S&P 500 Breaks Channel As It Opens Sharply Lower; 3645 Could Be Next

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Written By: Eno Eteng (MSTA)
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    Summary:
  • The S&P 500 index is trading lower after an announcement by Johnson & Johnson of disappointing efficacy of its coronavirus vaccine candidate.

The S&P 500 index has opened sharply lower this Friday, after a disappointing report on its coronavirus vaccine candidate by Johnson & Johnson. 

According to a report released this afternoon and reported by Reuters, Johnson & Johnson said that its COVID-19 vaccine candidate showed an efficacy of 66% in a global trial. A section of the US trial showed an efficacy rate of 72%. 

These data are considered disappointing when compared with other vaccine candidates, as well as the commercially available vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. 

All major sectors of the S&P 500 index opened lower as the disappointment of the data permeated throughout the market. 

Technical Levels to Watch

The breakdown of the channel is the key point of the daily chart of the S&P 500 index. The channel’s lower edge was violated by the candle of Wednesday. Yesterday’s pullback and rejection at this border, followed by today’s downside move has set the stage for a further drop on the S&P 500. This drop initially targets 3721.2, with a good chance of a further decline towards 3645.4. 3588.6 and 3528.9 are additional targets to the south. 

On the other hand, a bounce off 3721.2 allows for a retest of 3765.1, with a break of this area allowing bulls to attempt a run towards the all-time highs at 3870.9. The continuation of the uptrend will result from a break above 3870.9.

S&P 500 Index; Daily Chart

Written By: Eno Eteng (MSTA)

Eno is a certified financial technician and member of the UK Society of Technical Analysts. He loves to trade and write about stocks, Forex, and CFDs. Since 2009, he has consulted several financial companies as a trader and strategy developer. His work can be seen on several forex blogs and trading educational websites.

Published by
Written By: Eno Eteng (MSTA)