The American Currency Is Growing Relative to the Majors

The US dollar strengthened against the major currencies after the publication of quite optimistic economic reports. The US dollar index (#DX) closed in the positive zone (+0.50%). In February, the import price index increased by 0.4%, which is higher than the forecast value at the level of 0.3%. However, the index of manufacturing activity from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia was slightly worse than market expectations and counted to 22.3. Over the past week, the number of initial jobless claims fell to 226 thousand.

Today, the data on the new housing starts, and the number of issued building permits, as well as the consumer sentiment index of the University of Michigan will be published in the US. However, they are unlikely to affect the US currency, as investors took a wait-and-see position before the Fed meeting, which will begin on March 20. As expected, the regulator will raise interest rates for the first time this year.

At the moment, the "black gold" prices are consolidating. Futures for the WTI crude oil are being traded near the mark of $61.25 per barrel.

Market Indicators

Yesterday, there was a variety of trends in the US stock market: #SPY (-0.11%), #DIA (+0.45%), #QQQ (-0.09%).

At the moment, the 10-year US government bonds yield is at the level of 2.81-2.82%.

- Inflation data in the Eurozone at 12:00 (GMT+2:00);
- A number of statistics on the real estate market in the US at 14:30 (GMT+2:00).

by JustMarkets, 2018.03.16

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.