Major US stock indices showed a slight increase, as investors refrained from major deals before the announcement of the results of the meeting of the Federal Reserve.
At the upcoming meeting, with a high degree of probability, we can expect the rates to remain unchanged. However, the markets will be more interested in the announcement of the Fed on the beginning of the process of normalizing its balance sheet, which representatives of the regulator have been saying for several months. In addition, the market will focus on how Yellen assesses recent inflation rates, which can give a clue about the timing of further increases in the Fed's rates.
A certain influence on the dynamics of trading was provided by the US. As it became known, the general prices for foreign goods sent to the US, recovered in August, which was partly fueled by higher fuel prices. Import prices in August rose by 0.6% compared with the previous month, after a decline in the previous three months, the Ministry of Labor said on Tuesday. Economists had expected growth of 0.3% of import prices last month. Data on import prices are not adjusted for seasonality. The Ministry of Labor noted that the hurricane Harvey did not affect the collection of data on import prices for August. In addition, the current account deficit in the US, the indicator of trade and financial flows with foreign countries, in the second quarter increased to $ 123.14 billion, the Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday. Economists predicted a deficit of $ 115.0 billion. An increase of $ 9.6 billion compared to the first quarter reflected an increase in the deficit of secondary income, a reduction in the surplus of primary incomes and an increase in the deficit of goods and services.
Meanwhile, the construction of new houses in August fell slightly, but growing permits indicate an increase in construction in the coming months, especially for single-family homes. The laying of new homes fell by 0.8% to an annual rate of 1.18 million from a revised 1.19 million units in July, the Commerce Ministry reported. This was in line with the consensus forecast of economists.
Most components of the DOW index recorded a rise (19 out of 30). Leader of growth were shares of Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ, + 2.48%). Outsider were shares UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH, -1.86%).
Most sectors of the S & P index showed an increase. The financial sector grew most (+ 0.5%). The health sector showed the greatest decline (-0.6%).
At closing:
DJIA + 0.19% 22.372.91 +41.56
Nasdaq + 0.10% 6.461.32 +6.68
S & P + 0.11% 2.506.71 + 2.84