S&P 500 Moves Sideways Ahead of CPI Release
Investing

S&P 500 Moves Sideways Ahead of CPI Release

The S&P 500 index (US SPX 500 mini on FXOpen) is trading around the 6,800 level this morning. However, market sentiment could shift sharply once the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data are released at 15:30 GMT+3.

Ongoing military tensions in the Middle East and sharp fluctuations in oil prices continue to influence investor sentiment. As previously noted, the WTI oil market remains highly volatile. In this context, today’s inflation report will be closely watched by traders as it may shape expectations regarding the Federal Reserve’s next policy steps. According to forecasts published by Forex Factory, analysts expect headline inflation to remain at 2.4%.

S&P 500 Technical Outlook

The chart indicates that the 7,000-point psychological barrier became a key turning point at the start of 2026. Despite several attempts, the index failed to establish a firm move above this level. Notably, we pointed to early bearish signals on 13 January.

Since then, selling pressure has resulted in:

→ the formation of a descending trend line labelled R;
→ a downward expansion of the trading channel that originated in late 2025, effectively doubling its range in early March.

Recent price behaviour also highlights several important technical factors:

→ the lower boundary of the widened channel has so far acted as support;
→ the channel’s median line is currently functioning as a resistance zone.

Another level worth monitoring is the 6,700 area, which has recently gained technical significance:

→ a bearish gap appeared there at the start of the week;
→ later, the index rallied sharply and filled the gap, meaning the zone may now provide support going forward.

In the short term, the upcoming inflation release could trigger a surge in volatility for the S&P 500. Depending on the market’s reaction, the index may either test the descending trend line R or revisit the highlighted support region.

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