^NDX Today, February 24: Tariff Uncertainty Puts Nasdaq at Risk
Nasdaq today is under pressure as tariff policy whiplash clouds earnings visibility. The Nasdaq-100 ^NDX sits at 24,797.34, down 0.86% (-215.28). A US Supreme Court ruling voiding many past import taxes and talk of broad new Trump tariffs raise refund liabilities and costs. With timelines unclear, traders are trimming risk in growth names. For Australian investors, tariff refunds and new levies can shift cash flows, margins, and the AUD, lifting volatility across tech and export-linked plays tied to US demand.
Policy shock is reshaping near-term risk
Nasdaq today reflects policy noise. The US Supreme Court voided many prior import taxes, opening the door to tariff refunds while the administration floats broader duties. Companies face messy accounting, cash flow hits, and contract repricing as refunds and new charges collide. Timelines are uncertain, and enforcement details are thin. After the court setback, fresh threats on tariffs add to the overhang source.
Nasdaq today is sensitive to shifts in costs and demand. Refunds alter working capital, while new tariffs raise input prices and complicate guidance. Valuations can compress when visibility falls. The index trades below its 50-day average at 25,358.95 and above its 200-day at 23,984.42. RSI at 42.23 signals soft momentum. Markets dislike unclear tariff paths, so investors demand a higher risk premium until timelines settle.
Tech levels and momentum to watch
Nasdaq today hovers near 24,797.34 with a day range of 24,690.87 to 24,890.12. The 50-day sits at 25,358.95 and the 200-day at 23,984.42. Bollinger bands are 26,107.27 upper, 25,192.47 middle, 24,277.68 lower. Average true range near 399.99 shows wider swings. Prior close was 25,012.62 and the open was 24,771.65. A decisive break sets the next move.
Nasdaq today shows weakening momentum: MACD -180.42 versus a -147.48 signal and a -32.94 histogram. Stochastic at 31.30 and Williams %R at -77.36 lean bearish. ADX at 21.40 indicates a modest trend. Money Flow Index is 34.54. Volume of 1,034,564,434 is lighter than average, which softens conviction on intraday dips and rallies.
Implications for Australian investors
Nasdaq today often guides local tech sentiment. ASX software and chip-adjacent suppliers can feel moves in US cloud, AI, and semis. Exporters to the US face cost swings from Trump tariffs and uncertain tariff refunds. Cash flow timing may get messy. Watch the AUD, as risk-off can weaken it and cushion exporters. Local firms warn the tariff chaos is getting harder to endure source.
Nasdaq today suggests patience. Consider trimming into strength and adding near the lower band at 24,277.68 if risk permits. Use tighter stops around recent lows like 24,690.87. Hedge currency where earnings are USD-heavy. Our system grade is C+ with a HOLD stance. Scenario marks: monthly 23,037.93, quarterly 25,614.86, yearly 25,793.65. Stress test margins under broader tariff cases.
Final Thoughts
Nasdaq today reflects a market in price discovery. The US Supreme Court tariff ruling and potential new Trump tariffs create a two-way shock: refunds that distort cash timing and fresh levies that lift costs. That mix weakens guidance, raises risk premiums, and cools appetite for expensive growth. We think investors should map timelines for the US Supreme Court tariff ruling, size possible tariff refunds, and track sector read-throughs to semis, cloud, and consumer hardware. On levels, watch 25,358.95 as near-term resistance and 24,277.68 to 23,984.42 as support. Keep position sizes moderate, hedge currency where needed, and be selective with adds on weakness. This is not financial advice. Do your own research and align decisions with risk tolerance and time horizon.
FAQs
What moved the Nasdaq today?
Nasdaq today fell to 24,797.34, down 0.86%, as tariff policy uncertainty rose. A court ruling voided many past import taxes while new tariffs are discussed, clouding earnings and cash flows. Lighter-than-average volume softened conviction. Key levels include the 50-day at 25,358.95, the 200-day at 23,984.42, and the lower Bollinger band at 24,277.68.
How could the US Supreme Court tariff ruling affect tech earnings?
The ruling opens the door to tariff refunds, which can distort cash timing and accounting. At the same time, talk of broader new tariffs can raise input costs. Together, they complicate guidance and budget plans. Management may delay hiring and capex, and investors might apply a higher discount to earnings until timelines are clear.
What are tariff refunds and who benefits from them?
Tariff refunds return money paid on duties that are later voided or reduced. Importers that paid the original levies may receive cash back. That can boost liquidity in the short term, but timing is uncertain. Suppliers and customers may also renegotiate contracts, which can shift where the benefit ultimately lands.
What should Australian investors watch next?
Track policy updates on Trump tariffs and refund procedures, the AUD’s direction, and sector moves in US semis and cloud. Watch Nasdaq today levels near 25,358.95 and 24,277.68. For local exposure, review USD sensitivity and margins on US sales. Keep position sizes measured until the tariff path and timelines become clearer.
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.