OP Wire | Market Pulse – Tariff Tensions, Tech Momentum & Earnings Heat Up
Hey OP! The market continues to react to every headline out of Washington, and our systems are capitalizing on every move. With more earnings, macro data, and tariff signals rolling in, today’s another opportunity to trade smart and stack strong.
1. Market Gains on Tariff Pause, Auto Relief in Sight
The major indexes moved higher yesterday as the White House paused reciprocal tariffs on several tech-related imports, and President Trump signaled potential tariff relief for the auto sector.
The mood was lifted further by a New York Fed survey showing medium- and long-term inflation expectations remained flat or declined, even as near-term estimates ticked up.
Fed Governor Christopher Waller called the inflation impact of tariffs “possibly transitory,” but warned the trade war is one of the largest economic shocks in decades. His words echoed the recent bond market chaos, which likely influenced Trump’s 90-day pause on elevated tariffs for most countries.
2. New Tariff Investigations Kick Off – Pharma & Semiconductors in the Crosshairs
The administration isn’t done: as of April 1, investigations into pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports are underway, with a 21-day comment period now open.
Trump is leveraging a national security clause to explore new sector-specific tariffs, even after exempting smartphones, computers, and other electronics last week. The U.S. average import tariff has soared from 2.5% to 25% in just months — and this isn’t slowing down.
3. Earnings Spotlight: Banks & Big Pharma
Bank of America and Citigroup are set to report today following results from JPM, GS, WFC, and BLK.
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon warned that recession risks are rising, and noted that clients are concerned by both near-term and structural uncertainty in the market.
Equity trading saw a boost in Q1 thanks to tariff-driven volatility — but lending and advisory activity may shrink in coming quarters if trade war noise persists.
Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson will be one of the first major non-bank names reporting. Watch closely for any impact from Trump’s pharma pricing pressure and federal downsizing push.
4. LVMH Misses – Global Luxury Takes a Hit
Luxury giant LVMH reported a 3% revenue drop in Q1, missing expectations for 2% growth. Slower U.S. spending on beauty and beverages, plus weak Chinese demand, weighed on results.
OTC shares dropped 7.5%, and CFO Cecile Cabanis said “parameters are changing every hour” due to trade disruptions — a warning for the entire luxury sector.
5. Oil Edges Up on China Rebound & Tariff Relief
Oil prices moved slightly higher as:
- The U.S. paused tariffs on tech goods
- China’s crude oil imports rose nearly 5% YoY
- Iranian oil surged ahead of possible renewed U.S. sanctions
Meanwhile, gold is just under its all-time high, the U.S. dollar firmed, and Bitcoin gained over 1%.
6. $QQQ Outlook – Recovery Continues, But Resistance is Key
The $QQQ tech index posted another day of modest gains as traders leaned into short-term squeeze setups.
Resistance to Break for Upside Momentum:
- 468
- 480
- 484
- 492 (200-day moving average — needs 7.5% rally from here)
Support to Hold:
- 450
- 440
→ Break below 440 and we risk a retest of 420 → 400
7. Today’s Economic Data Releases
🇺🇸 IEA Monthly Oil Report – 4:00 AM ET
🇺🇸 Import Price Index (March) – 8:30 AM ET
🇺🇸 Export Price Index (March) – 8:30 AM ET
🇺🇸 NY Empire State Manufacturing Index (April) – 8:30 AM ET
🇺🇸 API Weekly Crude Oil Stock – 4:30 PM ET
8. Today’s Key Reminder – AC&I Live Trading with Tracks
If you’re not in the AC&I System or Live Trading, you’re missing real-time education and precision setups.
Email steve@optionsplayers.com to get in before the next move hits!
9. OP Systems Recap – GG Hit Twice Yesterday!
Green Goose paid out two separate times yesterday, and our other core systems kept printing. We’re dialed in, and the market’s giving us plenty of fuel.
Check chat shortly for upgrades, downgrades, breaking headlines, and trade setups.
Let’s keep the streak alive. Stay sharp, stay focused, and let’s stack.
— Team OptionsPlayers
Stacking gains is what we do.
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