Stock market on January 14: S&P 500 and NASDAQ edge lower

[Ben Graham]

Yesterday, equity indices closed lower. The S&P 500 fell by 0.19%, while the Nasdaq 100 declined by 0.10%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 0.80%.

Meanwhile, global equity markets approached record closes after US inflation data eased concerns about price pressures and investors embraced AI?driven growth. The MSCI All Country World Index continued to rise this year after the Asia index climbed 0.7% to a new record high. Japanese stocks rallied and the yen remained near its weakest level since July 2024 amid reports of a possible early election. South Korea's index, viewed as an indicator of AI development, rose for the ninth consecutive day, while Chinese equities slipped.

Bitcoin also benefited from positive sentiment, rising to a two?month high. Silver surpassed $90 per ounce for the first time, and spot gold reached a record. Tin and copper hit new highs.

Today, traders await a possible US Supreme Court decision on tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, which destabilized markets last year. Despite ongoing concerns about the Trump administration's attacks on the Federal Reserve, US equity indices are demonstrating resilience.

Even if the tariffs are ruled unlawful, they may not be rescinded immediately. Other measures are likely to be used instead. Many experts believe that even if tariffs are repealed, the world will not simply revert to its previous state. Note that the US Supreme Court postponed rulings this year until January 14, giving itself another opportunity to decide on the legality of Trump's trade policy. Use of the president's emergency powers in international economic matters to impose tariffs is considered legally questionable.

As noted above, precious metals have shown a strong start in the commodity market this year, supported by robust growth prospects for 2025, while the prospect of criminal charges against Fed Chair Jerome Powell has again raised concerns about the central bank's independence. Demand for gold as a safe?haven asset was also supported by Trump's capture of Venezuela's leader, his renewed threats to seize Greenland, and violent protests in Iran.

Oil prices stabilized after the largest four?day gain in more than six months.

As for the technical outlook for the S&P 500, the immediate task for buyers today is to overcome the nearest resistance level of $6,961. Overcoming this level would signal upside and open the path to $6,975. An equally important objective for bulls is to secure control above $6,993, which would strengthen buyers' positions. In case of a downside move amid waning risk appetite, buyers must assert themselves around $6,946. A break below this level could quickly push the instrument back to $6,930 and open the way to $6,921.

The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com