An unexpected drop in consumer confidence data saw equity indices fall on concerns the economic recovery will be slow. Lower WTI prices weighed on the major US averages after the release of consumer confidence sparked a flight to safety in the USD. In turn this saw Exxon (-0.95%) top the laggers table in the S&P 500 index. Following the initial downward move in equity indices, prices were range bound and trading sideways, though did move slightly higher after positive comments on the economy by Fed’s Bullard. Finally, at the closing bell DJI closed down 0.96% at 84447.53, S&P 500 closed down 0.85% at 919.34 and NASDAQ100 closed down 0.44% at 1477.25
Credit Market:
Treasury prices came under pressure in the closing stages of the session to finish lower after Fed’s Bullard said that Fed’s exit strategies are ‘unclear’. Initially, at the open prices plunged after a better than expected improvement in Case-Shiller housing data, though retraced that downward move after the release of disappointing consumer confidence data. Also, the Fed carried out its first coupon purchase of the week which yielded a lower than expected offer/cover ratio and supported a lift in prices. Finally, the closing hour saw Treasuries retreat on the back of comments from Fed’s Bullard after he said demand for liquidity programs is diminishing. At the pit close T-notes finished down 6+ ticks at 116.085.
Source: RANSquawk Sphere: Related Content
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