General Market Comment
US indices closed mixed on Friday. Shares in the Automobiles & Components (-1.45%), Energy (-0.73%) and Utilities (-0.45%) sectors lost traction while shares in the Technology Hardware & Equipment (+0.98%), Retailing (+0.59%) and Food & Staples Retailing (+0.58%) sectors gained momentum. On the economic data front, the Chicago Business Barometer Index fell to 63.6 in August (estimated 63), from 65.5 in the prior month. Lastly, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index increased to 96.2 in final estimate in August (expected 95.5) from 97.9 in the prior month. The S&P 500 (2,901.52) remains above its 20d moving average (2,862.45 – positive slope) and 50d moving average (2,814.51 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to start on a flat note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was bullish its major pairs on Friday with exception of the JPY. On the economic data front, the Chicago Business Barometer Index fell to 63.6 in August (estimated 63), from 65.5 in the prior month. Lastly, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index increased to 96.2 in final estimate in August (expected 95.5) from 97.9 in the prior month.
The Euro was bearish against its major pairs with exception of the AUD. Eurozone CPI was up by 2% in August YoY vs +2% expected and +2.1% in July. Germany retail sales decreased 0.4% in July (-0.2% anticipated) after a 1.2% gain the month before. According to Nationwide, UK house prices fell 0.5% in August after being up 0.7% in July.
The Australian dollar was bearish against its major pairs.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (OCT 18) was about flat to $69.92. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ $67.29) and above its 50D MA (@ $67.71).
Gold was about flat to $1200.1. The precious metal was above its 20D MA (@ $1199) and below its 50D MA (@ $1222).
Copper Future (DEC 18) on Comex was down 4.9c to 266.8c/lb. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ 271.36c) and below its 50D MA (@ 280.12c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories decreased 1525 tons to 264925 tons.