The DOW posted an eight-day winning streak on Friday amid positive sentiment regarding U.S.- China trade relations. Shares in the Banks (+1.42%), Transportation (+1.22%) and Materials (+1.14%) sectors traded higher while shares in the while shares in the Food, Beverage & Tobacco (-1.29%), Real Estate (-1.27%) and Technology Hardware & Equipment (-1.24%) sectors were under pressure. On the economic data front, retail sales rose 0.4% MoM in August (vs. +0.2% expected). The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index climbed to 92.0 in September (vs. 90.8 expected) from 89.8 in August. On Monday traders anticipate the Empire Manufacturing Index to fell to 4.0 in September from 4.8 in the prior month. The S&P 500 (3,007.39) trades above its 20d moving average (2,933.42 – positive slope) and its 50d moving average (2,950.00 – flat slope).
European markets are expected to start on a negative note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was mixed against most of its major pairs on Friday. On the economic data front, US Retail Sales increased 0.4% in August compared to a revised 0.8% in July. The University of Michigan Sentiment index increased to 92 in September’s first reading beating estimates of 90.8 compared to 89.8 in August. On Monday we expect the US Empire Manufacturing index to reach 4.0 for September, down from 4.8 in the prior month.
The Euro was bullish against most of its major pairs with the exception of AUD and GBP. In Europe, Eurozone trade balance recorded a 19.0 billion surplus in July vs. 17.5 billion expected and 17.7 billion in June (revised from 19.9 billion).
The Australian dollar was bullish against most of its major pairs with the exception of GBP.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (OCT 19) was about flat to $54.94. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ $55.62) and below its 50D MA (@ $56.1).
Gold was down $11.2 to $1488.1. The precious metal was below its 20D MA (@ $1516) and above its 50D MA (@ $1474).
Copper Future (DEC 19) on Comex was up 6c to 270.05c/lb. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ 259.48c) and above its 50D MA (@ 263.67c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories decreased 3125 tons to 296625 tons.