory-chip costs. These results not only bolstered confidence in the individual names but also signaled resilient consumer demand and ongoing digital transformation that is fueling the tech sector.

The positive tone in S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq futures is expected to persist into the start of European trading, signaling market readiness to add long exposure based on corporate fundamentals. A strong finish to earnings season by the largest tech players creates a favorable backdrop for the rest of the market, reducing fears of an imminent correction and supporting expectations for further upside.

Meanwhile, the yen weakened slightly, trading around 157.18 per dollar after peaking at 155.57 on Thursday. Before government intervention, the currency was edging toward 161. The Nikkei rose by 0.7%, while several Asian markets were closed for a holiday.

Clearly, April presented traders with multiple challenges: oil surged on the Middle East crisis — a conflict with no resolution in sight — yet US equities posted their best monthly performance since 2020, driven by gains in technology and AI-related stocks. In the weeks ahead, investors will test whether AI-driven momentum can offset price pressures, geopolitical risks, and the sharp rise in oil that remains in place.

As for the S&P 500 technical picture, the primary task for buyers today is to overcome the nearest resistance level of $7,233. That would help the index gain upside momentum and could pave the way for a thrust to $7,256. Equally a priority for bulls is control above $7,283, which would strengthen buyers' positions. In the event of a downside move amid reduced risk appetite, buyers must defend around $7,210. A break below that level would likely push the instrument back to $7,190 and could open the way to $7,174.