News

Australian services activity returns to growth but confidence hits 2.5-year low

Posted on: Jul 03 2026

The headline return to expansion is unlikely to shift RBA rate expectations much given it was driven by staffing rather than demand, with new orders now contracting for a fourth straight month and backlogs being run down rather than rebuilt. The sharpest signal for markets is the confidence collapse to a two-and-a-half-year low, which points to businesses pulling back on hiring and investment plans over coming months unless order books turn around. Softer input and output price inflation across all five sectors will be read as modestly disinflationary at the margin, though the fragility underlying June's bounce suggests the data carries limited durability into the second half of the year.

--- Australia services PMI rose to 50.5 in June from 48.7, returning to growth on higher staffing, but new orders fell for a fourth month and year-ahead confidence dropped to its lowest since November 2023, S&P Global said.

Summary:

  • The seasonally adjusted S&P Global Australia Services PMI Business Activity Index rose to 50.5 in June from 48.7 in May, signalling a marginal return to growth after May's contraction
  • Growth was centred on consumer services firms, driven by renewed staffing gains rather than stronger demand, with employment rising for the seventeenth time in the past 18 months
  • New orders fell for a fourth consecutive month, with panellists citing a lack of confidence among customers, while new export orders fell for a second straight month, linked to the war in the Middle East
  • Backlogs of work were reduced solidly, the largest drawdown in almost two years, as firms used spare staffing capacity to clear outstanding business rather than expand it
  • Input cost inflation eased for a second month running, though it remained sharp, with higher fuel prices and wage costs widely cited; output price inflation was the weakest since January
  • Confidence in the 12-month outlook fell for a second straight month to its lowest since November 2023, weighed down by concerns over the economic environment and Federal Budget tax changes, with finance and insurance the least optimistic sector
  • The Composite Output Index, which blends services and manufacturing, rose to 50.4 from 48.7, with manufacturing production still contracting but at a softer pace

Australian services activity returned to growth in June, though the details of the survey pointed to a fragile expansion built on staffing gains rather than genuine demand recovery. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global Australia Services PMI Business Activity Index rose to 50.5 from 48.7 in May, a marginal increase following the prior month's contraction, with output now having risen in two of the past three months. Andrew Harker, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said the renewed rise in activity looked positive on the surface but the details warranted caution, since the improvement was driven more by higher staffing levels than by any response to new business.

Employment rose for the seventeenth time in the past 18 months, with some firms hiring in anticipation of new projects, and companies used the extra capacity to work through a backlog that shrank by the largest margin in almost two years. New orders fell for a fourth consecutive month, however, with businesses reporting a lack of confidence among customers, while new export orders declined for a second straight month, a trend attributed to the war in the Middle East weighing on demand from abroad.

Cost pressures showed some easing. Input costs continued to rise sharply, though the pace of inflation softened for a second consecutive month, with fuel prices and wages the most commonly cited drivers. Competitive pressures limited how much of that cost increase firms could pass through, and output price inflation slowed to its weakest pace since January, easing across all five broad sectors covered by the survey.

Business confidence in the year-ahead outlook fell for a second straight month to its lowest level since November 2023, with worries about the broader economic environment and tax changes announced in the Federal Budget cited as key drags. The finance and insurance sector recorded by far the weakest optimism of the five monitored sectors, while sentiment held up best in information and communication. The Composite Output Index, which weights services against manufacturing, rose to 50.4 from 48.7, with manufacturing output still contracting, albeit at a softer pace than in May.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com.
US Tech forecast: the index continues its correction

Posted on: Jun 27 2026

The US Tech index continues to correct, but the trend remains upward. The US Tech forecast for next week is positive.

US Tech forecast: key takeaways

  • Recent data: US GDP grew by 2.1% in Q1 2026
  • Market impact: the current data have a negative implication for the technology sector

US Tech fundamental analysis

According to the release, US GDP for Q1 2026 was revised upwards to 2.1% annualised, compared with expectations of 1.6% and the previous reading of 0.5%. At first glance, this represents a positive signal for the stock market: the US economy is growing faster than expected, the risk of a sharp slowdown is decreasing, and corporate earnings are receiving a more stable macroeconomic foundation. However, the market reaction may not be unequivocally positive, as strong GDP simultaneously reduces the likelihood of rapid Fed policy easing. For equities, especially the technology sector, this creates an important balance between expectations of higher earnings and the risk of persistently elevated interest rates.

United States GDP Growth Rate: https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/gdp-growth

For the US Tech index, the news may be moderately positive overall, although with clear limitations. The stronger-than-expected GDP reading confirms that the US economy remains resilient, meaning demand for cloud services, software, semiconductors, data centre equipment, and artificial intelligence-related solutions may remain high. This is especially important for the largest technology companies, whose valuations depend heavily on expectations of future revenue growth.

US Tech technical analysis

For the broader US equity market, the publication is more likely to reduce recession concerns. Higher GDP means the corporate sector is operating in stronger demand conditions than previously assumed. This may support the broader index market, especially if investors conclude that the economy is moving towards a soft landing rather than a sharp cooling.

US Tech technical analysis for 26 June 2026

The US Tech index continues to correct, but a sideways trend may form. The resistance level formed around 30,690.0 points. The nearest support stands at 28,415.0. The current uptrend may transform into a sideways movement. If growth continues to develop, the next target may be the 31,895.0-point area.

For the US Tech index price forecast, the following scenarios can be highlighted:

  • Pessimistic US Tech forecast: if quotes break below the support level at 28,415.0, they may fall to 27,525.0
  • Optimistic US Tech forecast: if quotes break above the resistance level at 30,690.0, they may rise to 31,895.0

Summary

Overall, the publication looks rather positive for US Tech and the US equity market, but it does not represent an unconditional signal for strong growth. The main positive factor is that the US economy proved stronger than expected. The main risk is that strong GDP may delay expectations of rate cuts, while weak consumer spending shows that domestic demand is not as strong as the headline figure suggests. Therefore, the baseline scenario is moderate support for equities, especially technology and investment-oriented companies, but with increased market sensitivity to further inflation and employment data, as well as Fed comments. The nearest upside target may be 31,895.0.

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Editors’ picks

EURUSD forecast 2026–2027: technical analysis, price levels & predictions

The ECB holds rates at 2.15% while the Fed stays at 3.75% — and that divergence is the central driver of EURUSD in 2026. The pair is range-bound between 1.1400 and 1.1915, with Deutsche Bank targeting 1.2500 and Morgan Stanley calling for 1.3000 by year-end. We analyse the technicals, break down the macro factors, and outline three trading scenarios with specific entry levels.

Gold (XAUUSD) forecast 2026: predictions based on fundamental and technical analysis

Where is gold headed after pulling back from the all-time high of 5,597 USD? XAUUSD is consolidating near 4,518 USD between key levels 4,220 USD and 4,855 USD, with major banks targeting 5,243–6,200 USD by year-end. Read our comprehensive gold forecast: technical analysis across three timeframes, trading scenarios with specific entry levels, Fed policy and central bank demand outlook, and institutional predictions for 2026 and beyond.

US 30 forecast: the index has completed its correction

Posted on: Jun 25 2026

The US 30 index is trading in an uptrend and has completed its correction, suggesting a new all-time high. Today’s US 30 forecast is positive.

US 30 forecast: key takeaways

  • Recent data: the US Federal Reserve kept its interest rate at 3.75%
  • Market impact: the data has a negative effect on the equity market

US 30 fundamental analysis

For the US 30 index, this release appears rather neutral to moderately negative in the short term. The very fact that the rate was left at 3.50–3.75% is not in itself a shock for the market if investors had already priced in such a decision. However, the more important signal is not the current decision, but the change in the Federal Reserve’s rhetoric. If nine out of 18 officials allow for at least one rate hike this year, this means that the regulator is not yet ready to move to a softer monetary policy.

For the US 30 index, which includes major industrial, financial, consumer, and technology companies, this creates pressure through a higher cost of capital and more cautious expectations for corporate earnings. Investors who had previously expected the Federal Reserve to move more quickly towards rate cuts may begin to reduce their risk appetite. This is especially important since the Fed has officially abandoned the practice of forward guidance, meaning previously signalled indications regarding future decisions. For the market, this means more uncertainty.

US Fed funds interest rate: https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/interest-rate

US 30 technical analysis

The US 30 index entered an uptrend and completed its correction. The nearest support level formed at 49,890.0, with the resistance level at 52,300.0. The price now continues to rise. If the current trend persists, the nearest upside target could be 53,240.0.

The US 30 price forecast considers the following scenarios:

  • Pessimistic US 30 scenario: a breakout below the 49,890.0 support level could send the index down to 49,270.0
  • Optimistic US 30 scenario: a breakout above the 52,300.0 resistance level could drive the index up to 53,240.0
US 30 technical analysis for 24 June 2026

Summary

Overall, for the US stock market, this news means that the Federal Reserve is maintaining a cautious and fairly hawkish stance. This does not necessarily create conditions for a deep market decline, as the US economy is still showing signs of resilience. However, the news limits the room for rapid index growth, especially if investors had previously expected a softer policy. Companies with strong cash flows, stable earnings, and low debt burdens may look more resilient, while overvalued stocks and sectors sensitive to borrowing costs may come under pressure. The nearest upside target could be 52,775.0.

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Editors’ picks

EURUSD forecast 2026–2027: technical analysis, price levels & predictions

The ECB holds rates at 2.15% while the Fed stays at 3.75% — and that divergence is the central driver of EURUSD in 2026. The pair is range-bound between 1.1400 and 1.1915, with Deutsche Bank targeting 1.2500 and Morgan Stanley calling for 1.3000 by year-end. We analyse the technicals, break down the macro factors, and outline three trading scenarios with specific entry levels.

Gold (XAUUSD) forecast 2026: predictions based on fundamental and technical analysis

Where is gold headed after pulling back from the all-time high of 5,597 USD? XAUUSD is consolidating near 4,518 USD between key levels 4,220 USD and 4,855 USD, with major banks targeting 5,243–6,200 USD by year-end. Read our comprehensive gold forecast: technical analysis across three timeframes, trading scenarios with specific entry levels, Fed policy and central bank demand outlook, and institutional predictions for 2026 and beyond.

US 500 forecast: the index is completing its correction

Posted on: Jun 24 2026

The US 500 index is completing its correction and is set to resume growth. The US 500 forecast for today is positive.

US 500 forecast: key takeaways

  • Recent data: the US Federal Reserve’s policy rate was kept at 3.75%
  • Market impact: this data has a moderately negative impact on the stock market

US 500 fundamental analysis

The published data has a rather moderately negative or restraining effect, although the rate was left unchanged. The market typically takes the pause calmly, but in this case, the change in expectations for further Federal Reserve policy matters more than the decision itself. The Committee held the interest rate range steady at 3.50-3.75%, while also confirming that inflation remains above the 2% target and that economic activity continues to expand at a steady pace.

For the US 500, this means that the index’s upside potential may be temporarily limited. High interest rates make bonds and cash instruments more attractive than stocks and also increase companies’ borrowing costs. In such conditions, investors typically become more demanding about earnings quality, debt burden, and revenue forecasts. Companies whose market value largely depends on expectations for future growth become especially sensitive.

US Fed funds interest rate: https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/interest-rate

US 500 technical analysis

The US 500 index completed its correction and resumed growth. The resistance level formed at 7,595.0, with the key support level located at 7,255.0. If the trend continues, the nearest upside target could be 7,720.0.

The US 500 price forecast outlines the following scenarios:

  • Pessimistic US 500 forecast: a breakout below the 7,255.0 support level could push the index down to 7,115.0
  • Optimistic US 500 forecast: a breakout above the 7,595.0 resistance level could propel the index up to 7,720.0
US 500 technical analysis for 23 June 2026

Summary

Overall, the news does not look critically negative for the US 500, but it reduces the likelihood of a rapid continuation of strong growth. The market received a signal that the Federal Reserve is unwilling to shift to a softer policy while inflation remains above target. Therefore, the index can maintain its upside potential only if corporate earnings remain strong, consumer demand stays resilient, and inflation expectations do not rise further. In the near term, a cautious market is more likely, with investors favouring quality companies. From a technical perspective, the US 500 index could rise to 7,720.0.

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Editors’ picks

EURUSD forecast 2026–2027: technical analysis, price levels & predictions

The ECB holds rates at 2.15% while the Fed stays at 3.75% — and that divergence is the central driver of EURUSD in 2026. The pair is range-bound between 1.1400 and 1.1915, with Deutsche Bank targeting 1.2500 and Morgan Stanley calling for 1.3000 by year-end. We analyse the technicals, break down the macro factors, and outline three trading scenarios with specific entry levels.

Gold (XAUUSD) forecast 2026: predictions based on fundamental and technical analysis

Where is gold headed after pulling back from the all-time high of 5,597 USD? XAUUSD is consolidating near 4,518 USD between key levels 4,220 USD and 4,855 USD, with major banks targeting 5,243–6,200 USD by year-end. Read our comprehensive gold forecast: technical analysis across three timeframes, trading scenarios with specific entry levels, Fed policy and central bank demand outlook, and institutional predictions for 2026 and beyond.

DE 40 forecast: the index is trading sideways

Posted on: Jun 23 2026

The DE 40 stock index remains in a global uptrend, but is trading locally within a channel. The DE 40 forecast for today is negative.

DE 40 forecast: key takeaways

  • Recent data: Germany’s PPI rose by 0.3% in May
  • Market impact: the data creates a positive backdrop for the German stock market

DE 40 fundamental analysis

Germany’s actual PPI reading came in softer than expected: monthly growth was 0.3%, below the forecast of 0.7% and the previous reading of 1.2%. For the DE 40 index, this is a moderately positive signal, as the market receives confirmation that producer inflation has started to slow after a sharp increase. Weaker-than-expected producer price growth reduces pressure on German companies’ margins and partially lowers the risk of tighter monetary policy in the eurozone.

For the DE 40, the publication could support demand for shares of companies that are highly sensitive to interest rates and production costs. If investors conclude that inflationary pressures have peaked, this may improve share valuations, especially in industry, technology, real estate, and certain consumer segments. As an index of the 40 largest and most liquid German companies, the DE 40 primarily reflects the country’s large corporate sector, so the reaction will depend not only on the PPI itself but also on expectations for the ECB.

Germany’s producer price inflation, m/m: https://tradingeconomics.com/germany/producer-price-inflation-mom

DE 40 technical analysis

The DE 40 index has formed the nearest resistance level at 25,455.0, while a key support level is currently located at 23,810.0. The index continues to trade sideways, while a broader uptrend remains intact. If buying activity recovers, quotes may move into a new growth phase, with the nearest upside target at 25,940.0.

The DE 40 price forecast outlines the following scenarios:

  • Pessimistic DE 40 scenario: a breakout below the 23,810.0 support level could push the index down to 23,380.0
  • Optimistic DE 40 scenario: a breakout above the 25,455.0 resistance level could drive the index up to 25,940.0
DE 40 technical analysis for 22 June 2026

Summary

Overall, this release appears moderately positive for the DE 40 index, but not strong enough to sustain the index’s independent growth. It reduces concerns about accelerating producer inflation, but does not change the fact that annual price pressure in Germany remains noticeable. The most favourable reaction is likely in technology companies, real estate, industry, and consumer stocks, while chemicals, automotive, energy, and banking could see a more subdued or mixed reaction. The nearest upside target remains 25,940.0.

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Editors’ picks

EURUSD forecast 2026–2027: technical analysis, price levels & predictions

The ECB holds rates at 2.15% while the Fed stays at 3.75% — and that divergence is the central driver of EURUSD in 2026. The pair is range-bound between 1.1400 and 1.1915, with Deutsche Bank targeting 1.2500 and Morgan Stanley calling for 1.3000 by year-end. We analyse the technicals, break down the macro factors, and outline three trading scenarios with specific entry levels.

Gold (XAUUSD) forecast 2026: predictions based on fundamental and technical analysis

Where is gold headed after pulling back from the all-time high of 5,597 USD? XAUUSD is consolidating near 4,518 USD between key levels 4,220 USD and 4,855 USD, with major banks targeting 5,243–6,200 USD by year-end. Read our comprehensive gold forecast: technical analysis across three timeframes, trading scenarios with specific entry levels, Fed policy and central bank demand outlook, and institutional predictions for 2026 and beyond.

JP 225 forecast: the index continued to update all-time highs

Posted on: Jun 19 2026

The JP 225 stock index updated its all-time high after a correction. The JP 225 forecast for today is positive.

JP 225 forecast: key takeaways

  • Recent data: Japan’s policy rate stood at 1.00%
  • Market impact: the effect on the Japanese equity market is mixed

JP 225 fundamental analysis

The Bank of Japan’s decision to raise the rate from 0.75% to 1.00% can generally be assessed as a moderately negative, but not shock-driven, factor for the JP 225 index. The increase itself matched the market forecast, so a sharp repricing of Japanese equities may not occur solely because of the decision. However, the level of the rate itself matters: this is the highest level since the mid-1990s, confirming Japan’s transition towards tighter monetary policy after a prolonged period of extremely low rates. The Bank of Japan explains the decision by the need to control inflation risks, while also indicating that financial conditions remain sufficiently favourable for the economy.

For the JP 225 index, the impact will be mixed. On the one hand, the rate increase raises borrowing costs for companies, reduces the appeal of equities with high valuations, and may intensify pressure on domestic demand. This is especially important for companies that depend on lending, capital expenditure, and consumer activity.

Japan Interest Rate: https://tradingeconomics.com/japan/interest-rate

JP 225 technical analysis

The JP 225 index updated its all-time high and formed a new uptrend, with new support forming at 68,945.0. Resistance at 69,855.0 was broken. The current trend may become long-term. The 72,630.0 level is considered the next potential upside target.

For the JP 225 index price forecast, the following scenarios can be highlighted:

  • Pessimistic JP 225 forecast: if quotes break below the support level at 68,945, they may fall to 65,860.0
  • Optimistic JP 225 forecast: if quotes consolidate above the broken resistance level at 69,855.0, they may rise to 72,630.0
JP 225 technical analysis for 18 June 2026

Summary

Overall, the publication increases the likelihood of investors adopting a more cautious approach towards the Japanese equity market. In the near term, the key factors will be the dynamics of the yen, Japanese government bond yields, Bank of Japan comments on further rate increases, and the corporate sector’s response to the rising cost of capital. If the regulator signals a gradual approach, the JP 225 index may maintain resilience. If the market starts pricing in a faster rate-hike cycle, pressure on equities, especially exporters and growth companies, may intensify. The next downside target for the JP 225 is the 60,950.0 level.

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Editors’ picks

EURUSD forecast 2026–2027: technical analysis, price levels & predictions

The ECB holds rates at 2.15% while the Fed stays at 3.75% — and that divergence is the central driver of EURUSD in 2026. The pair is range-bound between 1.1400 and 1.1915, with Deutsche Bank targeting 1.2500 and Morgan Stanley calling for 1.3000 by year-end. We analyse the technicals, break down the macro factors, and outline three trading scenarios with specific entry levels.

Gold (XAUUSD) forecast 2026: predictions based on fundamental and technical analysis

Where is gold headed after pulling back from the all-time high of 5,597 USD? XAUUSD is consolidating near 4,518 USD between key levels 4,220 USD and 4,855 USD, with major banks targeting 5,243–6,200 USD by year-end. Read our comprehensive gold forecast: technical analysis across three timeframes, trading scenarios with specific entry levels, Fed policy and central bank demand outlook, and institutional predictions for 2026 and beyond.