US indices closed mixed on Thursday. Shares in the Software & Services (-0.79%), Commercial & Professional Services (-0.71%) and Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences (-0.58%) sectors lost traction while shares in the Consumer Durables & Apparel (+1.62%), Automobiles & Components (+1.35%) and Materials (+1.01%) sectors gained momentum. On the economic data front, initial jobless claims declined to 202k in week ended March 30th (estimated 215k) from 212k in the previous week while continuing claims reached 1.717M in week ended March 23rd (forecasted 1.752M) compared to 1.755M in the prior week. In other news, the Bloomberg consumer comfort index declined to 58.9 in week ended March 31st vs. 60 a week earlier. The S&P 500 (2,879.39) stays above both its 20d moving average (2,823.22 – positive slope) and 50d moving average (2,773.79 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to start on a positive note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was bullish against all of its major pairs on Thursday with the exception of the AUD. On the economic data front, initial jobless claims declined to 202k in week ended March 30th (estimated 215k) from 212k in the previous week while continuing claims reached 1.717M in week ended March 23rd (forecasted 1.752M) compared to 1.755M in the prior week. In other news, the Bloomberg consumer comfort index declined to 58.9 in week ended March 31st vs. 60 a week earlier.
The Euro was bullish against all of its major pairs with the exception of the AUD and the USD. The German factory orders dropped by 4.2% in February (+0.3% expected) after a 2.1% slide a month earlier (-2.6% expected).
The Australian dollar was higher against all of its major pairs.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (MAY 19) was about flat to $62.14. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ $59.57) and above its 50D MA (@ $57.14).
Gold was up $3.6 to $1293.5. The precious metal was below its 20D MA (@ $1302) and below its 50D MA (@ $1308).
Copper Future (MAY 19) on Comex was down 3.1c to 291.8c/lb. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ 290.18c) and above its 50D MA (@ 286.64c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories increased 30375 tons to 198325 tons.