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DAX drops to test key technical support area as Wall Street is spooked by latest inflation data, further raising doubts over Fed's ability to cut rates. Earnings from Microsoft and Alphabet to come after the bell.

Meta beat earnings and revenue forecasts with EPS of $4.71 on revenue of $36.46 billion. However, the share price has slumped after weaker revenue guidance and higher spending plans. The selloff has hit sentiment and dragged other tech stocks lower. Meanwhile, the US Q1 GDP was weaker than expected, at 1.6%, annualised. However, core PCE inflation rose more than expected across the quarter. The Dow Jone analysis sees the price testing support at 38000,

Diverging interest rate expectations between the Federal Reserve and the rest of the developed world have been THE biggest story of the year for FX traders (USD/JPY in particular), and Friday’s Core PCE report will be the next major test to determine if that trend will carry over into Q2

Stocks are pointing to a modestly higher start as earnings continue to roll in. However, gains could be limited after stronger-than-expected US durable goods orders revived concerns over the Fed keeping rates high for longer. Tesla is set to open 12% higher despite missing both earnings and revenue estimates. The market was more impressed by the news of an acceleration in the production of affordable EV models. Meta will report after the close.

DAX rises with German IFO business sentiment data in focus. USD/JPY inches higher despite intervention threats and ahead of US durable goods orders.

US indices point to a stronger start as corporate earnings continue to roll in. Earnings are providing a welcomed distraction after worries over the Fed keeping rates high for longer hurt sentiment last week. US PMI data is due shortly and is expected to show business activity grew at a faster pace. Tesla is due to report after the close after the EV maker's deliveries fell in Q1 and as the share price trades down 40% this year.

The US dollar rally has stalled, and the longer is fails to extends its gains the greater the odds of a pullback. For today, flash PMIs have placed GBP/USD and EUR/USD into focus.

S&P analysis: As markets have started Q2 poorly, amid interest rate uncertainty and raised geopolitical risks, investors are relying on earnings to provide boost, starting with Netflix today. S&P 500 technical analysis suggests more losses could be on the way, with 5,000 on the bears' radars.

Chinese economic data is beating expectations at rates not seen since reopening to the world in 2023. And with the government and People’s Bank of China playing an active role in supporting mainland markets, it’s not surprising to see Chinese assets performing comparatively better than others across Asia right now.

USD/JPY upside looks limited in the near-term, hindered by narrowing interest rate differentials and perceived increased risk of Bank of Japan intervention. The stronger yen may add to growing downside momentum in the Nikkei 225, putting two of the strongest market trends in 2024 under threat.

Middle East concerns should keep the downside limited for crude oil, after prices slid 3% as demand concerns intensified on weaker Chinese industrial data and amid the prospects of higher interest rates for longer. WTI technical analysis suggests the longer-term trend remains bullish, with the first short-term support level to watch coming in around $82 area.

Earnings have helped to lift the mood so far in today's session, but risk appetite could be limited amid ongoing geopolitical risks and uncertainty over interest rates outlook. DAX technical analysis shows the German index is still residing in a bearish channel, despite the bounce.

The US dollar has dominated sentiment for markets this past week, but with signs of momentum waning there may be hope for a rebound on EUR/USD and DAX - even if only minor.

Crude oil appears toppy after a mammoth rally since February, unable to push higher despite some seriously strong tailwinds stemming from geopolitics, supply curbs and ongoing strength in the US economy.

The Nasdaq 100 is finally showing signs of breaking down from its 2-month sideways range between about 17,800 and 18,400 ahead of the Magnificent Seven stocks' earnings reports.

The S&P 500 extends losses to third week amid raised geopolitical risks and rising bond yields. Concerns over the escalation of the situation in the Middle East is at the forefront of investors’ minds. The situation remains volatile with Israel seeking revenge for Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Saturday.