General Market Comment 14.10.19

US indices rallied on Friday after President Trump said the U.S. reached the first phase of a trade deal that delays tariff hikes that were set to start next week. Shares in the Automobiles & Components (+2.82%), Technology Hardware & Equipment (+2.23%) and Transportation (+2.19%) sectors helped push U.S. indices to near record highs. The S&P 500 (2,970.27) breaks above its 20d moving average (2,960.94 – negative slope) and above 50d moving average (2,935.57 – flat slope).

On the economic data front, the US Import Price Index rose 0.2% MoM which was more than the unchanged estimate for September compared to a decline of 0.5% in August. The University of Michigan Sentiment index came in at 96.0 which was above the 92.0 estimate for the October preliminary reading compared to 93.2 in the September final reading. On Monday, no major economic news is expected.

European markets are expected to start on a flat note.

Foreign Exchange

The US dollar was bearish against most of its major pairs on Friday with the exception of the JPY. On the economic data front, the US Import Price Index rose 0.2% MoM which was more than the unchanged estimate for September compared to a decline of 0.5% in August. The University of Michigan Sentiment index came in at 96.0 which was above the 92.0 estimate for the October preliminary reading compared to 93.2 in the September final reading. On Monday, no major economic news is expected.

The Euro was bullish against most of its major pair with the exception of the AUD, CAD and GBP. In Europe, the German CPI index was flat in September in final reading, as expected, after a 0.2% decline a month earlier. YoY, inflation rate was 1.2%, as anticipated, vs 1.4% in August.

The Australian dollar was bullish against most of its major pairs with the exception of the CAD and GBP.

Commodities

After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (NOV 19) was up $1.1 to $54.67. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ $55.63) and below its 50D MA (@ $55.26).

Gold was down $6.5 to $1487.5. The precious metal was below its 20D MA (@ $1501) and below its 50D MA (@ $1507).

Copper Future (DEC 19) on Comex was about flat to 262.05c/lb. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ 259.37c) and above its 50D MA (@ 259.39c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories decreased 3275 tons to 282325 tons.