FX.co ★ US premarket on July 20: First warning signs for investors

On Thursday, futures on US stock indices slumped as disappointing tech company earnings cast doubt on further growth in the tech sector in the second half of the year.

Nasdaq 100 futures dropped by 0.7% following the sell-off of Netflix Inc. stocks, prompted by no sales estimates and revenue forecast for the third quarter, which did not meet economists' expectations. The company stated that it is still too early to assess the impact of its strict password-sharing measures and advertising-based app revenues. Tesla Inc. shares also fell after second-quarter profits decreased, indicating a reduction in the electric vehicle manufacturer's margin.

After such news, traders clearly booked profits following the rapid rally that led Nasdaq's high-tech index to grow by 45% this year, outpacing S&P 500's 19% growth.

Experts note that the expected returns of several leading tech companies are exaggerated and may be a harbinger of a decline. The reasonable return of the S&P500 index becomes more proportional to NASDAQ due to several mega-cap tech company stocks that surged amid AI optimism and are now facing problems, which is a classic sign of a concluding bullish phase. Considering the expected recession in the US this year, regardless of what politicians say, the drop in stock indices from their peaks can be swift.

In Europe, shares of European tech companies, including ASML Holding NV, fell after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. lowered its profit forecast.

US Treasury bonds also fell, pausing the rally caused by rumors that a decrease in inflation would allow the Federal Reserve to halt the rate-tightening cycle.

The yuan rose by 0.7% against the US dollar, becoming the most profitable currency in Asia after the People's Bank of China intervened in its exchange rate. China's efforts to boost economic growth, from rate reductions to easing regulations on tech companies, have done little to support the growth of the world's second-largest economy.

In the oil market, after a significant drop yesterday, there is now a slight demand. Gold continues to gain, heading to $2,000.

As for the S&P 500 index, demand for the trading instrument remains. Bulls have a chance to continue the uptrend, but they need to settle above $4,582. From this level, there could be a surge to $4,609. An equally important task for bulls would be to control $4,637, which would strengthen the bull market. In case of a downward movement due to decreased risk appetite, bulls should protect $4,557. A breakthrough will quickly push the trading instrument back to $4,539 and $4,515.