FX.co ★ Stock market on April 15: S&P 500 and NASDAQ skyrocket

Yesterday, equity indices closed with strong gains. The S&P 500 rose by 1.18%, while the Nasdaq 100 strengthened by 1.66%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.63%.

Indices continue to climb on optimism about the resumption of US–Iran talks, with several major markets recouping losses suffered since the start of the Middle East conflict. China's CSI 300 has become another indicator to restore its pre-conflict losses, joining Taiwan and Singapore. Wall Street indices have already returned to those levels, and the S&P 500 is approaching its record high set in late January. Optimism that the United States and Iran will restart negotiations is also helping keep oil prices below $100 per barrel.

Copper has rebounded, offsetting losses incurred since the Middle East war began more than six weeks ago. The MSCI All Country World Index gained 0.2% on Wednesday, extending its rally to nine consecutive sessions.

Market sentiment improved on expectations that easing tensions in the Middle East after more than a month of fighting will help contain oil prices and inflationary pressures and support economic growth. The US and Iran are said to be moving toward a second round of talks in the coming days, as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz exacerbate the global energy crisis ahead of the ceasefire agreement's expiry next week.

"Markets are turning up the risk appetite as US–Iran talk resumes," Van Eck Associates Corp. said. "The sustainability of this risk-on rally may still need testing, given the volatile nature of peace talks."

The fact that Asian markets, those hit hardest by the Iran conflict, are starting to recover their wartime losses points to growing investor confidence in a de-escalation. South Korea led the gains, its index jumping by 2.9% and ranking as the second-best performer globally this year.

Brent crude traded in a range. The price rose by 1% to $95.75 per barrel after earlier dipping to $93.93, following President Donald Trump's comment that he sees the war as nearing its end. Elsewhere, gold eased slightly to around $4,825 an ounce. Treasuries held their ground as lower oil prices eased inflationary pressure.

As for the S&P 500 technical picture, the primary task for buyers today is to overcome the nearest resistance level of $6,975. That would help the index gain upside momentum and could pave the way for a thrust to $6,993. Equally a priority for bulls will be control above $7,013, which would strengthen buyers' positions. In the event of a downside move amid reduced risk appetite, buyers must step up around $6,961. A break below that level would quickly push the instrument back to $6,946 and could open the way to $6,930.