U.S. indices closed mixed on Thursday. Shares in the Food & Staples Retailing (+2.73%), Real Estate (+1.34%) and Household & Personal Products (+1.27%) sectors traded higher while shares in the Consumer Durables & Apparel (-2.34%), Technology Hardware & Equipment (-1.85%) and Automobiles & Components (-1.5%) sectors were under pressure. On the economic data front, Retail sales grew 0.7% MoM in July (estimated +0.3%), while Industrial Production fell 0.2% MoM in July (estimated +0.1%). The Empire Manufacturing index rose to 4.8 in August (estimated 2.0) from 4.3 in July, while the Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook dropped to 16.8 (estimated 9.5) from 4.3. Initial Jobless Claims climbed to 220K in week ending August 10 (estimated 212K) from 211K in the prior week. The S&P 500 (2,847.60) trades below its 20d moving average (2,944.06 – negative slope) and below its 50d moving average (2,943.89 – flat slope).
European markets are expected to start on a positive note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foreign Exchange<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The US dollar was bullish against all of its major pairs on Thursday with the exception of the GBP, and AUD. On the economic data front, the Empire Manufacturing index reached 4.8 in August (estimated 2) vs. 4.3 in the prior month. The Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook reached 16.8 in August (estimated 9.5) vs. 21.8 in the prior month. Retail Sales Advance increased by 0.7% in July (estimated 0.3%) vs. 0.3% growth in the prior month. Industrial Production decreased by 0.2% in July (estimated 0.1%) vs. +0.2% in the prior month. Initial Jobless Claims increased to 220K in week ending August 10 (estimated 212K) vs. 211K in the prior week.
The Euro was bearish against all of its major pairs. In Europe, the UK retail sales increased by 0.2% in July (-0.2% expected) after a 0.9% rise a month earlier (revised from +1%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n