General Market Comment
US indices closed mixed on Wednesday. Shares in the Software & Services (-2.02%), Retailing (-1.82%) and Technology Hardware & Equipment (-0.77%) sectors ended lower while shares in the Food, Beverage & Tobacco (+1.36%), Utilities (+1.27%) and Household & Personal Products (+1.15%) sectors ended on a positive note. On the economic data front, MBA mortgage applications declined by 0.1% in week ended August 31st from a fall of 1.7% in the prior week. In other news, the trade deficit widened to $50.1B in July (forecasted $50.2B) from $45.7B in June. The S&P 500 (2,888.60) remains above its 20d moving average (2,866.27 – positive slope) and 50d moving average (2,820.78 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to open on a negative note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was bearish against most of its major pairs on Wednesday with the exception of the JPY. On the economic data front, MBA mortgage applications declined by 0.1% in week ended August 31st from a fall of 1.7% in the prior week. In other news, the trade deficit widened to $50.1B in July (forecasted $50.2B) from $45.7B in June.
The Euro was bullish against most of its major pairs with exception of the NZD. Eurozone PMI services index was 54.4 in final estimation in August, as in first one and vs 54.2 a month earlier. Separately, Eurozone retail sales slid 0.2% in July after a 0.3% rise in June. They were anticipated to be down 0.1%. UK PMI services was 54.3 in August vs 53.5 in July and 53.9 expected.
The Australian dollar was mixed with its major pairs.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (OCT 18) was down $1 to $68.89. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ $67.41) and above its 50D MA (@ $67.82).
Gold was up $4.9 to $1196.5. The precious metal was above its 20D MA (@ $1196) and below its 50D MA (@ $1219).
Copper Future (DEC 18) on Comex was up 1.7c to 261.9c/lb. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ 269.85c) and below its 50D MA (@ 278.36c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories decreased 800 tons to 262100 tons.