The main US stock indexes slightly decreased, as investors are skeptical of the Republicans' efforts to adopt a tax reform.

Meanwhile, some support for the indices was provided by data on the US housing market. The Ministry of Trade reported that in October the number of new foundations had increased by 13.7% to a seasonally adjusted level of 1.29 million units. The September valuation was revised to 1.135 million units. Economists were expecting 1.18 million units. Permits for construction grew by 5.9% to 1.3 million units. A large double-digit increase occurred in both the South and the Midwest, some of which were associated with the recovery from hurricanes. On a percentage basis, the Northeast was in fact the largest engine, an increase of 42%, but this is the smallest region in terms of activity. The laying of new foundations for one family increased by 5.3%, while the laying of new foundations for five or more units jumped by 37.4%.

Oil prices jumped by more than 2%, but the current week still ended with losses due to fears of excess supply, as signs of increased production in the US were compounded by doubts that Russia would support the extension of OPEC's deal to limit production.

Most components of the DOW index finished trading in the red (20 of 30). Leader of the growth were shares of NIKE, Inc. (NKE, + 3.20%). Outsider were shares of Intel Corporation (INTC, -2.02%).

Most sectors of the S & P recorded a fall. The utilities sector showed the greatest decrease (-0.5%). The conglomerate sector grew most (+ 0.7%).

At closing:

Dow -0.43% 23,358.10 -100.26

Nasdaq -0.15% 6,782.79 -10.50

S & P-0.26% 2.578.84 -6.80

U.S. stock-index futures were flat on Friday, a day after solid gains, bolstered by strong earnings and progress on U.S. tax cuts.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei 22,396.80 +45.68 +0.20%

Hang Seng 29,199.04 +180.28 +0.62%

Shanghai 3,382.34 -16.91 -0.50%

S&P/ASX 5,957.25 +13.74 +0.23%

FTSE 7,388.39 +1.45 +0.02%

CAC 5,335.65 -0.74 -0.01%

DAX 13,055.99 +8.77 +0.07%

Crude $56.09 (+1.72%)

Gold $1,283.90 (+0.45%)

Uk100 has been following a downside trend which we can see on 4-hour time frame chart, however, the price is in a crucial zone to decide the next movement.

As we can see, this last 4hour candle tried to break the downside trend but without success.

On the other hand, we have a relatively important level of support which the price has shown some difficulties in breaking down.

Therefore, we can expect a bearish movement once this support level is broken.

But if the price continues to reject the support level, it is also expected to see a slight correction of previous bearish movement.

(company / ticker / price / change ($/%) / volume)

Wal-Mart (WMT) target raised to $92 from $83 at RBC Capital Mkts

Wal-Mart (WMT) target raised to $108 from $96 at Telsey Advisory Group

European stocks broke their longest losing run in a year on Thursday, with major regional indexes rebounding after well-received corporate updates. Investors also cheered a rise in shares of car makers after the release of encouraging EU sales figures.

U.S. stocks closed higher Thursday, with earnings-inspired gains by Cisco and Wal-Mart helping to set the pace, while House passage of a Republican-sponsored tax cut plan helped cement the rally.

The global stock rebound continued Friday in Asia, with equities working to erase declines from earlier in the week. Japan again led the way. The Nikkei NIK, +0.24% jumped 1.5%, putting it into positive territory for the week. It hasn't had a down week since early September and if it does notch a 10th straight weekly advance today, that would be the longest winning streak since January 2013.