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U.S. equity markets are expected to open higher following a strong move overnight,
triggered by an unexpected profit from Alcoa. This news made traders more optimistic
about the rest of the earnings season. Investors will also be watching today's
jobless claims and same-store sales reports for further clues that the U.S.
economy is on the road to recovery. Investors are hoping the same-store sales
report shows that consumers are beginning to loosen up and spend.
Yesterday, U.S. stock markets managed to close higher after a tentative trading
session. At times traders seemed nervous committing to the long side ahead
of the start of earnings season. At the close the December E-mini S&P 500
finished better than 50% of its current 1075.75 to 1015.00 range. This is technically
a bullish signal. After the close, Alcoa reported better than expected earnings.
This news is setting the tone for higher markets today. Investors will be looking
for improved earnings along with an increase in revenues.
December Treasury Bonds and Notes surprisingly closed better on Wednesday
despite rallies in gold and equities. Technical indicators showed that the
T-Bonds were poised to test 121-00 before seeing any significant interest,
however, buyers stepped in on Tuesday to halt the break early and help drive
prices higher on Wednesday.
T-Bonds have retraced 50% of their break from Friday so it is still possible
they will be forming a secondary lower top for a drive to lower prices. With
Treasuries, equities and gold showing gains, one has to wonder which one is
going to give. The strong rally in the equity markets overnight is putting
pressure on the Treasuries, leading to a call for a lower opening.
The U.S. Dollar Index reached its lowest level in two weeks overnight. Increased
appetite for risk is helping to put downside pressure on the Dollar versus
a basket of currencies.
Yesterday, the U.S. Dollar was up most of the day before settling mixed. By
the close of the day, the British Pound, New Zealand Dollar and Japanese Yen
all managed to post modest gains versus the Dollar. Weak crude oil prices kept
downside pressure on the December Canadian Dollar.
Early this morning the Bank of England and the European Central Bank meet.
Both are expected to announce that interest rates will remain at historically
low levels. Traders are more interested in the comments about their respective
stimulus plans. The BoE just recently increased funding of its plan while the
ECB's Trichet is on record calling for its plan to remain intact until the
economy stabilizes.
December Gold posted another strong gain overnight. Yesterday's rally came
as a surprise because of the strength in the U.S. Dollar, the rally overnight
erased all doubt that gold is strong as investors seek to use it as a hedge
against Dollar weakness.
Analysts are saying investors are buying gold in anticipation of a weaker
Dollar and inflation. These reasons are contrary to the thinking in the T-Bond
pits which is looking for low inflation and stabilized growth in the economy.
If over-speculation is driving gold higher then this market could be setting
up for a big break. December Silver seems to be lagging gold. This means that
a break in gold could cause significant damage to the silver market.
The energy complex finished lower yesterday led by weaker crude oil prices.
On Tuesday demand for higher risk assets drove crude oil higher, Wednesday's
inventory figures brought them back down. Although speculators can drive this
market higher, the supply/demand picture should continue to limit gains. Look
for a higher opening due to the strength in equity markets and the weakness
in the Dollar.
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