U.S. indices were lower on Wednesday pressured by shares in the Transportation (-4.75%), Capital Goods (-1.72%) and Insurance (-1.45%) sectors. On the economic data front, housing starts dropped to an annualized rate of 1.25M in June (estimated 1.26M) from 1.27M in May. The Fed Beige book reported that economic activity continued to expand at a modest pace and the outlook generally was positive, despite widespread concerns over trade-related uncertainty. The S&P 500 (2,984.42) stays above its 20d moving average (2,968.15 – positive slope) and its 50d moving average (2,895.52 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to start on a negative note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was bearish against all its major pairs on Wednesday. On the economic data front, MBA Mortgage Applications decreased by 1.1% in week ending July 12 compared with a 2.4 decrease in the previous week. Housing Starts reached 1.25M in June (estimated 1.26M) vs. 1.27M in the previous month. The Fed Beige book reported that the general economic climate was good with strength in nonresidential construction even though trade-related uncertainty remains.
The Euro was bearish against all of its major pairs with the exception of the USD. In Europe, Eurozone CPI was finalized at 1.3% in June, revised up from 1.2%, up from May’s 1.2%. Last month, the new car registrations fall 7.8% after a small advance of 0.1% a month earlier. The UK CPI was unchanged at 2% in June, as expected.
The Australian dollar was bearish against all of its major pairs.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (AUG 19) was down $1.2 to $56.39. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ $58.08) and below its 50D MA (@ $57.8). The US Department of Energy reported that, for the week ended 12 July, crude oil inventories fell 3116k barrels compared to the previous week.
Gold was up $19.8 to $1426.1. The precious metal was above its 20D MA (@ $1409) and above its 50D MA (@ $1348).
Copper Future (SEP 19) on Comex was about flat to 270.4c/lb. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ 269.26c) and above its 50D MA (@ 269.38c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories increased 6675 tons to 299600 tons.