U.S. indices closed slightly higher on Thursday lifted by shares in the Transportation (+2.08%), Food, Beverage & Tobacco (+1.5%) and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (+1.23%) sectors. On the economic data front, the Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Index jumped to 21.8 in July (estimated 5.0) from 0.3 in the previous month. Initial Jobless Claims rose to 216K in week ending July 13 (estimated 216K) from 208K in the prior week. The Conference Board Leading Index was down -0.3% MoM in June (estimated +0.1%). The S&P 500 (2,995.11) stays above its 20d moving average (2,971.58 – positive slope) and its 50d moving average (2,897.74 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to start on a positive note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was bearish against all its major pairs on Thursday following comments from Fed’s Williams supporting a rate cut saying “its better to cut preventative that wait for disaster”. On the economic data front, the Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook jumped to 21.8 in July (estimated 5) from 0.3 in the previous month. Initial Jobless Claims reached 216K in week ending July 13 (estimated 216K) compared with 208K in the prior week. The Leading Index was down to -0.3% in June (estimated 0.1%) compared with 0% in the previous month as it approaches 2016 lows.
The Euro was bearish against all of its major pairs with the exception of the USD and the CAD.
The Australian dollar was bullish against all of its major pairs.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (AUG 19) was down $1.2 to $55.61. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ $58.18) and below its 50D MA (@ $57.69).
Gold was up $18.9 to $1445.5. The precious metal was above its 20D MA (@ $1412) and above its 50D MA (@ $1352).
Copper Future (SEP 19) on Comex was about flat to 271.85c/lb. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ 269.51c) and above its 50D MA (@ 269.26c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories decreased 1575 tons to 298025 tons.