AEX, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones Update - April 16, 2026
Publication date: April 16, 2026
AEX
The AEX is trading at 1,020 points on Thursday morning, April 16, up 17 points or 1.7% from last week.
Market development
As in recent weeks, the index opened Monday morning expectantly at 1,005 points, despite the disappointing outcome of consultations between the United States and Iran over the weekend. As such, markets appear to be anticipating a possible positive outcome to the Middle East conflict.
On Tuesday, the producer price index (PPI) for March in the United States was published. This measure of inflation rose 0.5%, while a 1.1% increase was expected. This favorable inflation figure supported equity markets and caused a clear upward movement. On Wednesday, the AEX reached the highest level of the week so far at 1,025 points.
Sentiment
Short-term sentiment is increasingly positive, but remains vulnerable due to geopolitical developments surrounding Iran and the United States.
Forecast
In the short term, the recovery has potential to continue beyond earlier expectations. A test of the top around 1,031 points is obvious. From that level we foresee a completion of the corrective phase, with a decline towards the 920 to 940 points zone.
For the long term, the positive scenario remains intact.This zone can serve as the foundation for a new upward movement towards around 1,070 points within twelve months.
A close below 910 points invalidates this scenario and shifts the technical picture to neutral to negative. As long as this level holds, the long-term outlook remains constructive.
The chart above shows the AEX from the beginning of 2025, including the expected price trend.
Nasdaq futures
The Nasdaq futures are trading Thursday morning, April 16, around the highest level ever at 26,485 points, up 1,470 points or 5.9% from last week.
Market development
The week started off expectantly around 25,000 points. Following the release of favorable inflation data on Tuesday, the index began a vigorous rise.A new high was reached Thursday morning at 26,488 points.
Forecast
In the short term, the rise may continue to around 27,250 points. From that level a corrective move towards 25,000 points is obvious.After that, the long-term upward trend can resume, with a price target around 28,500 points.
The chart below shows the Nasdaq futures as of early 2025, including the expected scenario.

Dow Jones Industrial Average
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is currently trading at 48,700 points, up 720 points or 1.5% from last week.
Market development
The index opened the week quietly around 47,600 points. Following positive inflationary developments, the index continued to climb to the highest level of the week so far at 48,907 points.With this, the Dow Jones is approaching its previous top and a price pattern similar to that of the AEX is emerging.
Forecast
In the short term, the Dow Jones may continue to rise toward the 50,300 to 50,600 point zone.
For the medium term, we foresee a continuation of the corrective phase towards 45,000 points. This level can then serve as the basis for a new upward movement towards around 53,700 points.
The chart below shows the Dow Jones futures from the beginning of 2025, with the expected course.

Every Sunday morning we publish the Economic Calendar for the coming week. Would you like to receive the Economic Calendar by mail? You can subscribe here.
In the Calendar, we cover the most important topics with an explanation and vision. Read here the Economic Calendar from April 13 to April 17, 2026 and from Friday afternoon read here the Economic Calendar for the week from April 20 to April 24, 2026.
Disclaimer: Investing involves risk. Our analysts are not financial advisors. Always consult an advisor when making financial decisions. The information and tips provided on this website are based on our analysts' own insights and experiences. They are therefore for educational purposes only.