General Market Comment
U.S. indices closed mixed on Thursday as the Dow reversed its triple-digit loss to finish almost flat. Shares in the Automobiles & Components (-2.22%), Banks (-1.87%) and Energy (-1.77%) sectors closed lower while shares in the Real Estate (+2.66%), Media (+1.43%) and Retailing (+0.94%) sectors gained momentum. On the economic data front, ADP private jobs growth slowed to 179K in November (estimated +195K) from 225K in October. Initial jobless claims fell to 231K in week ended December 1st (forecast 225K) from 235K in the prior week. Continuing claims declined to 1.631M in week ended November 24th (expected 1.69M) from 1.71M a week earlier. Also, final readings of Markit U.S. services PMI posted at 54.7 in November (vs 54.4 previously estimated, 54.8 in October). The ISM non-manufacturing index advanced to 60.7 in November (forecast 59.0) compared to 60.3 in October. Finally, factory orders decreased by 2.1% MoM in October (expected -2.0%). Final readings of durable goods orders fell 4.3% MoM in October (estimated -2.4%, preliminary -4.4%). The S&P 500 (2,795.95) remains below its 20d moving average (2,720.85 – negative slope) and 50d moving average (2,763.48 – negative slope). read more