Nasdaq Futures Today: Global Weakness Weighs as Tech Stocks Face Pressure | 15 April Market Outlook
Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 0.35% to 18,868.25 ahead of the US market open on April 15, as tech stocks face renewed pressure from higher yields and global cautious sentiment. Asian and European indices provide mixed cues.
Key Highlights:
New York, April 15 (IST):
The Nasdaq 100 futures slipped by 66.50 points (-0.35%) to 18,868.25, signaling a soft opening for US tech stocks. This dip follows a volatile global trading environment led by muted performances in Chinese markets and early European jitters.
With the S&P/ASX 200 closing flat, Nikkei 225 opening higher, and Hang Seng Index extending gains, the tech-heavy Nasdaq looks set to open on a defensive note, pressured by concerns over rate hikes and subdued earnings projections in the semiconductor space.
Global Market Pulse
- Hang Seng Index: +0.37%
- SSE Composite Index: -0.12%
- SZSE Composite Index: -0.45%
- FTSE 100: +1.43%
- DAX (Germany): +1.95%
- S&P/ASX 200: 7,748.60 (flat)
- Kospi (Korea): +0.24%
Global sentiment remains mixed, with European markets rallying while Asia shows pockets of weakness, especially in China. This divergence may lead to rotational flows favoring defensive US sectors today.
Tech Sector Faces Headwinds
Recent remarks from Federal Reserve officials have reintroduced the possibility of prolonged rate hikes, weighing on tech multiples. Meanwhile, concerns around global chip demand, particularly in consumer electronics and EV supply chains, are adding pressure to major Nasdaq components like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel.
Technical Outlook for Nasdaq 100
- Resistance: 18,980 – 19,100
- Support: 18,800 – 18,720
- Trend: Neutral to bearish
- Momentum: Slightly weak as RSI begins to flatten
If futures breach 18,800 support, it could trigger a pullback toward 18,720. However, any dip near that zone may attract buyers ahead of earnings from major financials and tech names this week.
Key Market Catalysts to Watch Today
- US Retail Sales Data
- Speeches from Fed Governors
- Performance of megacaps like Apple, Tesla, and Meta in early trade
- Bond yields: Watch if 10-year Treasury rises above 4.5%, which may further pressure tech
Analyst Take
Market analysts believe that today’s Nasdaq performance will largely depend on macro sentiment rather than fundamentals. Futures weakness could be buy-the-dip in disguise if US economic data surprises positively or bond yields ease.
“Traders should remain nimble, especially with options expiry later in the week. The Nasdaq still has strong support near 18,700, and any break below may spark short-term panic selling,” said a US-based equity strategist.
As of now, Nasdaq 100 futures point to a cautious open, shaped by weak global sentiment and tech-sector vulnerabilities. However, if macro data stabilizes and bond yields cool off, the dip could be temporary.
Stay tuned to Hindustan Herald for live intraday updates and a closing market wrap on the Nasdaq and global indices.
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