U.S. indices closed mixed on Tuesday. Shares in the Media (+0.9%), Retailing (+0.77%) and Banks (+0.58%) sectors traded higher while shares in the Telecommunication Services (-2.24%), Materials (-1.01%) and Household & Personal Products (-0.88%) sectors were under pressure. On the economic data front, the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell to 103.3 in June (vs. 103.1 expected) from 105.0 in May. The S&P 500 (2,979.63) stays above its 20d moving average (2,935.25 – positive slope) and its 50d moving average (2,887.50 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to open on a flat 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 Tuesday. On the economic data front, NFIB Small Business Optimism reached 103.3 in June (estimated 103.1) compared with 105 in the previous month.
The Euro was bullish against all of its major pairs with the exception of the CHF. In Europe, the euro-zone Sentix investor confidence index slid to -5.8 for July (0.1 expected) from -3.3 in June. Germany industrial production rose by 0.3% in May (+0.4% anticipated) after a 2% decline a month earlier (revised from -1.9%).
The Australian dollar was bearish against all of its major pairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n