^NDX Today, February 24: Tariff Shock Drives Test of 200-Day Support
Nasdaq index today is under pressure as tariff headlines spark risk-off selling across tech. The Nasdaq 100 sits between its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, a zone where trend decisions often form. A first bounce is possible on the initial touch of long-term support, but a clean break could fuel faster downside. We outline the key levels, indicators, and practical steps for Australian investors, including FX and timing considerations, to manage portfolio risk and opportunity.
Tariff Shock and Futures Point to a Soft Open
Tariff-driven selloff headlines have turned sentiment negative, with Nasdaq index today tracking lower alongside mega-cap tech. Broad US weakness was already visible in recent sessions, as indexes slid on heavy selling in leaders and Dow components source. Futures imply more volatility into the US cash open. Traders will watch whether dip buyers appear at long-term support or step back if momentum worsens.
For Australian portfolios, US tech is a key driver of global growth exposure. Nasdaq index today sets the tone for ASX tech and offshore allocations held via AUD. Tariffs can lift input costs and dampen margins, hitting high-multiple names first. AUD moves can cushion or amplify returns, so hedged versus unhedged choices matter. Overnight price gaps require clear risk limits and pre-set entry plans.
Key Levels to Watch: 50-Day vs 200-Day
Nasdaq index today trades near 24,708.94, down about 1.21% on the session. The 50-day average is 25,358.95 and caps near-term rallies. The 200-day average is 23,984.42 and acts as primary support. Volatility is elevated, with ATR near 399.99 points. Lower Bollinger at 24,277.68 and lower Keltner at 24,271.78 cluster above the 200-day, creating a support band that often invites first-touch buying.
If buyers defend Nasdaq 100 support at the 24,300 to 24,000 zone, a rebound toward the 50-day is possible. A daily close below the 200-day moving average would warn of a trend change and likely draw momentum selling. Our baseline model still points to 25,614 next quarter and 25,794 in 12 months, but the path can be choppy. Keep stops tight beneath the 200-day on tactical longs.
Momentum, Breadth, and Volatility Signals
Momentum tilts bearish but not extreme. RSI sits at 42.23, below the midline. MACD and its histogram are negative, while Stochastic at 31.30 and Williams %R at -77.36 show short-term downside pressure. ADX at 21.40 indicates a developing trend, not a strong one. For Nasdaq index today, that mix favors rallies getting sold near resistance until momentum turns up.
On-Balance Volume is 7,588,163,143 and Money Flow Index is 34.54, both consistent with distribution rather than accumulation. The setup says sellers have control, yet not at capitulation levels. Nasdaq index today may still produce sharp bear market style rallies. Watch for OBV stabilization and MFI back above 50 to confirm durable dip buying rather than brief short-covering pops.
Australia-Focused Positioning and Timing
We prefer staggered entries near support, not all at once. For Nasdaq index today exposure, consider partial buys into 24,300 to 24,000 with predefined exits just below the 200-day. Keep position sizes modest given a 400-point ATR. Review AUD hedging, as tariff shocks can swing FX. Focus on profitable, cash-generative tech over unproven growth while volatility stays high.
ASX investors using US tech ETFs should plan orders before the US open and accept overnight gap risk. Nasdaq index today will react first to tariff headlines and mega-cap moves, which can widen spreads. Recent risk-off waves hit financials and cloud software too source. Use limit orders, ladder buys on weakness, and trail stops on strength to protect gains.
Final Thoughts
Nasdaq index today is testing a critical zone: resistance near the 50-day at 25,358.95 and support near the 200-day at 23,984.42. Momentum is weak, volatility is high, and flows favor sellers, yet the first touch of long-term support often draws a bounce. For Australian investors, the playbook is simple: plan entries near support, size smaller, and define exits just under the 200-day. Use limit orders and respect a roughly 400-point ATR when setting stops. If price closes below the 200-day, shift from buying dips to selling rallies and reduce high-beta tech. Keep an eye on tariff headlines and AUD moves, as both can sway returns. Discipline beats prediction in this tape.
FAQs
What key levels matter for the Nasdaq 100 today?
The key band is 24,300 to 24,000, where lower volatility envelopes converge above the 200-day at 23,984.42. The 50-day at 25,358.95 is near-term resistance. A bounce off support can target the 50-day. A daily close below the 200-day would signal rising downside risk.
How does a tariff-driven selloff affect Australian investors?
Tariffs can squeeze margins and cool risk appetite, which hurts growth stocks first. For Australians, returns also hinge on AUD moves. Consider whether to hedge USD exposure, expect wider overnight gaps, and keep position sizes modest while uncertainty persists. Focus on profitable tech with strong cash flows.
Is Nasdaq index today a buy on this dip?
Only with a plan. Consider staged entries near 24,300 to 24,000, with tight stops just below the 200-day. The ATR near 400 points means swings can be fast. If the index closes below the 200-day, step back and wait for momentum and breadth to improve.
Which indicators are most useful right now?
Watch RSI around 42 for a turn above 50, MACD for a bullish cross, and OBV or MFI for signs of accumulation. The lower Bollinger at 24,277.68 and Keltner at 24,271.78 frame support. ADX near 21 suggests trend is forming but not yet strong.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.