General Market Comment
US indices closed higher to end the week on Friday with the S&P500 closing up 1.5% on the week lifted by shares in the Food & Staples Retailing (+1.34%), Household & Personal Products (+0.71%), Capital Goods (+0.71%) sectors. On the economic data front, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index fell to 97.1 in a preliminary estimate in July (estimated 98) from 98.2 in the prior month. The S&P 500 (2,801.31) remains above its 20d moving average (2,752.52 – flat slope) and 50d moving average (2,737.44 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to start on a flat note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was bearish against its pairs on Friday with exception of the NZD. On the economic data front, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index fell to 97.1 in a preliminary estimate in July (estimated 98) from 98.2 in the prior month.
The Euro was also mixed against its major pairs. No major stats were released in Europe on Friday.
The Australian dollar was also mixed against its major pairs.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (AUG 18) was about flat to $70.66. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ $70.42) and above its 50D MA (@ $69.32).
Gold was down $5.8 to $1241.6. The precious metal was below its 20D MA (@ $1257) and below its 50D MA (@ $1283).
Copper Future (SEP 18) on Comex was about flat to 277.55c/lb. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ 294.93c) and below its 50D MA (@ 306.97c). The 14d RSI below 30 (25.29) indicates Copper Future (SEP 18) contract was oversold. In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories decreased 4025 tons to 258725 tons.