• The main US stock indexes finished trading almost unchanged

Market news

21 August 2017

The main US stock indexes finished trading almost unchanged

US stock indexes finished trading almost unchanged as a significant drop in quotations conglomerates sector was offset by growth in the utilities sector and the service sector. In addition, the focus of the market was on statistics on the US and news about the beginning of joint military exercises of the United States and South Korea.

The economic activity index from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (CFNAI) dropped to -0.01 in July from 0.16 in June. Three of the four broad categories of indicators that make up the index have declined since June. Three of the four categories made a negative contribution to the index in July. The contribution from production-related indicators in CFNAI declined to -0.02 in July from +0.03 in June. The employment-related figures contributed +0.09 to CFNAI in July, compared to +0.13 in June. Employment in the non-agricultural sector increased by 209,000 in July after rising by 231,000 in June. The contribution of personal consumption and housing to the CFNAI rose to -0.06 in July from -0.07 in June

Meanwhile, investors are cautious ahead of economic symposium in Jackson Hole, which will take place from Thursday to Saturday. At this symposium will include representatives of the world's central banks, including the Fed Chairman Janet Yellen and ECB President Mario Draghi. Investors will closely monitor new information about the central banks' plans for monetary policy.

Components of the DOW index finished the trades mixed (16 in positive territory, 14 in negative territory). The growth leader was the shares of The Home Depot, Inc. (HD, + 1.33%). Outsider were the shares of NIKE, Inc. (NKE, -2.46%).

Most sectors of the S & P index recorded a fall. The largest decrease was shown by the sector of conglomerates (-1.0%). The service sector grew the most (+ 0.4%).

At closing:

DJIA + 0.13% 21.703.28 +28.77

Nasdaq -0.05% 6.213.13 -3.40

S & P + 0.11% 2.428.33 + 2.78

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