General Market Comment
US indices closed lower on Tuesday, pressured by shares in the Technology Hardware & Equipment (-3.86%), Transportation (-3.32%) and Energy (-3.29%) sectors. On the economic data front, housing starts increased by 1.5% MoM to 1.228M units in October, in-line with estimates, from 1.21M in September. On the other hand, building permits declined by 0.6% MoM in October to 1.263M compared to 1.27M a month earlier. The S&P 500 (2,641.89) remains below its 20d moving average (2,718.20 – negative slope) and 50d moving average (2,804.04 – negative slope).
European markets are expected to start on a flat note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was bullish against all of its major pairs on Tuesday. On the economic data front, housing starts increased by 1.5% MoM to 1.228M units in October, in-line with estimates, from 1.21M in September. On the other hand, building permits declined by 0.6% MoM in October to 1.263M compared to 1.27M a month earlier.
The Euro was bearish against most of its major pairs except for the AUD and the CAD. The German PPI increased by 0.3% in October, as anticipated, after a 0.5% rise a month earlier.
The Australian dollar was lower against all of its major pairs.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (JAN 19) was down $4 to $53.21. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ $61.65) and below its 50D MA (@ $67.44). The 14d RSI below 30 (16.71) indicates WTI Crude Future (JAN 19) was oversold.
Gold was down $2.3 to $1221.8. The precious metal was below its 20D MA (@ $1222) and above its 50D MA (@ $1212).
Copper Future (MAR 19) on Comex was down 4.1c to 276.5c/lb. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ 275.07c) and below its 50D MA (@ 277.53c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories decreased 6375 tons to 145250 tons.