Trading Plan for Thursday, May 2nd, 2024

Trading Plan for Thursday, May 2nd, 2024

Market Sentiment: Uncertain, with bulls holding a precarious position at a critical support level.

Key Supports

• Immediate Supports: 5048-50 (major - note that this trendline rises daily), 5032, 5028 (major)

• Major Supports: 5010 (major), 4968 (major), 4938-42 (major)

Key Resistances

• Near-term Resistance: 5077-82 (major), 5102 (major), 5126 (major), 5136 (major)

• Major Resistances: 5155 (major), 5197-5202 (major), 5246-50 (major)

Trading Strategy

• Critical Support Test: Vigilantly monitor the critical 5048-50 support zone for signs of breakdown or sustained defense.

• Long Opportunities: Due to heightened volatility, avoid direct bids at support. Instead, prioritize failed breakdowns with flushes and reclaims for safer long entries, potentially around 5032 or 5028. In the event of a deep flush, consider knife-catches at major supports (5010, 4968, 4938-42).

• Short Opportunities: Look for back-tests of 5126 and 5136 for shorts, but only if a strong bearish reaction to FOMC is evident. Proceed with caution.

• Risk Management: Maintain disciplined risk management and tighter stops in this volatile period.

Bull Case

• Holding Support: Defending the 5048-50 support zone is crucial. A failed breakdown with a quick reclaim above 5032-28 could trigger a move higher.

• Reclaiming Resistances: Bulls need to push back to 5077-82, with a potential retest of that resistance, then onward to the 5126-36 zone for further confirmation and potential breakout.

Bear Case

• Breakdown Signals: A convincing break below 5048-50 followed by a deeper dip through 5028 initiates the downside move. Watch for bounces/failed breakdowns for potential short entries.

News: Top Stories for May 2nd, 2024

Analysis of Stock Market Trends:

• U.S. Market Performance: Mixed responses post-Fed's rate decision, with slight Dow increase and S&P, Nasdaq declines.

• Interest Rates and Inflation Concerns: Persistent inflation shapes Fed policies, influencing market dynamics.

• Sector-Specific Trends: Tech sector drives market, but faces valuation challenges and regulatory scrutiny.

• Global Market Influences: European markets resilient; contrasting approaches to interest rates and inflation with the U.S.

Investment Strategies:

• Federal Funds Rate Stability: Fed maintains high rate amid inflation concerns, impacting market expectations.

• Inflation Trends and Policy: Slow decrease in inflation complicates rate cuts, influencing investment decisions.

• Global Impact: Fed's policies affect global markets, especially in emerging economies and those tied to U.S. standards.

Long-term Considerations:

• Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts threaten global supplies; Middle East escalation could disrupt oil production.

• Economic Slowdown: China's slowdown poses risks globally, impacting markets and economic stability.

• Inflation and Interest Rates: Central banks balance inflation control without hindering growth, posing risks.

• Technological Transformations: Rapid tech changes create opportunities and risks, transforming labor markets.

• Environmental Risks: Growing environmental concerns pose economic consequences, impacting industries.