U.S. indices closed slightly positive to kick off earnings season in Monday’s trading lifted by shares in the Consumer Services (+0.67%), Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (+0.65%) and Technology Hardware & Equipment (+0.62%) sectors. On the economic data front, the Empire Manufacturing Index rose to 4.3 in July (estimated 2.0) compared with a decline of 8.6 in the prior month when it reached lows not seen since late 2016. The S&P 500 (3,014.30) stays above its 20d moving average (2,959.10 – positive slope) and its 50d moving average (2,893.32 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to start 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 Monday with the exception of the NZD and AUD. On the economic data front, the Empire Manufacturing index rose to 4.3 in July (estimated 2) compared with a decline of 8.6 in the prior month when it reached lows not seen since late 2016.
The Euro was mixed against all of its major pairs. In the UK, housing prices have fallen by 0.2% in July, according to Rightmove\u2019s House Price Index, vs +0.3% in June.
The Australian dollar was bullish against all of its major pairs with the exception of the NZD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n