Major stock indexes on Wall Street rose on Thursday, and Nasdaq Composite touched a three-week high against the background of the good results of the quarterly reports from companies such as Citigroup (C), eBay (EBAY) and Netflix (NFLX). Netflix grew by 17.94% to a record high of $ 115.73, a day after the company reported that nearly a third added more subscribers than expected in the second quarter.

Investor sentiment also improved after the Greek Parliament voted in favor of the austerity measures.

As it became known today, the number of Americans who first applied for unemployment benefits fell for the first time in three weeks. This is a sign of a healthy labor market. Primary applications for unemployment benefits, the gauge of layoffs, fell by 15,000 and reached a seasonally adjusted 281,000 in the week ended July 11, the Labor Department said Thursday. Economists expected 285,000 initial claims.

In addition, a report Philadelphia Fed in July business activity index worsened significantly, thus reaching the level of 5.7 points compared to 15.2 points in June. It is worth noting that many economists had expected a decline of this indicator to the level of 12.0 points.

At the same time, self-builders in the market of newly built, single-family homes in July reached a level of 60, showed housing market index (HMI) of the National Association of Home Builders / Wells Fargo, published today. At the same time, the June reading was revised higher by one point to 60. Last time HMI reached this level in November 2005.

Most components of the index DOW closed in positive territory (25 of 30). Outsider were shares McDonald's Corp. (MCD, -1.17%). Most remaining shares rose Microsoft Corporation (MSFT, + 1.99%).

All sectors of the index S & P ended the day higher. The largest growth sector proved conglomerates (+ 1.5%).

At the close:

Dow + 0.39% 18,120.25 +70.08

Nasdaq + 1.26% 5,163.18 +64.24

S & P + 0.80% 2,124.29 +16.89

The euro fell against the dollar, approaching to a minimum on May 27 against Draghi's speech at the press conference that followed the decision to leave policy unchanged. Recall, the lending rate was left at 0.05%, deposit rate - at 0.2%. During the press conference after the announcement of the rate decision Draghi said that the ECB is expected to strengthen the euro-zone economic recovery, despite the uncertainty in the financial markets. "GDP growth in the eurozone in the first quarter of 2015 was confirmed at 0.4%, it was supported by private consumption and investment. We expect further expansion of economic recovery of the eurozone in the future" - said Draghi. The head of the ECB noted that the situation in the financial markets, including the factor of uncertainty assessment has not changed the economic recovery in the eurozone. He noted that evidence obtained since the previous meeting in June, largely in line with forecasts. Downside risks to the economic outlook for the euro area as a whole are constrained due to the monetary policy of the ECB, oil prices and the dynamics of the currency market, Draghi said. He added that the full implementation of all the measures of monetary policy will provide the necessary support for economic recovery and sustainable return will cause inflation to the target level of 2% in the medium term.

The Swiss franc depreciated significantly against the dollar, reaching the lowest level since April 28 against the backdrop of a weak report on retail sales in Switzerland and the positive statistics on the US labor market. Recall, the preliminary results from the Federal Statistical Office showed that retail sales in Switzerland declined in May. In real terms, retail sales decreased by 1.8 percent in May compared to the previous year, after falling 0.1 percent in April. It was the fifth consecutive month of decline. Excluding fuel, retail sales fell by 1.6 per cent per annum, as opposed to the 0.4 percent increase in April. On a monthly basis, retail sales were down 1.4 percent in May, reversing an increase of 0.9 percent in April. Sales excluding fuel fell 1.5 percent after increasing 0.7 percent a month ago. In nominal terms, total retail trade turnover decreased by 3.9 percent per annum and by 1.6 percent on a monthly basis.

The yen fell against the US currency, reaching the lowest level since June 24, which was associated with the publication of data on the US labor market, and expectations of Fed Yellen speech. The Labor Department said initial applications for unemployment benefits fell by 15,000 and reached a seasonally adjusted 281,000 in the week ended July 11th. Economists expected 285,000 initial claims. The moving average of four weeks, designed to smooth out weekly changes, rose by 3250 to 282 500. The report on Thursday showed that the 296,000 initial claims were filed in the week ended July 4th, which was revised down from the earlier estimate of 297000. In addition The number of people continuing to receive unemployment benefits fell by 112,000 to 2.215 million in the week ended July 4th. Repeated applications communicate with one week delay.

Major U.S. stock-indexes rose sharply on Thursday, with the Nasdaq composite touching a three-week high, as bellwether companies such as Citigroup (C), eBay (EBAY) and Netflix (NFLX) reported strong results. Netflix rose as much as 16.6% to a record high of $114.45, a day after the company added nearly a third more subscribers than expected in the second quarter. Investor confidence was also bolstered after the Greek parliament voted in favor of austerity measures to reopen talks for a third bailout.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (22 of 30). Top looser - The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS, -1.26%). Top gainer - E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DD, +1.53).

All S&P index sectors in positive area. Top gainer - Utilities (+0.9%).

At the moment:

Dow 18020.00 +28.00 +0.16%

S&P 500 2115.50 +11.25 +0.53%

Nasdaq 100 4575.00 +38.50 +0.85%

10 Year yield 2,34% -0,01

Oil 51.18 -0.23 -0.45%

Gold 1143.20 -4.20 -0.37%

Polish equity market continued its upward trajectory on Thursday. The broad market measure, the WIG Index, added 1.56%. All sectors, but for oil and gas industry (-0.41%), did well with telecommunication stocks (+5.70%) outperforming.

The large-cap companies' measure, the WIG30 Index, recorded a 1.73% growth. Almost all index components generated positive returns. The exception were BOGDANKA (WSE: LWB), PGNIG (WSE: PGN), GTC (WSE: GTC) and PKN ORLEN (WSE: PKN), declining 0.54%-1.45%. On the other side of the ledger, ORANGE POLSKA (WSE: OPL) became the biggest gainer with a 7.43% advance, followed by PGE (WSE: PGE) and SYNTHOS (WSE: SNS), which quotations went up by 4.28% and 4.20% respectively.

Stock indices closed higher as the European Central Bank (ECB) raised the amount of emergency funding (ELA) to Greek banks by €900 million for one week. The amount the Greek central bank can lend its banks totals around €89.5 billion.

The Greek parliament has approved reforms demanded by Greece's creditors in return for the third bailout programme on Wednesday.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Thursday that European Union finance ministers agreed to provide a €7 billion bridge loan to Greece until the third Greek bailout programme will be set up. The bridge loan would come from the European Financial Stabilization Mechanism.

Greece could use the bridge loan to repay ECB and IMF loans.

Meanwhile, the economic data from the Eurozone showed some weakness. Eurozone's final consumer price index was flat in June, in line with the previous estimate, after a 0.2% increase in May.

On a yearly basis, Eurozone's final consumer price inflation fell to 0.2% in June from 0.3% in May, in line with the previous estimate.

Eurozone's consumer price inflation excluding food, energy, alcohol and tobacco declined to an annual rate of 0.8% in June from 0.9% in May, in line with the previous estimate.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,796.45 +42.70 +0.63 %

DAX 11,716.76 +177.10 +1.53 %

CAC 40 5,121.5 +74.26 +1.47 %

Oil prices traded mixed. Brent crude oil rose after a power outage shut production at Buzzard, the UK's largest oilfield, and as expiration of the August contract is approaching.

Buzzard oilfield normally pumps 170,000 to 180,000 barrels per day.

WTI crude oil declines as crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, increased last week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its crude oil inventories data on Wednesday. U.S. crude inventories fell by 4.346 million barrels to 461.4 million in the week to July 10.

Crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, increased by 438,000 barrels to 57.1 million barrels.

The results of the Greek parliament's vote supported oil prices. The Greek parliament has approved reforms demanded by Greece's creditors in return for the third bailout programme on Wednesday. 32 Syriza members, including former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, voted against new reforms.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Thursday that European Union finance ministers agreed to provide a €7 billion bridge loan to Greece until the third Greek bailout programme will be set up. The bridge loan would come from the European Financial Stabilization Mechanism.

Greece could use the bridge loan to repay ECB and IMF loans.

WTI crude oil for August delivery decreased to $51.50 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Brent crude oil for August rose to $57.87 a barrel on ICE Futures Europe.

Gold price declined on a stronger U.S. dollar. The greenback rose on comments by the Fed Chair Janet Yellen. She testified for a second day before the Senate Banking Committee. Yellen repeated that she expects the U.S. economy to strengthen in the rest of the year, and that the Fed could raise its interest rate "at some point this year".

Increase in European stock markets also weighed on gold price. European stock markets rose as the Greek parliament has approved reforms demanded by Greece's creditors in return for the third bailout programme on Wednesday.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Thursday that European Union finance ministers agreed to provide a €7 billion bridge loan to Greece until the third Greek bailout programme will be set up. The bridge loan would come from the European Financial Stabilization Mechanism.

Greece could use the bridge loan to repay ECB and IMF loans.

August futures for gold on the COMEX today declined to 1143.10 dollars per ounce.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its employment rate for the first quarter on Thursday. The employment rate in the OECD area increased to 66.1% in the first quarter from 65.9% in the fourth quarter.

The employment rate in the Eurozone was up 0.2% to 64.2% in the first quarter, the employment rate in the United Kingdom rose by 0.4% to 72.6%, while the rate in the United States climbed 0.1% to 68.6%.

According to a senior banker, Greek banks will reopen on Monday.

Greek banks have been closed since June 29.

The European Central Bank (ECB) raised the amount of emergency funding (ELA) to Greek banks by €900 million for one week.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Thursday that European Union finance ministers agreed to provide a €7 billion bridge loan to Greece until the third Greek bailout programme will be set up. The bridge loan would come from the European Financial Stabilization Mechanism.

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank released its manufacturing index on Thursday. The index dropped to 5.7 in July from 15.2 in June, missing expectations for a decline to 12.0.

A reading above zero indicates expansion.

The decline was driven by lower demand for manufactured goods. The new orders index slid to 7.1 in July from 15.2 in June.

The shipments index plunged to 4.4 in July from 14.3 in June.

The prices paid index climbed to 20.2 in July from 17.2 in June, while the prices received index were down to 1.7 from 4.8.

The number of employees index declined to -0.4 in July from 4.8 last month.

According to the report, the future general activity index rose to 41.5 in July from 39.7 in June. It was the highest level since January.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released its housing market index for the U.S. on Thursday. The NAHB housing market index remained unchanged at 60 in July, in line with expectations. It was the highest level since November 2005.

June's figure was revised up from 59.

A level above 50.0 is considered positive, below indicates a negative outlook.

The increase was driven by a rise in two of three components of the index. The current sales conditions subindex rose one point to 66 in June, the subindex measuring sales expectations in the next six months climbed two points to 71, while the buyer traffic subindex was down one point to 43.

"The fact that builder confidence has returned to levels not seen since 2005 shows that housing continues to improve at a steady pace, " the NAHB Chairman Tom Woods said. He added that housing market is expected to continue to recover in the second half of the year.

The NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe noted that the current reading was driven by "stronger sales in both the new and existing home markets" and by continued job growth.

The Italian statistical office Istat released its trade data for Italy on Thursday. Italy' trade surplus rose to a seasonally adjusted €4.27 billion in May from €3.63 billion in April.

Exports climbed 1.5% in May, while imports fell 0.3%.

On a yearly basis, exports climbed 2.0% in May, while imports rose 0.5%.

The trade surplus with the EU was a seasonally adjusted €1.29 billion in May, while the trade surplus with non-EU countries was €2.98 billion.

The European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi said at a press conference on Thursday:

• The central bank will continue its bond-buying programme until September 2016 or until 2% inflation target will be reached;
  
• Quantitative easing continues "to proceed smoothly";
  
• Lower oil prices should support disposable incomes in Europe;
  
• The slowdown in emerging markets weighs on recovery in the Eurozone;
  
• Demand for loans from companies rose;
  
• Governments should implement structural reforms;
  
• The central bank continues to act on the assumption Greece is and will continue to remain in the Eurozone;
  
• Liquidity provision to Greece was never meant to be unlimited and unconditional;
  
• The Eurosystem of central banks' total exposure to Greece is €130 billion;
  
• Greece will repay ECB loans by July 20.
  
  

EUR/USD: $1.0900(E413mn), $1.0925(E342mn), $1.1000(E824mn), $1.1075(E446mn), $1.1100(E1.0bn)

USD/JPY: Y122.00($1.19bn), Y123.00($500mn), Y123.50($722mn), Y124.00($1.35bn)

GBP/USD: $1.5550(Gbp406mn)

USD/CHF: Chf0.9425($285mn)

AUD/USD: $0.7300(A$3.83bn), $0.7400(A$1.8bn), $0.7500(A$6.34bn)

NZD/USD: $0.6750(NZ$207mn)

USD/CAD: C$1.2600($1.1bn), C$1.2750-55($1.3bn), C$1.2800($355mn), C$1.2900($230mn)

The European Central Bank (ECB) raised the amount of emergency funding (ELA) to Greek banks by €900 million over one week on Thursday, the ECB President Mario Draghi said at a press conference.

The amount the Greek central bank can lend its banks totals around €89.5 billion.

U.S. stock-index futures rose as investors weighed corporate earnings and as Greece's approval of austerity measures eased concern of a spillover effect from its crisis.

Nikkei 20,600.12 +136.79 +0.67%

Hang Seng 25,162.78 +107.02 +0.43%

Shanghai Composite 3,824.19 +18.49 +0.49%

FTSE 6,795.82 +42.07 +0.62%

CAC 5,143.58 +96.34 +1.91%

DAX 11,767.63 +227.97 +1.98%

Crude oil $51.66 (+0.54%)

Gold $1143.00 (-0.38%)

Spain's Economy Ministry released its trade data on Thursday. Spain's trade deficit narrowed to €1.65 billion in May from €1.75 billion in April.

Exports climbed at an annual rate of 1.9% in May, while imports rose 1.3%.

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

Statistics Canada released foreign investment figures on Thursday. Foreign investors reduced C$5.45 billion of Canadian securities in May, after a purchase of C$16.73 billion in April.

April's figure was revised up from a purchase of C$12.94 billion.

Canadian investors purchased C$5.6 billion of foreign securities in May, mainly corporate securities.

Upgrades:

Intel (INTC) upgraded from Hold to Buy at Needham, target $37

Downgrades:

General Motors (GM) downgraded to Equal Weight from Overweight at Barclays

Other:

Intel (INTC) reiterated at Market Perform at Cowen, target raised from $32 to $33

The U.S. Labor Department released its jobless claims figures on Thursday. The number of initial jobless claims in the week ending July 11 in the U.S. fell by 15,000 to 281,000 from 296,000 in the previous week. The previous week's reading was revised up from 297,000.

Analysts had expected the number of initial jobless claims to be 285,000.

Jobless claims remained below 300,000 the 15th straight week. This threshold is associated with the strengthening of the labour market.

Continuing jobless claims declined by 112,000 to 2,215,000 in the week ended July 04.

Company reported Q2 profit of $1.45 per share versus $1.35 consensus. Revenues rose 0.2% year/year to $19.47 bln versus $17.17 bln consensus.

C rose to $57.87 (+2.50%) on the premarket, reached new 52- week high.

Economic calendar (GMT0):

(Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual)

01:00 Australia Consumer Inflation Expectation July 3% 3.4%

04:00 Japan BoJ monthly economic report

07:15 Switzerland Retail Sales Y/Y May 1.6% -1.8%

07:16 Switzerland Retail Sales (MoM) May 2.1% -1.4%

09:00 Eurozone Trade balance unadjusted May 24.9 18.8

09:00 Eurozone Harmonized CPI June 0.2% 0% 0.0%

09:00 Eurozone Harmonized CPI, Y/Y (Finally) June 0.3% 0.2% 0.2%

09:00 Eurozone Harmonized CPI ex EFAT, Y/Y (Finally) June 0.9% 0.8% 0.8%

11:45 Eurozone ECB Interest Rate Decision 0.05% 0.05% 0.05%

The U.S. dollar traded higher against the most major currencies ahead the release of the U.S. economic data. The NAHB housing market index is expected to climb to 60 in July from 59 in June.

The number of initial jobless claims in the U.S. is expected to decline by 12,000 to 285,000.

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank' manufacturing index is expected to fall to 12.0 in July from 15.2 in June.

The Fed Chair Janet Yellen will testify at 14:00 GMT.

The greenback remained supported by yesterday's comments by Fed Chair Janet Yellen. She said that she expects the U.S. economy to strengthen in the rest of the year. Yellen pointed out that the Fed could raise its interest rate "at some point this year".

The euro traded lower against the U.S. dollar after the European Central Bank's (ECB) decision. The central bank kept its interest rate unchanged at 0.05%.

The Greek parliament has approved reforms demanded by Greece's creditors in return for the third bailout programme on Wednesday. 32 Syriza members, including former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, voted against new reforms.

Greek Prime Minster Alexis Tsipras said before the parliament that there is no alternative.

The ECB Governing Council will meet in Frankfurt on Thursday, and the German parliament on Friday votes on the resumption of talks on financial aid to Greece.

The European Central Bank will release its interest rate decision today. It is unlikely that there will be changes in the monetary policy. Market participants will closely monitor the press conference, looking for new details regarding Greece.

Meanwhile, the economic data from the Eurozone showed some weakness. Eurozone's final consumer price index was flat in June, in line with the previous estimate, after a 0.2% increase in May.

On a yearly basis, Eurozone's final consumer price inflation fell to 0.2% in June from 0.3% in May, in line with the previous estimate.

Eurozone's consumer price inflation excluding food, energy, alcohol and tobacco declined to an annual rate of 0.8% in June from 0.9% in May, in line with the previous estimate.

Eurozone's unadjusted trade surplus slid to €18.8 billion in May from €24.9 billion in April.

Exports rose at an annual rate of 3.0% in May, while imports were flat.

The British pound traded lower against the U.S. dollar in the absence of any major economic report from the U.K.

The Bank of England Governor Mark Carney will speak at 18:00 GMT.

The Canadian dollar traded lower against the U.S. dollar ahead of the Canadian economic data.

The Swiss franc traded lower against the U.S. dollar. Retail sales in Switzerland dropped at an annual rate of 1.8% in May, after a 1.6% increase in April.

Sales of food, beverages and tobacco fell at an annual rate of 0.5% in May, while non-food sales plunged 2.2%.

On a monthly basis, retail sales fell by 1.4% in May, after a 2.1% increase in April.

Sales of food, beverages and tobacco were down 1.2% in May, while non-food sales dropped 2.1%.

EUR/USD: the currency pair fell to $1.0864

GBP/USD: the currency pair declined to $1.5560

USD/JPY: the currency pair rose to Y124.15

The most important news that are expected (GMT0):

12:30 Eurozone ECB Press Conference

12:30 Canada Foreign Securities Purchases May 12.94

12:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims July 297 285

14:00 U.S. NAHB Housing Market Index July 59 60

14:00 U.S. Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Survey July 15.2 12.0

14:00 U.S. Fed Chairman Janet Yellen Speaks

18:00 United Kingdom BOE Gov Mark Carney Speaks

20:00 U.S. Net Long-term TIC Flows May 53.9

Company reported Q2 profit of $1.64 per share versus $1.58 consensus. Revenues rose 11.3% year/year to $36.26 bln versus $35.69 bln consensus.

Company raised guidance for FY15: EPS to $6.25-6.35 from $6.15-6.30 versus $6.26 consensus and revenue to $154 bln from $143 bln versus $144.2 bln consensus.

UNH rose to $126.60 (+0.59%) on the premarket, reached new historical high.

EUR/USD

Offers 1.1100 1.1080/90

Bids 1.0885

GBP/USD

Offers 1.57200 1.5700 1.5650

Bids 1.5500

EUR/GBP

Offers

Bids 0.6980 0.6950/45

EUR/JPY

Offers 136.80/00

Bids 135.00 134.50 134.00 133.00

USD/JPY

Offers 125.00 124.50 124.00

Bids 123.05/00 122.55/50

AUD/USD

Offers 0.7500

Bids 0.7350 0.7300 0.7250

Company reported Q2 profit of $4.75 per share versus $3.94 consensus. Revenues fell 0.6% year/year to $9.07 bln versus $8.78 bln consensus.

GS fell to $211.81 (-0.54%). on the premarket.

Stock indices traded higher on the results of the Greek parliament's vote. The Greek parliament has approved reforms demanded by Greece's creditors in return for the third bailout programme on Wednesday. 32 Syriza members, including former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, voted against new reforms.

Greek Prime Minster Alexis Tsipras said before the parliament that there is no alternative.

The ECB Governing Council will meet in Frankfurt on Thursday, and the German parliament on Friday votes on the resumption of talks on financial aid to Greece.

The European Central Bank will release its interest rate decision today. It is unlikely that there will be changes in the monetary policy. Market participants will closely monitor the press conference, looking for new details regarding Greece.

Meanwhile, the economic data from the Eurozone showed some weakness. Eurozone's final consumer price index was flat in June, in line with the previous estimate, after a 0.2% increase in May.

On a yearly basis, Eurozone's final consumer price inflation fell to 0.2% in June from 0.3% in May, in line with the previous estimate.

Eurozone's consumer price inflation excluding food, energy, alcohol and tobacco declined to an annual rate of 0.8% in June from 0.9% in May, in line with the previous estimate.

Eurozone's unadjusted trade surplus slid to €18.8 billion in May from €24.9 billion in April.

Exports rose at an annual rate of 3.0% in May, while imports were flat.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,788.93 +35.18 +0.52 %

DAX 11,718.1 +178.44 +1.55 %

CAC 40 5,128.53 +81.29 +1.61 %

Eurostat released its final consumer price inflation data for the Eurozone on Thursday. Eurozone's final consumer price index was flat in June, in line with the previous estimate, after a 0.2% increase in May.

On a yearly basis, Eurozone's final consumer price inflation fell to 0.2% in June from 0.3% in May, in line with the previous estimate.

Eurozone's consumer price inflation excluding food, energy, alcohol and tobacco declined to an annual rate of 0.8% in June from 0.9% in May, in line with the previous estimate.

Eurostat released its trade data for the Eurozone on Thursday. Eurozone's unadjusted trade surplus slid to €18.8 billion in May from €24.9 billion in April.

Exports rose at an annual rate of 3.0% in May, while imports were flat.

EUR/USD: $1.0900(E413mn), $1.0925(E342mn), $1.1000(E824mn), $1.1075(E446mn), $1.1100(E1.0bn)

USD/JPY: Y122.00($1.19bn), Y123.00($500mn), Y123.50($722mn), Y124.00($1.35bn)

GBP/USD: $1.5550(Gbp406mn)

USD/CHF: Chf0.9425($285mn)

AUD/USD: $0.7300(A$3.83bn), $0.7400(A$1.8bn), $0.7500(A$6.34bn)

NZD/USD: $0.6750(NZ$207mn)

USD/CAD: C$1.2600($1.1bn), C$1.2750-55($1.3bn), C$1.2800($355mn), C$1.2900($230mn)

The Federal Statistical Office released its retail sales data for Switzerland on Thursday. Retail sales in Switzerland dropped at an annual rate of 1.8% in May, after a 1.6% increase in April.

Sales of food, beverages and tobacco fell at an annual rate of 0.5% in May, while non-food sales plunged 2.2%.

On a monthly basis, retail sales fell by 1.4% in May, after a 2.1% increase in April. Sales of food, beverages and tobacco were down 1.2% in May, while non-food sales dropped 2.1%.

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Loretta Mester said on Wednesday that the Fed could start raising its interest rate right now.

"The economy can handle an increase in the fed funds rate. A small increase in interest rates from zero is not tight monetary policy, and with the economic progress we've made and that I expect to continue, monetary policy can take a step back from the emergency measure of zero interest rates," she said.

Mester expects the U.S. economy to expand 2.75-3% by the rest of this year and next year. She added that the situation in China and Greece should have a "limited impact on the U.S. economy because our direct exposure via trade and banking is limited".

Mester is not a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee this year.

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President John Williams reiterated Wednesday that the Fed could start to raise its interest rate this year as the U.S. economy continued to expand.

"I still believe this will be the year for lift-off, and I still believe that waiting too long to raise rates poses its own risks," he said.

But he added that he cannot tell the date.

San Francisco Fed president said that he does not expect the situation in China and Greece will have a negative impact on the U.S. economy.

Williams pointed out that lower oil prices had less of a positive impact on the U.S. economy, and the reasons are unclear.

Williams is a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee this year.

The Greek parliament has approved reforms demanded by Greece's creditors in return for the third bailout programme on Wednesday. 32 Syriza members, including former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, voted against new reforms.

Greek Prime Minster Alexis Tsipras said before the parliament that there is no alternative.

The ECB Governing Council will meet in Frankfurt on Thursday, and the German parliament on Friday votes on the resumption of talks on financial aid to Greece.

The Federal Reserve released its Beige Book on Wednesday. The Fed was optimistic that the U.S. economy is on right track.

According to the report, economic activity expanded in all regions.

Manufacturing activity was uneven.

Consumer spending rose, housing market was steady, while lending activity increased.

Employment was improving in each of the Fed's 12 districts, while wage pressure remained "modest".

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday urged Germany to boost its investment in its public infrastructure.

"Boosting public investment, women's employment, and competition in the services sector now would help face the challenges that loom further ahead," IMF mission chief for Germany, Enrica Detragiache, said.

The IMF expects Germany's economy to expand 1.6% in 2015 and 1.7% in 2016 due to a weaker euro and lower energy prices.

The lender forecast the German current account surplus to rise to 8.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) this year from 7.6% of GDP in 2014, caused by weak domestic demand and saving in the economy.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) released its consumer price inflation data on late Wednesday. Consumer prices in New Zealand rose 0.4% in the second quarter, missing expectations for a 0.6% gain, after a 0.3% decline in the first quarter.

On a yearly basis, consumer price inflation increased 0.3% in the second quarter, missing forecasts of the 0.4% rise, after a 0.1% gain in the first quarter.

Consumer prices slightly rose but remained below the central bank's target range of 1%-3% as prices for petrol and for international airfares remained low.

The increase in consumer price inflation was driven by higher cigarettes and tobacco prices, caused by the rise in excise duty in January.

West Texas Intermediate futures for August delivery climbed to $51.71 (+0.58%); Brent crude advanced to $57.26 (+0.25%) after data from the Energy Information Administration showed that U.S. crude inventories fell 4.3 million barrels in the week ended July 10. Total commercial stockpiles of crude oil and petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel fuel, rose by 2.8 million barrels to a record high of 1.27 billion barrels.

Although U.S. crude inventories dropped last week and Iran needs several months to boost exports for operational reasons, the outlook remains bearish as markets are already oversupplied.

Gold is currently near a four-month low at $1,146.30 (-0.10%) an ounce as the Federal Reserve is preparing to raise its key interest rate from the current level of 0.25% within this year. Yesterday Fed Chair Yellen said that labor markets were expected to steadily improve and turmoil abroad unlikely to harm the U.S. economy.

HSBC analyst James Steel marked that a potential U.S. rate hike had been discussed by market participants as early as 2013, and gold has already fallen on this speculation. "This leads us to conclude that most of gold's declines based on a rate rise have already occurred, and that gold's reaction to the rate hike - whenever it comes - and subsequent hikes, may be muted or short-lived," Steel said.

Physical demand remains sluggish. India's trade ministry reported that imports to this country (second-biggest consumer of gold after China) fell 37% in June compared to a year earlier.

U.S. stock indices declined moderately after Fed Chair Yellen said that overseas tensions were unlikely to influence the U.S. economy. She also said that the central bank is on track to raise rates this year. Yellen said she expects stable economic growth throughout the rest of 2015, which would justify a rate hike; however she didn't not mention the timing of a liftoff.

A report by the Federal Reserve showed that U.S. industrial production slightly rose in June. Production excluding motor vehicles advanced by 0.3% after a 0.1% decline reported previously.

Meanwhile, U.S. companies raised producer prices; this means that inflation gradually moves from historically low levels. The seasonally adjusted producer price index rose 0.4% in June after a 0.5% increase in May.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.41 points to 18050.17. The S&P 500 index declined 1.55 points, or 0.1%, to 2107.40. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 5.95 points, or 0.1%, to 5098.94.

In Asia this morning Hong Kong Hang Seng climbed 0.03%, or 8.67 points, to 25,064.43. China Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.99%, or 37.65 points, to 3,843.35. Meanwhile the Nikkei rose 0.47%, or 96.18 points, to 20,559.51.

Asian stock indices are taking advantage of progress seen around Greece's crisis. Greek parliament passed a reform bill, which was demanded by the country's international lenders.

Japanese stocks advanced amid Janet Yellen's speech. She said that the central bank was preparing to raise its benchmark rate, which had been kept at 0.25% since December 2008. A weaker yen was also a positive factor for stocks.

Economic calendar (GMT0):

Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual

01:00 Australia Consumer Inflation Expectation July 3% 3.4%

04:00 Japan BoJ monthly economic report

The euro declined despite good news from Athens. Sources reported that Greece's parliament approved financial aid program from the euro zone. At the same time uncertainty persists and it weighs on the single currency. Today's ECB meeting and Mario Draghi's press-conference may put extra pressure on the euro. The central bank is expected to keep its monetary policy unchanged. There have not been any significant changes in macroeconomic statistics since the last ECB meeting. Data from France, Spain in Italy improved, while German economy got slightly weaker. Thus Draghi is likely to be very careful.

The Australian dollar rose against the New Zealand dollar amid positive data from Australia and disappointing reports from New Zealand. This month Australian consumer price expectations rose to 3.4% from 3.0% reported previously. The higher the expectations the greater their influence on probability of a rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Meanwhile dairy product prices declined in New Zealand and the consumer price index missed expectations.

EUR/USD: the pair declined to $1.0910 in Asian trade

USD/JPY: the pair traded around Y123.70-00

GBP/USD: the pair fell to $1.5610

The most important news that are expected (GMT0):

(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)

07:15 Switzerland Retail Sales Y/Y May 1.6%

07:16 Switzerland Retail Sales (MoM) May 2.1%

09:00 Eurozone Trade balance unadjusted May 24.9

09:00 Eurozone Harmonized CPI June 0.2% 0%

09:00 Eurozone Harmonized CPI, Y/Y (Finally) June 0.3% 0.2%

09:00 Eurozone Harmonized CPI ex EFAT, Y/Y (Finally) June 0.9% 0.8%

11:45 Eurozone ECB Interest Rate Decision 0.05% 0.05%

12:30 Eurozone ECB Press Conference

12:30 Canada Foreign Securities Purchases May 12.94

12:30 U.S. Continuing Jobless Claims 2334 2295

12:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims July 297 285

14:00 U.S. NAHB Housing Market Index July 59 60

14:00 U.S. Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Survey July 15.2 12.0

14:00 U.S. Fed Chairman Janet Yellen Speaks

18:00 United Kingdom BOE Gov Mark Carney Speaks

20:00 U.S. Total Net TIC Flows May 106.6

20:00 U.S. Net Long-term TIC Flows May 53.9

EUR / USD

Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)

$1.1134 (909)

$1.1079 (322)

$1.1022 (92)

Price at time of writing this review: $1.0928

Support levels (open interest**, contracts):

$1.0891 (3114)

$1.0852 (4634)

$1.0800 (6051)

Comments:

- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date August, 7 is 46671 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,1400 (3349);

- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date August, 7 is 61448 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,0800 (6262);

- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.32 versus 1.29 from the previous trading day according to data from July, 15

GBP/USD

Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)

$1.5903 (1163)

$1.5805 (1791)

$1.5709 (928)

Price at time of writing this review: $1.5617

Support levels (open interest**, contracts):

$1.5589 (1570)

$1.5493 (1025)

$1.5395 (1166)

Comments:

- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date August, 7 is 20115 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5750 (2502);

- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date August, 7 is 21619 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5250 (2050);

- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.07 versus 1.09 from the previous trading day according to data from July, 15

* - The Chicago Mercantile Exchange bulletin (CME) is used for the calculation.

** - Open interest takes into account the total number of option contracts that are open at the moment.

(raw materials / closing price /% change)

Oil 51.62 +0.41%

Gold 1,146.70 -0.06%

(index / closing price / change items /% change)

HANG SENG 25,010.19 -110.72 -0.44%

S&P/ASX 200 5,636.2 +58.80 +1.05%

TOPIX 1,646.41 +7.70 +0.47%

SHANGHAI COMP 3,774.87 -149.62 -3.81%

CAC 40 5,047.24 +14.77 +0.29 %

Xetra DAX 11,539.66 +22.76 +0.20 %

S&P 500 2,107.4 -1.55 -0.07%

NASDAQ Composite 5,098.94 -5.95 -0.12%

Dow Jones 18,050.17 -3.41 -0.02%

(pare/closed(GMT +3)/change, %)

EUR/USD $1,0946 -0,56%

GBP/USD $1,5633 +0,01%

USD/CHF Chf0,9518 +0,71%

USD/JPY Y123,76 +0,32%

EUR/JPY Y135,47 -0,24%

GBP/JPY Y193,46 +0,33%

AUD/USD $0,7379 -0,95%

NZD/USD $0,6694 -0,19%

USD/CAD C$1,2914 +1,42%