US indices closed mixed on Thursday as the U.S. is considering delaying the tariffs on Mexico. Shares in the Transportation (-0.78%), Automobiles & Components (-0.71%) and Consumer Durables & Apparel (-0.27%) sectors ended in the negative zone while shares in the Energy (+1.74%), Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (+1.47%) and Consumer Services (+1.26%) sectors closed higher. On the economic data front, the trade deficit grew slightly to $50.8B in April (estimated $50.7B) from $50B in the previous month. Initial Jobless Claims increased to 218K for week ended June 1, above estimates of 215K, from 215K in the previous week. Moreover continuing claims reached 1.682M for week ended May 25 (estimated 1.66M) from 1.657M in the previous week. Lastly, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort index edged up to 61.7 in the week ended June 2 compared with 60.8 in the previous week.
The S&P 500 (2,843.49) has returned to levels above its 20d moving average (2,826.90 – flat slope), but is still below its 50d moving average (2,869.12 – flat slope).
European markets are expected to start on a positive note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was bearish against all of its major pairs on Thursday. On the economic data front, the trade deficit grew slightly to $50.8B in April (estimated $50.7B) from $50B in the previous month. Initial Jobless Claims increased to 218K for week ended June 1, above estimates of 215K, from 215K in the previous week. Moreover continuing claims reached 1.682M for week ended May 25 (estimated 1.66M) from 1.657M in the previous week. Lastly, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort index edged up to 61.7 in the week ended June 2 compared with 60.8 in the previous week.
The Euro was bullish against all of its major pairs. In Europe, the ECB kept its main benchmark interest rate at 0%, as expected. The institution sees rates at present levels at least through the first half 2020. Separately, the euro zone GDP growth was confirmed at 0.4% in 1Q19 vs +0.2% in 4Q18. German factory orders were up by 0.3% in April (flat anticipated) after a 0.8% increase a month earlier.
The Australian dollar was bearish against most of its major pairs except for the GBP and USD.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (JUL 19) was up $1.5 to $53.22. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ $58.95) and below its 50D MA (@ $61.51). The 14d RSI below 30 (29.33) indicates WTI Crude Future (JUL 19) was oversold.
Gold was up $3.2 to $1333.6. The precious metal was above its 20D MA (@ $1295) and above its 50D MA (@ $1289). The 14d RSI above 70 (73.4) indicates gold was overbought.
Copper Future (JUL 19) on Comex was up 2.4c to 264.75c/lb. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ 269.81c) and below its 50D MA (@ 281.58c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories decreased 400 tons to 211650 tons.