US indices closed mixed on Tuesday. Shares in the Transportation (-1.36%), Utilities (-1.18%) and Insurance (-0.89%) sectors ended on a negative note while shares in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (+1.28%), Automobiles & Components (+1.14%) and Health Care Equipment & Services (+0.98%) sectors gained strength. On the economic data front, factory orders improved by 0.1% in January (estimated 0.3%), the same pace as in December. Also, durable goods orders increased by 0.3% in January (forecasted 0.4%) after advancing by 1.2% in December.
The S&P 500 (2,832.57) stays above both its 20d moving average (2,792.55 – positive slope) and 50d moving average (2,718.79 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to open on a positive note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foreign Exchange<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The US dollar was bearish against all of its major pairs on Tuesday with the exception of the AUD. On the economic data front, factory orders improved by 0.1% in January (estimated 0.3%), the same pace as in December. Also, durable goods orders increased by 0.3% in January (forecasted 0.4%) after advancing by 1.2% in December.
The Euro was bullish against all of its major pairs except for the CHF. The Germany investor confidence index ZEW bounced to -3.6 in March (-11 expected) from -13.4 a month earlier. UK ILO unemployment rate decreased to 3.9% for the October-January period, its lowest level since 1975. It was anticipated to be flat.
The Australian dollar was lower against all of its major pairs.
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