U.S. indices jumped on Tuesday after the U.S. decided to delay tariffs on some Chinese goods while removing products like cellphones and clothing off the list completely. Stocks in the Technology Hardware & Equipment (+3.49%), Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (+2.96%) and Health Care Equipment & Services (+1.92%) sectors helped push indices higher. On the economic data front, CPI rose 1.8% YoY in July (vs. +1.7% expected and in June). The S&P 500 (2,926.32) trades below its 20d moving average (2,958.63 – negative slope) and below its 50d moving average (2,942.71 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to start on a flat note.
Foreign Exchange
The US dollar was bullish against all of its major pairs on Tuesday with the exception of the CAD and NZD. On the economic data front, the CPI increased by 0.3% in July (estimated 0.3%) vs. 0.1% in the prior month.
The Euro was bearish against all of its major pairs with the exception of the JPY and CHF. In Europe, the German ZEW investor confidence index for expectations slumped to -44.1 in August, its lowest since December 2011, from -24.5 in July. It was expected to only decline to -28. Separately, the German CPI index was up by 1.7% YoY in July in second reading, as anticipated, vs +1.6% in June. The UK ILO unemployment rate was up to 3.9% for the April-June period from 3.8% for the previous period. It was expected to be flat.
The Australian dollar was bullish against all its major pairs.
Commodities
After the close of Wall Street, WTI Crude Future (SEP 19) was up $1.9 to $56.85. The contract was above its 20D MA (@ $55.53) and above its 50D MA (@ $56.02).
Gold was down $11.2 to $1500. The precious metal was above its 20D MA (@ $1450) and above its 50D MA (@ $1410). The 14d RSI above 70 (72.76) indicates gold was overbought.
Copper Future (SEP 19) on Comex was up 4.9c to 263.4c/lb. The contract was below its 20D MA (@ 265.44c) and below its 50D MA (@ 266.87c). In Europe, the London Metal Exchange reported its copper inventories decreased 800 tons to 272550 tons.