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GBP/USD Analysis: Changes Sentiment On Tuesday

GBP/USD was driven by slight momentum downwards on Monday that led the pair towards the 55-hour SMA circa 1.3040. This level, however, was no reached, as morning bulls reversed its direction north. Afterwards, the Sterling continued to move upwards, but with very limited gains. In case fundamental events do not change the current market sentiment, the pair is likely to edge higher and close with gains. Immediate resistance is set by the upper channel line circa 1.3120, while more significant upside barrier is the monthly R1 at 1.3177. In case the rate falls, the 55-hour SMA should support it from further depreciation. By and large, the Pound is expected to trade somewhere near the upper channel boundary on Wednesday morning.

EUR/USD Analysis: Surges As Expected

The forecasted jump of the common European currency against the US Dollar has occurred. Finally, after long expectations, the EUR/USD pair has reached above the 1.15 mark. On Tuesday morning the pair traded above the weekly R1, which is located at the 1.1516 mark. Meanwhile, the pair faced the first monthly resistance at the 1.1542 mark. By looking at the hourly chart, it could be assumed that the surge is set to continue. However, one should look at clues regarding the future on larger timeframe charts. As it has to be noted that the currency exchange rate is approaching long term resistance trend lines, which might stop the surge near the 1.1550 mark. On the other hand the markets might react soon to the changes in the monetary policy both in the EU and the US.

Dollar Pressured Against All Majors, RBA Minutes Push Aussie To 2-Year High

As the Asian trading session was about to close, the US dollar was trending downward against most currencies on overnight news that the repeal of Obamacare is getting another push-back. The aussie rose following the release of the Reserve Bank of Australia's minutes and the kiwi had a short tumble on the disappointing inflation figures.

The greenback tumbled against most currencies overnight on news that two more Republican Senators would oppose the healthcare reform bill unveiled by their party last week. The US currency weakened as the latest news cast another cloud over Trump's presidency by spurring doubts on the White House's ability to pass legislation. The dollar index, a broad measure of the greenback's strength, was last trading at 94.80, down 0.35%. As the news broke, the dollar fell against the yen breaching the 112 level, however it recovered slightly to last trade at 112.26 yen. Euro/dollar shot above the 1.15 level, at a 14-month high of 1.1537, and was last trading at 1.1515.

Later in the session, closely monitored Germany's forward looking ZEW investor sentiment survey for July will be released.

The release of the RBA's minutes gave an additional push to the aussie against its US counterpart to reach a two-year high. The minutes confirmed the central bank's positive take on the economy and that the RBA's stance on the neutral rate is at 3.5%, indicating there is a lot of scope for more interest rate hikes. The RBA's current cash rate is 1.5%. The yield on 10-year Australian government bonds increased 3 basis points to 2.76%. Aussie/dollar continued firming post the news to last trade at 0.7915.

The New Zealand dollar sank against the greenback in early hours of the session following the release of the disappointing inflation figures for the second quarter. Consumer inflation stagnated, quarter-on-quarter, which comes after 1% growth in the first quarter and below the expected level of a 0.2% gain. Annually CPI grew 1.7% in quarter to June-end, also below the prior period's gain of 2.2% and below expectations of 1.9%. Kiwi/dollar tumbled to 0.7262 following the news, but managed to recover on US dollar weakness as the Asian session was about to close. The pair was last trading at 0.7353.

Apart this week's impact from politics, sterling could move significantly following the release of June consumer inflation later in the day. The second round of negotiations around the UK's exit from the EU has started yesterday and will last till Thursday. The pound was under some pressure against the US dollar yesterday, but remained above the 1.30 level for most of today's trading.

Oil prices tumbled during the Asian session, following a drop during late Monday trading, as expectations for a monthly rise in U.S. shale-oil production helped to push prices back. WTI was last trading at $45.88 a barrel and Brent was at $48.32.

Gold prices continued gaining supported by dollar weakness. The precious metal has been trending upwards for the past three days and was last trading at $1,237.01 an ounce.

GBPUSD Bullish, Eyes 10-Month High

GBPUSD closed higher in the preceding three out of four trading days. During Friday’s trading, it advanced by a hefty 1.3%, reaching a ten-month high of 1.3113 along the way.

Technical indicators including the MACD and RSI are painting a bullish picture for the pair. In particular, the MACD is positive as well as above the red signal line. The RSI indicator is in bullish territory at 64 and keeps heading higher, indicating the existence of positive momentum in the near-term.

Should the price edge higher, the area around Friday’s high of 1.3113 could pose a barrier to further advances. Notice that the price is currently close to this level. A successful break above would divert attention to the area around 1.32, a potential psychological mark that might act as resistance.

If the price declines, the area around the 1.30 handle, which was of significance in the recent past, could provide support. Should it be violated, the area around the current level of the 50-day moving average (MA) at 1.2880 would be eyed next.

Regarding the medium-term picture, the pair has been in an overall uptrend since the start of the year. This supports the positive medium-term signal given by the bullish cross that was formed during May when the 50-day MA moved above the 200-day one. Additional supportive evidence for the bullish outlook comes from the price recently crossing above both the 50- and 200-day MAs.

To sum up, both the short- and medium-term are looking bullish at the moment.

Forex Technical Analysis: EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD


EUR/USD

Current level - 1.1522

Today's break through 1.1490 resistance confirms the positive bias, for a test of 1.1550, en route to 1.1610 area. Key intraday support lies at 1.1480.

Resistance Support
intraday intraweek intraday intraweek

1.1550

1.1610

1.1480

1.1370

1.1610

1.1720

1.1370

1.1290

USD/JPY

Current level - 112.20

Yesterday's precise test of 112.80 has finalized the consolidation pattern above 112.25 and the downtrend is renewed, towards 110.30 zone. 

Resistance Support
intraday intraweek intraday intraweek

112.80

114.50

111.75

111.75

113.50

115.50

110.30

110.20

GBP/USD

Current level - 1.3093

My outlook here remains bullish, for a continuation of the upmove, through 1.3130 minor resistance, towards 1.3260 zone.

Resistance Support
intraday intraweek intraday intraweek

1.3130

1.3260

1.3030

1.2810

1.3260

1.3500

1.2970

1.2480

EUR/USD Hit New Highs, GBP/USD Targeting New Highs, EUR/CHF Faces Tough Resistance

EUR/USD hit new highs

The currency pair edges higher on the Daily chart targeting new highs, the bulls are very strong as the USD was punished by another USDX’s drop. The dollar index dropped much below the 95.00 psychological level, has found temporary support at 94.71 level, but could drop much deeper in the upcoming hours.

USDX is pressuring a dynamic support and approaches another one, looks unstoppable on the short term.

The Euro-zone is to release the German ZEW Economic Sentiment, which will increase from 18.6 to 17.8 points, while the ZEW Economic Sentiment could drop from 37.7 to 37.2 points.

Price rallied and managed to jump above the 1.1466 major static resistance and above the median line (ml) of the ascending pitchfork, signalling that the bulls are in full control. The breakout invalidated the Rising Wedge pattern and a potential leg lower.

Is expected to increase further in the upcoming period, the next major upside target will be at the 1.1615 swig high and the next at 1.1712. Is trading inside of a long term resistance area right now, but maintains a bullish perspective as the USDX is demolished by the fundamental factors.

GBP/USD targeting new highs

GBP/USD is trading in the green on the short term and looks determined to reach new peaks in the upcoming period. Is trading within an ascending channel and should approach and reach the upside line of this pattern in the upcoming days.

Price jumped above the 150% Fibonacci line (ascending dotted line) and is expected to climb towards the upside line of the ascending channel. Technically should take out the minor resistance from 1.3112 previous high.

Could be attracted by the lower median line (lml) of the minor ascending pitchfork, the bullish movement was expected after the failure to reach and retest the warning line (wl1) and the 1.2798 static support.

We may have some volatility in the upcoming hours as the UK is to release high impact data, the CPI could increase by 2.9% in June, matching the 2.9% growth in May, the RPI may increase by 3.6%, while the PPI Input could drop by 0.8%. Moreover the Core CPI could increase by 2.6% in July, the HPI by 3.0% and the PPI Output by 0.1%.

The BOE Gov Carney will speak at the unveil of the new £10 note, in Hampshire, you should be careful because the fundamental factors will take the lead.

EUR/CHF faces tough resistance

Price continues to trade in the green and is challenging a strong resistance, is located above the 1.1050 psychological level and maintains a bullish perspective.

Is still trying to take out the major resistance from the upper median line (UML) of the ascending pitchfork and from the median line (ml) of the minor ascending pitchfork. The outlook is bullish as long as is trading within the ascending pitchfork’s body.

US Administration Agenda Falters

Fading support for President Trump is weighing on USD, as the US administration is finding it difficult to get enough backers in the Senate to pass the healthcare reform bill, raising questions about how the rest of its ambitious agenda would fare. USD was also weakened by the fading likelihood of US interest rates rising in the near term, the likelihood of a rate hike in December has fallen below 50%. The minutes from the July Reserve Bank of Australia meeting showed the RBA remains focused on keeping its monetary policy easy to suit domestic conditions and that data on labor and the housing market will continue to be closely watched. The RBA commented that strength in the jobs market removed some downside risks in wage forecasts, while signaling it isn't ready to join global Central Banks in reducing policy stimulus. Such comments suggest the likelihood of a hike in AUD interest rates is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

EURUSD bounced from a low of 1.14345 on Monday to reach a high of 1.14742 on the day, as data released showed Eurozone final CPI data for June was in-line with expectations. Overnight EURUSD has broken the 'psychological' 1.15 level to reach a high of 1.15375 – a level not seen since April 2016. Currently, EURUSD is trading around 1.1530.

With the Marine Day holiday in Japan on Monday, the market was relatively for USDJPY which traded in a tight range of 112.34 to 112.769. Overnight USD weakness has seen USDJPY trade as low as 111.983. Currently, USDJPY is trading around 112.10.

GBPUSD retraced slightly after hitting 10 months' highs last week. Much uncertainty remains as the UK began 'round 2' of Brexit discussions in Brussels on Monday. It is likely any information coming out of these discussions will impact GBP. Currently, GBPUSD is trading around 1.3105.

Following the release of the Reserve Bank of Australia minutes of its July 4th meeting, AUDUSD climbed to trade as high as 0.7908 in early trading. AUDUSD is currently trading near the day's highs.

Oil backed off from highs set in early Monday trading of $47.03pb to trade slightly lower to $46.45 on the day. Oil has stayed relatively strong of late, as the markets note that fewer drilling rigs were added in the US, which has helped ease concerns that rising US shale supplies will undermine OPEC production cuts. A further sign of strong demand came from data released on Monday showing refineries in China increased crude throughput in June to the 2nd highest on record. OPEC hopes higher demand in the 2nd half of 2017 will get rid of excess inventory. Currently, WTI is little changed trading around $46.25pb.

Gold continued its recent upward trend also benefitting from USD weakness. A rise of 0.4% on the day saw Gold reach a high of $1,235.27 on Monday and the trend has continued into Tuesday with Gold trading as high as $1,238.71. Currently, it is trading around $1,238.

At 09:30 BST, UK Consumer Price Index (YoY) (Jun) data will be released. The markets are expecting the rate to remain at 2.9%. A reading higher than 2.9% may result in the Bank of England accelerating the schedule for further rises in UK interest rates.

At 14:30 BST Bank of England Governor Mark Carney is scheduled to deliver a speech. The content of his speeches will give the markets an indication of the state of the UK economy and many will be looking at the tone to determine when further interest rate hikes are likely to happen.

Currencies: EUR/USD Jumps North Of 1.15 Resistance


Sunrise Market Commentary

  • Rates: Some risk aversion after Obamacare fiasco
    US Senate Republicans abandoned their effort to dismantle Obamacare because of a lack of support which hurts risk sentiment. Core bonds could trade with a small upward bias. Partly because of US political risk and partly because of Thursday's ECB meeting.
  • Currencies: EUR/USD jumps north of 1.15 resistance
    Overnight, the dollar was hit across the board as the repeal of Obamacare has become highly unlikely in the near future. EUR/USD cleared the 1.15 barrier. USD/JPY dropped to the 112 area. Today's eco data will only be of second tier importance. The technical picture for the dollar is worsening further.

The Sunrise Headlines

  • American trading was fairly uneventful and thus flat yesterday. On dollar weakness overnight, Asian stocks began declining, but later on recovered some of the losses.
  • New Zealand's CPI fell to 1.7% Y/Y in Q2 from 2.2% in Q1. The RBNZ had projected inflation to be 2.1% (consensus 1.9%), and didn't expect a drop to 1.7% until Q4. The main reason for the undershooting is the oil price decline.
  • The meeting minutes of the Australian central bank were positive on the economy overall and included a statement that the neutral interest rate has declined to around 3.5%, about 2 percentage points above the current level.
  • Home prices surged in China's smaller cities while property values declined in Beijing and Shanghai in June. Restrictions in bigger cities are spurring buying in smaller ones, underscoring the challenge China faces to cool asset bubbles.
  • Two more Republican senators have decided not to vote in favour of the new American health care plan, effectively killing the legislation in its current form.
  • There is not a lot on the eco-calendar. UK CPI data will likely attract the most attention. On the other side of the channel, the German and EMU ZEW survey is on the agenda as is the ECB Bank Lending Survey.

Currencies: EUR/USD Jumps North Of 1.15 Resistance

EUR/USD clears 1.1489/1.15 resistance

On Monday, the dollar remained on the defensive after recent soft US price data, but the moves were modest as there was no high profile news. EUR/USD settled close to the recent top, but there was no trigger for a test. USD/JPY even tried a cautious intraday rebound but closed the session little changed at 112.63.

Overnight, the dollar came under broad pressure as divisions within the US Republicans make a repeal of Obamacare unlikely. This failure is reinforcing investor doubts on the ability of the Trump administration to execute profound reforms. EUR/USD jumped from 1.1480 to the 1.1538 area. USD/JPY dropped to the low 112 area. This uncertainty also weighs on Asian equities. The Aussie dollar outperforms on overall dollar weakness. In the minutes of the July meeting, the RBA didn't give concrete hints that it will raise rates soon. However, the bank is positive on the economy and the labour market and sees the neutral policy rate at 3.5%. AUD/USD jumped a full big figure and trades in the 0.79 area, the highest level in more than two years. The Kiwi dollar initially nosedived on lower than expected inflation, but rebounded on the overall USD-decline. NZD/USD trades around 0.7340.

Today, the eco calendar is modestly interesting. German ZEW investor confidence is expected little changed (88.0). In the US, import prices are expected to soften further. The NAHB housing index is expected unchanged at 67. Usually, these data are no markets movers. However, given the current negative USD momentum, a negative surprise might still cause some further repositioning away from the dollar.

The dollar remained in the defensive of late. Mediocre US wage growth, Yellen's focus on the recent setback in inflation and soft eco data made markets questioning the pace of future Fed normalisation and weighed on the USD. Initially, EUR/USD didn't retest the 1.1489/1.15 resistance, but this area was broken this morning. The move is clearly USD weakness rather than anything else. Thursday's ECB policy decision is an additional factor of uncertainty. We don't expect the ECB president to make a big announcement on policy normalisation. However, this is no guaranty for the EUR/USD rebound to halt. In a longer term perspective, the market discounts very little Fed policy normalisation. At some point this might lend the dollar support. However, in a day-to-day perspective, there is no reason to try to catch the falling USD.

USD: technical picture worsens further

End June, EUR/USD rebounded above the 1.1300/66 resistance. The payrolls and other recent data were not good enough to trigger a sustained USD rebound. Today, EUR/USD broke beyond the 1.1489/1.15 resistance. This break opens the door to the LT-correction tops at 1.1616/1.1714. A break would end the long consolidation that followed the sharp decline of EUR/USD in 2014/early 2015. Such a key area is not easy to break. We don't preposition for a break, but the pressure is mounting. Return action, below 1.13 would be a first indication of a loss in upside momentum. EUR/USD 1.1119/10 is the next important support.

The USD/JPY rally ran into resistance in early May and the pair returned lower in the 108.13/114.37 range. The post-Fed USD rebound pushed the pair above the 112.13 correction top, but follow-through gains remain modest. USD/JPY 114.37 resistance was tested, but for now the test is rejected. This at least suggests a pause in the recent USD/JPY uptrend. We stay cautious on USD/JPY long positions despite the recent decent performance.

EUR/USD clears 1.15 mark as dollar tumbles on expectations that repeal of Obamacare will fail

EUR/GBP

UK inflation key for sterling trading

Yesterday, last week's sterling rebound slowed and the UK currency even fell prey to a modest reversal. There was no high profile story. Many headlines about discord within the UK government going into the next round of Brexit negotiations might have caused some sterling caution. Cable dropped off the correction top north of 1.31 and closed the session at 1.3055. EUR/GBP profited from sterling softness and EUR/USD strength and closed the session at 0.8793.

Overnight, the USD decline also affects cable and EUR/USD. The latter rebounded north of 0.88. Cable returned to the 1.31 area. Later today, the focus for sterling trading will turn to the UK inflation. Headline and core CPI are both expected unchanged at respectively 2.9% Y/Y and 2.6% Y/Y. Of late, the BoE sent quite some conflicting signals whether a rate hike could be needed in the near future. Headline inflation rising to 3.0% or more will reactivate this debate. However, we expect any support for sterling to remain modest and temporary. The BOE isn't at the eve of a protracted rate hike cycle.

From a technical point of view, EUR/GBP recently set a minor top north of 0.8854/66 resistance (2017 top) and temporary broke above the 0.89 barrier but the move finally fell prey to profit taking (sterling short squeeze). A break below 0.8720 would suggest that upside momentum is easing. For now, we still see a sterling rebound as technical in nature and don't expect it to last very long. We still look to buy EUR/GBP on more pronounced dips.

EUR/GBP topside test rejected, for now

Download entire Sunrise Market Commentary

The Greenback Tumbles On U.S. Healthcare Bill Collapse, Eyes On U.K. Inflation

U.S. political turmoil took center stage once again on Tuesday after two Republican senators, Mike Lee and Jerry Morgan, announced their opposition to replacing Obamacare. This suggested that the Better Care Reconciliation Act is dead for now. The news sent the Euro above 1.15 and USDJPY below 112, while U.S. Treasury bonds and S&P 500 futures dipped lower.

It seems markets are losing confidence that President Trump will be able to deliver on his promised plans. Six months in office and with no major legislation signed into law, it seems that the “The Art of the Deal” hasn’t worked so far in U.S. politics. With tax reforms now likely to face huge uncertainties and economic data signaling slowing economy, it will only be a matter of time before U.S. corporate earnings take a U-turn, thus ending the equities rally.

The Aussie was the best performing currency early Tuesday, hitting a two-year high against the dollar after minutes from Australia’s central bank noted an improvement in the economic outlook. Although the minutes did not suggest an imminent rate hike, the positive assessment of the economy and the surge in iron ore and copper prices drove spreads between Australian and U.S. 10-year government bond rates to their highest levels since December 2016. The next major resistance is seen around 0.80, but this would require continued deterioration in the U.S. dollar and fresh positive economic releases to break above.

The pound is also benefiting from the weak dollar but whether we see new highs today depends on inflation data for June. The recent hawkish remarks from monetary policy makers and the shift in Mark Carney’s language will draw special attention to these figures. I think the magical number today is 3. If headline inflation hits 3% or above, this will indicate a high chance of hiking rates when the BoE meets in August. However, if the numbers pull back, this would ease pressure on the central bank and traders will turn their attention to the Brexit talks.

Market Update – Asian Session: RBA Minutes Spike The Aussie, While Dollar Weakens On Continued Healthcare Delays

Markets were broadly weaker today, US Republican Senators Moran and Lee say to vote NO on Senate Healthcare bill, this latest opposition to the measure signals that the Republicans might not be able to pass the revised healthcare bill. The White House called for Congress to continue to work on health bill, as inaction is not an option. EUR/USD rose to 1.1537, attributed to how lack of a health care deal could delay Congress’ next action on the debt ceiling.

RBA meeting minutes showed that the board spent some time discussion the neutral interest rate, noting that it equated to a neutral nominal cash rate of around 3.5%. It also argued that estimates of the neutral real rate suggested that monetary policy had been clearly expansionary for the preceding five years or so. Also noted that recent Govt budgets suggest fiscal policy will be more expansionary in 2017/18 than had previously been expected. Infrastructure investment was expected to have significant positive spillovers to other parts of the economy. Also see some probability of an increase in the cash rate by mid-2018. AUD/USD rose to 0.7887 on the more hawkish view.

Rio Tinto reported its Q2 production data, coming in slightly lower y/y and lower than expected, also cut FY17global iron ore shipments by ~20Mt to 330Mt. Coal guidance also was cut after Cyclone Debbie closed down production for many of the miners. In China property prices rose in June for all 70 cities y/y. New home prices fell in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen m/m but all rose y/y.

Key economic data

(NZ) NEW ZEALAND Q2 CPI Q/Q: 0.0% V 0.2%E; Y/Y: 1.7% V 1.9%E

(CN) CHINA JUN PROPERTY PRICES M/M: RISE IN 60 OUT OF 70 CITIES VS 56 PRIOR; Y/Y: RISE IN 70 OUT OF 70 CITIES V 69 PRIOR

(AU) Australia ANZ Roy Morgan Weekly Consumer Confidence Index: 112.5 v 113.0 prior

(AU) AUSTRALIA JUN NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SALES M/M: 1.2% V 2.9% PRIOR; Y/Y: 3.6% V 4.9% PRIOR

(NZ) New Zealand RBNZ Q2 Sectoral Factor Model Inflation Index y/y: 1.4% v 1.5% prior (1st slowdown since Q3 2015)

(NZ) New Zealand Q1 CoreLogic House Price Index y/y: 10.2% v 13.9% prior

Speakers and Press

China

(CN) China's State Planner (NDRC) to allow 200M tons of new coal capacity to be launched in 2017, to keep coal prices in a reasonable range

(CN) China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Yan: Companies should be prudent in their outbound investment decisions

(CN) China PBOC affirms monetary policy to be prudent and neutral; to strengthen macro-prudential management and counter cycle adjustments

Australia/New Zealand

(AU) Australia ACCC releases report on private health insurer; Continues to focus on consumer issues in private health insurance as one of its priority areas in the 2017 Compliance and Enforcement policy

Korea

(KR) According to Barclay's South Korea's hourly minimum wage hike may push up inflation expectations, which could potentially bring forward any decision by the Bank of Korea to raise the policy interest rate

Japan

(JP) Bank of Japan (BOJ) bond buying said to raise concerns among some officials

(JP) Japan Fin Min Aso: No change to FY20 primary balance surplus goal

Asian Equity Indices/Futures (00:30ET)

Nikkei -0.5%, Hang Seng -0.1%, Shanghai Composite -0.6%, ASX200 -1.2%, Kospi -0.1%

Equity Futures: S&P500 -0.1%; Nasdaq -0.1%, Dax -0.2%, FTSE100 -0.3%

FX ranges/Commodities/Fixed Income (00:30ET)

EUR 1.1538-1.1472; JPY 112.66-111.99; AUD 0.7904-0.7787; NZD 0.7347-0.7263

Aug Gold +0.3% at 1,236/oz; Aug Crude Oil +0.2% at $46.09/brl; Sept Copper +0.04% at $2.73/lb

(AU) Australia sells A$150M in indexed bonds, avg yield 1.1158%, bid to cover 3.57x

(CN) China PBoC OMO: injects CNY200B in 7 and 14 day reverse repos v CNY170B prior

USD/CNY (CN) PBOC SETS YUAN REFERENCE RATE AT 6.7611 V 6.7562 PRIOR

(NZ) New Zealand sells NZ$100M in 3-month bills; avg yield 1.785%

Equities notable movers

Australia

Village Roadshow, VRL.AU Guides FY17 Adj Net profit A$20-23M v A$24Me; Expects to record Wet'n'Wild impairment A$65M pre-tax; Narrows lower FY17 theme park adj EBITDA A$55M (prior A$55-65M); -0.5%

Rio Tinto, RIO.AU Reports Q2 global iron ore production 79.8Mt v 85.30Mt y/y; Shipments 77.7Mt v 81.8Mte; -1.5%

Hong Kong/China

Sunac China Holdings, 1918.HK Domestic banks are said to be reviewing its credit risk following a deal to buy assets from Dalian Wanda Group; -10.4%

South Korea

Hanssem, 009240.KR Reports Q2 (KRW) Op 33.7B v 30.6B y/y; Rev 481.8B v 434.9B y/y; -7.1%

Japan

Toshiba Corp, 6502.JPJudge delays ruling on Western Digital’s attempt to block chip unit sale, new target of closing sale of chip unit by end of March; +8.3%

US markets on close: Dow -0.04%, S&P500 0.0%, Nasdaq +0.03%, Russell +0.2%

Best Sector in S&P500: Utilities

Worst Sector in S&P500: Healthcare

Biggest gainers: FCX +3.2%; M 3.1%; KSS +2.7%

Biggest losers: CCI -4.2%; BLK -3.1%; SIG -2.2%

At the close: VIX 9.82 (+0.31pts); Treasuries: 2-yr 1.36% (+0.3%), 10-yr 2.31% (-0.2%), 30-yr 2.90% (-0.3%)

US Market Summary

Stocks closed mostly flat on the day while investors appeared to be on the sidelines as the market awaits the starting pistol of earnings season. Volume was on the low side, 23% and 19% below the 3-month average for the NYSE and Nasdaq respectively. Best performing sectors in the S&P were utilities, gaining 0.4%, with Real Estate and Consumer Discretionary both rising 0.2%.

(US) Treasury markets were choppy today, finally giving way to a rally in prices as yields fell. 10-year yield dropped 2 bps on the day to 2.31%, and 30-year yield lost as much as 4 bps at one point before closing higher at 2.90%. 10s30s spread widens to 59 bps.

US Afterhours Movers

NFLX Reports Q2 $0.15 v $0.16e, Rev $2.78B v $2.76Be; Guides Q3 $0.32 v $0.22e, total Rev $3.0B v $2.88B, total streaming Rev $2.9B, domestic streaming Rev $1.6B, international streaming Rev $1.3B; net operating margin 6.9%; Guides Q3 total streaming net adds 4.4M, domestic streaming net adds 0.8M, international streaming net adds 3.7M; +10.7% afterhours

PBYI FDA grants approval for Nerlynx for the extended adjuvant treatment of early-stage, HER2-positive breast cancer; +7.4%