U.S. indices closed slightly higher on Thursday helped by shares in the Energy (+1.58%), Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (+0.9%) and Banks (+0.79%) sectors. The 10-year Treasury yield had its biggest gain since the day after President Donald Trump was elected on renewed trade optimism. The S&P 500 (3,085.18) stays above its 20d moving average (3,024.42 – positive slope) and 50d moving average (2,987.25 – positive slope).
On the economic data front, Initial Jobless Claims reported 211K, lower than the 215K consensus for the week ending November 2nd, down 8K from a revised 219K the prior week. Continuing Claims came in at 1689K, above the 1682K estimate for the week ending October 26th, down 3K from a revised 1692K last week. On Friday, economists expect Wholesale Inventories month over month change for the September final reading to be in-line with the preliminary reading at -0.3%. Also on Friday, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index is expected at 95.5 for the November preliminary reading, in-line with the prior reading.
European markets are expected to start on a flat note. read more