📊 Market Conditions
Where are key markets right now?
Weekly signals across major global indices, commodities and crypto.
Updated every Sunday — trend direction, price action, and plain-English analysis
for each market.
Last updated:
Wednesday 15 April 2026
🟡 Mixed
7↑ 2↓ 3→
**Mixed sentiment favours growth, but watch the contradictions.** US tech is leading the charge (NASDAQ +3.2%, S&P +2.2%), with gold and the weaker dollar suggesting investors still hedge tail risks—a classic "risk-on with a safety net" move. For Australian investors, this is decent: our ASX is tracking positively, the Aussie dollar weakness helps exporters, but crypto's weakness and oil's sharp drop signal some underlying nervousness about economic momentum ahead.
6,967.4
USD
+2.2% 1W
4 Week
+7.1%
52 Week
+31.9%
20W MA
6,812.7
50W MA
6,555.7
The S&P 500 is in a strong uptrend, up 2.2% this week and 31.9% over a year. It's trading well above key moving averages with solid momentum. Tech gains are driving the rally. For investors, this is a healthy market—but valuations are stretched, so consider taking profits on winners and maintaining discipline on entries.
Above 20W & 50W MA, positive momentum
23,639
USD
+3.2% 1W
4 Week
+9.2%
52 Week
+45.1%
20W MA
22,885
50W MA
21,926
The Nasdaq is on fire, up 3.2% weekly and 45% annually. It's decisively above moving averages with no signs of weakness. AI and mega-cap tech enthusiasm is fuelling gains. Strong momentum attracts buyers, but the size of this rally means correction risk exists. Lock in gains on speculative positions.
Above 20W & 50W MA, positive momentum
24,044
EUR
+1.0% 1W
4 Week
+7.4%
52 Week
+13.4%
20W MA
24,215
50W MA
24,017
The DAX is stuck in neutral, squeezed between its 20-week and 50-week moving averages despite a solid 7.4% four-week gain. Europe's benchmark lacks conviction. This is a chop zone—sideways trading without a clear direction. Wait for a breakout above 24,215 before committing fresh capital.
Mixed signals — between key moving averages
10,609
GBP
+0.1% 1W
4 Week
+7.0%
52 Week
+28.2%
20W MA
10,213
50W MA
9,584.1
The FTSE 100 is quietly strong, up 7% in four weeks and 28% annually. It's above key moving averages with momentum intact. Though weekly gains are modest, the uptrend is intact. UK financials and dividend stocks are working. A steady performer for risk-conscious Aussie investors seeking diversification.
Above 20W & 50W MA, positive momentum
8,978.7
AUD
+0.2% 1W
4 Week
+6.5%
52 Week
+14.8%
20W MA
8,781.6
50W MA
8,732.3
The ASX 200 is grinding higher, up 6.5% over four weeks and 14.8% this year. It's above both moving averages with steady momentum. However, the weekly gain of just 0.2% shows the market is losing steam after the recent rally. Watch 8,780–8,900 as a consolidation zone.
Above 20W & 50W MA, positive momentum
25,971
HKD
+0.3% 1W
4 Week
+2.7%
52 Week
+21.4%
20W MA
26,086
50W MA
25,455
The Hang Seng is treading water between its moving averages with just 2.7% gain over four weeks. China's economic slowdown and geopolitical tension are weighing on sentiment. Weekly momentum is near-flat. This index lacks conviction—avoid bottom-fishing until there's a clearer upside breakout.
Mixed signals — between key moving averages
58,155
JPY
+2.2% 1W
4 Week
+9.0%
52 Week
+67.5%
20W MA
53,812
50W MA
47,472
The Nikkei 225 is a standout performer, up 67.5% annually and 9% in four weeks. It's firmly above moving averages with strong momentum. Japanese strength reflects weakening yen and export optimism. However, the rally has been steep—new positions should be built gradually to avoid catching falling knives.
Above 20W & 50W MA, positive momentum
4,838.3
USD
+1.6% 1W
4 Week
+5.9%
52 Week
+46.2%
20W MA
4,713.1
50W MA
4,048.3
Gold is rallying hard, up 46% over a year and 5.9% in four weeks. It's above all key moving averages with bullish momentum. Central bank buying and inflation hedging are supporting prices. For Aussie investors, gold provides downside protection—but at these levels, consider averaging buys rather than chasing.
Above 20W & 50W MA, positive momentum
90.67
USD
-6.1% 1W
4 Week
-7.8%
52 Week
+40.2%
20W MA
73.96
50W MA
67.63
Oil is down 6.1% this week despite a bullish technicals signal. It's above moving averages but momentum is breaking. Demand concerns from China and rising US production are weighing on prices. The recent weakness suggests caution—a clearer support test around $87 is needed before fresh longs look attractive.
Above 20W & 50W MA
73,986
USD
+4.6% 1W
4 Week
+9.1%
52 Week
-13.1%
20W MA
77,660
50W MA
96,790
Bitcoin has fallen below both moving averages despite a 4.6% weekly pop and down 13% over 12 months. It's trapped below its 20-week MA at 77,660. Momentum is mixed. This looks like a recovery bounce in a downtrend. Patient traders should wait for clearer support around $70,000 before buying.
Below 20W & 50W MA
98.14
USD
-0.5% 1W
4 Week
-1.5%
52 Week
-1.1%
20W MA
98.57
50W MA
98.59
The US Dollar is weakening, down 0.5% weekly and below both key moving averages. A softer greenback usually supports commodities and emerging markets. Expect continued pressure if the Fed signals patience on rates. For Aussie investors, a weaker US dollar means stronger commodity prices—a slight tailwind.
Below 20W & 50W MA, negative momentum
18.36
USD
-4.5% 1W
4 Week
-31.4%
52 Week
-38.1%
20W MA
19.70
50W MA
18.50
Volatility has collapsed 31.4% in four weeks and sits at a calm 18.36, well below its 20-week average. This reflects risk-on sentiment and market complacency. Lower volatility is positive for equity investors, but historically it breeds overconfidence. Don't let calm markets tempt aggressive leverage.
Normal volatility range