It should be noted that nearing the end of the week, indices passed into a condition of consolidation and closed the trading session on Thursday near to opening levels.
During the day, European stock indices were moving in different directions. As a result, the index of the London stock exchange lost 0,26%, the French CAC 40 decreased by 0,14% and the German DAX added just 0,03%. This morning, indices opened the trading session in the green zone. The FTSE 100 adds 0,52%, the German DAX is growing by 0,78%, and the French CAC 40 is increasing by 0,35%. The SMI index is also increasing by 0,45%.
Among the published macroeconomic statistical data, investors were pleased with the numbers of the retail sales in Great Britain, which in February grew by 3,7% in annual expression, where a growth by only 2,5% was expected. In monthly expression the indicator grew by 1,7%, whereas the market expected an increase of only 0,5%. This morning, data on yearly and monthly GDP of Great Britain was presented, which coincided with the predictions of the experts, and made 2,7% and 0,7% accordingly.
In turn, the American market finished the trading session with a fall. The Dow Jones Industrial Average index lost 0,03% and was closed on a level of 16264,23 points, the index of the wide market, S&P 500, decreased by 0,61% and reached a level of 1849,04 points, and the index of the hi-tech companies, Nasdaq, fell by 0,54% to the level of 4151,23 points.
Published macroeconomic statistical data was rather positive, but was not enough to inspire investors. GDP for the 4th quarter was reconsidered towards an increase from 2,4% up to 2,6%, and primary requests for unemployment benefits for the last week were decreased to 311 thousand from the reconsidered 321 thousand. Analysts expected the number to be on the level of 325 thousand.
Prices of commodities are adding in value this morning. Brent is traded on a price of $108,01 per barrel and is adding 0,16%. WTI is up for 0,26% bargaining next to the level of $101,54 per barrel. Gold and silver are increasing by 0,10% and 0,59% accordingly, traded on prices of $1296,00 and $19,82 per troy ounce.
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