General Market Comment
US indices closed higher on Tuesday as the Dow posted its first three-day winning streak since late November. Shares in the Transportation (+2.51%), Telecommunication Services (+2.13%) and Automobiles & Components (+1.94%) sectors gained strength. On the economic data front, the NFIB small business optimism index slightly decreased to 104.4 in December (estimated 103) from 104.8 in November. The S&P 500 (2,574.41) stays above its 20d moving average (2,528.67 – negative slope) but remains below 50d moving average (2,639.61 – negative slope).
European markets are expected to start on a positive note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was bullish against most of its major pairs on Tuesday with the exception of the CAD. On the economic data front, the NFIB small business optimism index slightly decreased to 104.4 in December (estimated 103) from 104.8 in November.
The Euro was bearish against most of its major pairs except for the NZD and the GBP. The euro-zone consumer confidence index was confirmed at -6.2 in December, as expected, vs -3.9 a month earlier. The German industrial production unexpectedly decreased by 1.9% in November (+0.3% expected) after a 0.8% slide in October. According to Halifax, the UK house prices increased by 2.2% in December (+0.5% anticipated) after a 1.2% drop the month before.
The Australian dollar was mixed against its major pairs.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (FEB 19) was up $1.2 to $49.73. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ $47.95) and below its 50D MA (@ $53.74).
Gold was down $4 to $1285.3. The precious metal was above its 20D MA (@ $1267) and above its 50D MA (@ $1242).
Copper Future (MAR 19) on Comex was up 1.3c to 265c/lb. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ 268.8c) and below its 50D MA (@ 273.12c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories decreased 0 tons to 132350 tons.