U.S. indices pushed higher on Thursday with the S&P 500 posting a record close lifted by shares in the Energy (+2.21%), Capital Goods (+1.95%) and Software & Services (+1.74%) sectors. On the economic data front, the current account deficit posted $130.4B in 1Q (estimated $124.3B) compared with $143.9B in the previous quarter. Initial jobless claims fell to 216K for week ending June 15 (estimated 220K) from 222K in the prior week and continuing claims dropped to 1.662M in week ending June 8 (estimated 1.680M) from 1.699M in the previous week. Lastly, the Leading Index was flat MoM in May (estimated +0.1%). The S&P 500 (2,954.18) stays above its 20d moving average (2,849.22 – positive slope) and its 50d moving average (2,876.78 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to start on a flat note. read more