15.04.202511:34 Forex Analysis & Reviews: US stock market on April 15: S&P 500 and NASDAQ slow their gains

At the close of the previous regular session, US stock indices ended in positive territory. The S&P 500 rose by 0.79%, while the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.64%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.78%.

Asian indices advanced after US President Donald Trump announced a possible suspension of tariffs on automobiles, bringing additional relief to the market following the halt of tariffs on certain types of consumer electronics at the end of last week. This move, made amid tense trade negotiations with key partners, signals a potential softening in the administration's stance on trade policy.

This decision is likely tied to growing concerns about the negative impact of trade wars on the US economy. In particular, the automotive sector, a key pillar of the American economy, is under increasing pressure due to rising prices for imported components and declining domestic demand. Implementing car tariffs could have further exacerbated the situation, leading to job cuts and reduced competitiveness of US automakers. Even a temporary suspension of tariffs offers hope for a de-escalation of trade tensions and the creation of a more favorable business environment.

Indices in Japan rose by more than 1%, and companies such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. posted significant gains. BMW AG, Mercedes AG, and Porsche AG led among European automakers, with their shares rising in premarket trading. Treasury bonds continued to recover after last week's sell-off, while the US dollar declined for the sixth consecutive day, manifesting the longest losing streak in over a year.

Meanwhile, the United States is advancing plans to impose tariffs on imports of semiconductors and pharmaceutical products, initiating trade investigations led by the Department of Commerce. These measures threaten to broaden the scope of the president's sweeping trade war.

In commodities markets, oil prices rose after a sluggish Monday session on prospects of easing restrictions on Iranian crude. Gold also climbed, stopping just below a record high due to elevated demand for safe-haven assets.

As for the technical picture of the S&P 500, the index has recovered. The main task for buyers today is to overcome the nearest resistance at $5,443. This would support continued growth and open the way for a move toward the new level of $5,483. An equally important priority for the bulls is to gain control over $5,520, which would strengthen buyers' positions. In case of a decline amid reduced risk appetite, buyers may show activity near the $5,399 area. A breakout below this level would quickly push the instrument back to $5,356 and open the path toward $5,318.