General Market Comment
U.S. indices closed mixed on Tuesday. Shares in the Telecommunication Services (-1.56%), Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (-1.36%) and Retailing (-1.28%) sectors closed on a negative note while shares in the Capital Goods (+1.85%), Materials (+1.01%) and Real Estate (+0.79%) sectors gained momentum. On the economic data front, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell to 120.2 in January (estimated 124) from 126.6 in December. The S&P 500 (2,640.00) stays above its 20d moving average (2,593.84 – positive slope) and 50d moving average (2,610.59 – negative slope).
European markets are expected to start on a flat note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was bullish against most of its major pairs on Tuesday with the exception of the EUR. On the economic data front, the Conference Board consumer confidence index fell to 120.2 in January (estimated 124) from 126.6 in December.
The Euro was bullish against all of its major pairs. The french consumer confidence index increased to 91 in January (88 expected) vs 86 a month earlier (revised from 87).
The Australian dollar was lower against most of its major pairs with the exception of the CHF and the GBP.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (MAR 19) was up $1.2 to $53.17. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ $51.23) and above its 50D MA (@ $51.12).
Gold was up $8.4 to $1311.8. The precious metal was above its 20D MA (@ $1290) and above its 50D MA (@ $1263).
Copper Future (MAR 19) on Comex was up 3.9c to 271.95c/lb. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ 265.74c) and above its 50D MA (@ 271.27c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories increased 1125 tons to 147600 tons