U.S. indices closed slightly lower on Friday pressured by shares in the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences (-1.33%), Household & Personal Products (-0.84%) and Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (-0.64%) sectors. On the economic data front, Nonfarm payrolls increased 244,000 in June (vs. +160,000 expected, +72,000 in May), while jobless rate rose to 3.7% (vs. 3.6% expected) from 3.6%. The S&P 500 (2,990.41) stays above its 20d moving average (2,925.48 – positive slope) and its 50d moving average (2,885.71 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to start on a negative note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foreign Exchange<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The US dollar was bullish against all its major pairs on Friday. On the economic data front, Nonfarm Payrolls increased by 244K in June (estimated 160K) compared with a 72K increase in the previous month. The unemployment rate slightly increased to 3.7% in June (estimated 3.6%) compared with 3.6% in the previous month.
The Euro was mixed against all of its major pairs. In Europe, the German factory orders plunged by 8.6% YoY in May after a 5.3% slid in April. They were expected to be down by 6.2%. According to Halifax, the UK house prices fell by 0.3% in June (-0.4% anticipated) after a 0.4% rise a month earlier.
The Australian dollar was mixed against all of its major pairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n