The US dollar weakened against a basket of major currencies despite the publication of positive economic data from the US. Thus, the core retail sales index rose by 0.9% in January, while experts expected growth by only 0.4%. Retail sales also increased by 0.2% in January, although experts did not expect growth. The dollar index (#DX) closed the trading session in the negative zone (-0.10%).
Investors are focused on Brexit. Today, the House of Commons of the UK should again start voting for the Brexit agreement, presented by Prime Minister, Theresa May. During the first vote, the Parliament rejected the Prime Minister’s deal. If the revote again fails, the events may develop in two scenarios: the UK will leave the EU without an agreement, or the Brexit date will be rescheduled. Yesterday, Theresa May also succeeded to agree with the European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, on a legally binding instrument on the backstop – a backup insurance plan for the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The “black gold” prices continue to rise. At the moment, futures for the WTI crude oil have approached $57.10 per barrel. At 22:30 (GMT+2:00), the API weekly crude oil stock will be published.
Market Indicators
- Yesterday, aggressive purchases were observed in the US stock market: #SPY (+1.45%), #DIA (+0.80%), #QQQ (+2.08%).
- At the moment, the 10-year US government bonds yield is at 2.66-2.67%.
The news feed on 12.03.2019:
- UK GDP data at 11:30 (GMT+2:00);
- Manufacturing production in the UK at 11:30 (GMT+2:00);
- Report on inflation in the US at 14:30 (GMT+2:00).
