The US dollar continued to decline against the basket of major currencies. The US dollar index closed in the negative zone (-0.69%). Investors took a wait-and-see attitude before the publication of the FOMC minutes. In addition, today a three-day conference will start in Jackson Hole, where representatives of the world’s central banks will make speeches. Also, the attention of financial market participants is focused on the negotiations between the US and China.
According to the European Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom Exiting the European Union, Michel Barnier, the EU and the UK intend to establish a number of agreements on the exit of the country from the union.
Today, during the Asian trading session, optimistic data on retail sales have been published in New Zealand. The core retail sales index counted to 1.4% and was better than the forecasted value of 0.8%. In the second quarter, the volume of retail sales grew by 1.1% instead of 0.4%.
The “black gold” prices are moderately growing. At the moment, futures for the WTI crude oil are testing a mark of $66.20 per barrel. At 17:30 (GMT+3:00), a report on weekly crude oil inventories will be published in the US.
Market Indicators
Yesterday, purchases prevailed in the US stock market: #SPY (+0.23%), #DIA (+0.25%), #QQQ (+0.37%).
At the moment, the 10-year US government bonds yield is at the level of 2.83%-2.84%.
The news feed on 2018.08.22:
Report on retail sales in Canada at 15:30 (GMT+3:00);
Existing home sales in the US at 17:00 (GMT+3:00);
Publication of the FOMC minutes at 21:00 (GMT+3:00).
