Binary Options Trading analysis written by Bradley Welcher - BinaryOptionStrategy
Equities
Asian markets traded lower, as the ECB’s liquidity efforts failed to inspire confidence amongst investors. The Nikkei dropped .8% to 8395, and the Kospi edged down fractionally. Australia’s ASX 200 slumped 1.2% as retailers continue to slash their outlook for the first quarter, due to weak Christmas sales. In greater China, the Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite both declined .2%, but were well-off their earlier lows.
In contrast, European markets rallied, led by banks, which gained 2%. The CAC40 climbed 1.4%, the FTSE gained 1.3%, and the DAX advanced 1.1%.
France's CAC40 gains1.4% as European Banks Rally
US markets closed higher as well, boosted by upbeat economic data. The Dow gained 62 points to 12170, while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 both rose .8%.
Micron Technology shares jumped 15.7%, as upbeat sales data outweighed concerns over lower than expected profits. Meanwhile, Bed Bath & Beyond shares slid 6.3% after issuing a weak outlook.
Treasuries and Commodities
US bonds rose modestly, as 10-year notes rose 4/32 to yield 1.95%, and 30-year notes edged up 10/32 to yield 2.99%.
Energy extended its gains, as crude oil rose .9% to 99.51, gasoline advanced.7% to 2.637, and natural gas closed up .5% to 3.171.
For a second day, precious metals fell, while copper closed .8% higher. Silver lost .4% to 29.13, and gold shed .5% to 1606.30.
Currencies
The Pound, Euro, and Swiss Franc all ended little changed from their Wednesday settlement prices, closing near the center of their intraday price range. The Canadian Dollar climbed .6% to 1.0208, and the Australian Dollar gained .4% to 1.0130, as traders moved back into “risk on” mode. The Yen eased .2% to 78.17.
Economic Outlook
3rd quarter GDP was revised downward to 1.8% from 2.0%, showing the economy is growing slowly, but steadily. Weekly jobless claims fell to 364K, 12K better than expected, hitting their best level since 2008. Consumer confidence moved up to 69.9 from 67.7, better than forecast.
Friday’s reports will include new home sales, durable goods orders, and personal income & spending. No major earnings reports are scheduled.
Equities
Asian markets traded lower, as the ECB’s liquidity efforts failed to inspire confidence amongst investors. The Nikkei dropped .8% to 8395, and the Kospi edged down fractionally. Australia’s ASX 200 slumped 1.2% as retailers continue to slash their outlook for the first quarter, due to weak Christmas sales. In greater China, the Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite both declined .2%, but were well-off their earlier lows.
In contrast, European markets rallied, led by banks, which gained 2%. The CAC40 climbed 1.4%, the FTSE gained 1.3%, and the DAX advanced 1.1%.
France's CAC40 gains1.4% as European Banks Rally
US markets closed higher as well, boosted by upbeat economic data. The Dow gained 62 points to 12170, while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 both rose .8%.
Micron Technology shares jumped 15.7%, as upbeat sales data outweighed concerns over lower than expected profits. Meanwhile, Bed Bath & Beyond shares slid 6.3% after issuing a weak outlook.
Treasuries and Commodities
US bonds rose modestly, as 10-year notes rose 4/32 to yield 1.95%, and 30-year notes edged up 10/32 to yield 2.99%.
Energy extended its gains, as crude oil rose .9% to 99.51, gasoline advanced.7% to 2.637, and natural gas closed up .5% to 3.171.
For a second day, precious metals fell, while copper closed .8% higher. Silver lost .4% to 29.13, and gold shed .5% to 1606.30.
Currencies
The Pound, Euro, and Swiss Franc all ended little changed from their Wednesday settlement prices, closing near the center of their intraday price range. The Canadian Dollar climbed .6% to 1.0208, and the Australian Dollar gained .4% to 1.0130, as traders moved back into “risk on” mode. The Yen eased .2% to 78.17.
Economic Outlook
3rd quarter GDP was revised downward to 1.8% from 2.0%, showing the economy is growing slowly, but steadily. Weekly jobless claims fell to 364K, 12K better than expected, hitting their best level since 2008. Consumer confidence moved up to 69.9 from 67.7, better than forecast.
Friday’s reports will include new home sales, durable goods orders, and personal income & spending. No major earnings reports are scheduled.