U.S. indices closed higher on Monday, led by shares in the Banks (+2.94%), Automobiles & Components (+2.64%) and Transportation (+2.25%) sectors. On the economic data front, retail sales declined 0.2% MoM in February (estimated +0.2%, +0.7% in January). In other news, the Markit U.S. Manufacturing PMI was confirmed at 52.4 in March (forecasted and previously estimated 52.5), compared with 53.0 in the prior month. The ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.3 in March (expected 54.5) from 54.2 in February. Finally, construction spending increased 1.0% MoM in February (estimated -0.2%, +2.5% in January). The S&P 500 (2,867.19) stays above both its 20d moving average (2,807.72 – positive slope) and 50d moving average (2,760.23 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to start on a flat note. read more