After the last few weeks’ market turbulence triggered by escalating tariff headlines, April 2 -28, 2025, delivered a textbook bounce—one that Fibonacci traders could spot a mile away. The QQQ, DJIA, and NASDAQ all staged strong retracements, each pulling back close to the 50% from their recent swing highs to the dramatic lows set by the tariff-driven selloff.

A Closer Look at the 50% Retracement

For those who track Fibonacci levels, the 50% retracement is more than just a number—it often signals a crucial moment of decision in market psychology. It’s the point where bulls and bears reassess their convictions. On April 29, all three major indices touched this level in near-perfect unison.

Let’s break it down:

• QQQ (Invesco QQQ Trust): After plunging nearly 6% during the tariff turmoil, QQQ bounced back sharply. On 4/29, it retraced exactly 50% of the down move, landing right on the Fibonacci line drawn using AIQ TradingExpert Pro.
  
• DJIA (Dow Jones Industrial Average): The Dow’s recovery was equally telling. It reclaimed 50% of the decline from its January high to the low posted on April 7. Resistance formed precisely at this level, adding credibility to the Fibonacci reading.
  
• NASDAQ Composite: Tech stocks led the rally, and the NASDAQ showed an aggressive bounce. Like the QQQ, it retraced half the loss, with AIQ TradingExpert Pro’s Fibonacci tool providing a clean visual confirmation of market memory at play.
  

QQQ and DJIA at the 50% retracement

NASDAQ market at 50% retracement

Using AIQ TradingExpert Pro to Catch the Move

At AIQ, we emphasize practical tools that help traders act, not just analyze. The Fibonacci Retracement tool in AIQ TradingExpert Pro offers an intuitive interface for plotting retracement levels from any significant swing high to low—or vice versa. The 38.2%, 50%, and 61.8% levels are automatically calculated and displayed, making it easy to see where price might hesitate or reverse.

What made April 29 especially notable was how cleanly price respected the 50% level across indices. It wasn’t a vague “zone”—it was a laser line, and those who had it on their charts were better prepared to anticipate resistance and manage risk.

What’s Next?

While the 50% retracement is not a guaranteed reversal point, it is often where institutional players test the bounce’s resolve. If price holds below that level, the odds tilt toward a retest of the recent lows. A strong break above it? Then, we could see a move to the 61.8% level or higher.

With markets still on edge from macro headlines, now’s the time to stay sharp. Fibonacci tools like those in AIQ TradingExpert Pro give traders a clear visual framework, especially during volatile, headline-driven price swings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re not already using Fibonacci levels in your trading, April 29 was a perfect demonstration of their relevance. Whether you’re swing trading or managing a portfolio, these retracement zones offer insight into crowd behavior and price structure. It was noteworthy that the SP500 index had progressed further than 50% retracement (55%)

Stay tuned as we monitor whether this 50% level becomes a ceiling—or just another stepping stone on the road to recovery.