On Friday, the major US stock indexes gained slightly against the publication of quarterly reports. The focus of investors were shares of AT & T (T), Starbucks (SBUX), Visa (V), General Electric (GE) and Honeywell (HON). The first three reports published neutral after the session Thursday. The last two reported before the start of the session. In the course of trading was also influenced by the US statistical data. It became known that the index of business activity in the manufacturing sector rose more than expected. The July data signaled a further recovery of business conditions across the US manufacturing industry. Preliminary manufacturing PMI index rose to 52.9 in July, compared with 51.3 in June, and pointed to the strong improvement in the general business environment.

Most components of the DOW index finished trading in positive territory (21 of 10). Outsider were shares of General Electric Company (GE, -1,72%). Most remaining shares increased American Express Company (AXP, + 1,36%).

Most of the S & P sectors showed an increase. Conglomerates sectors fell most (-0.3%). The leader turned utilities sector (+ 1.0%).

At the close:

Dow + 0.29% 18,570.85 +53.62

Nasda + 0.52% 5,100.16 +26.26

S & P + 0.46% 2,175.03 +9.86

Major U.S. stock-indexes higher on Friday, led by mixed corporate earning results.

Most of Dow stocks in positive area (20 of 30). Top looser - General Electric Company (GE, -2,19%). Top gainer - American Express Company (AXP, +1,21%).

Almost all S&P sectors in positive area. Top looser - Industrial goods (-0,6%). Top gainer - Utilities (+0,8%).

At the moment:

Dow 18464.00 +28.00 +0.15%

S&P 500 2166.50 +8.50 +0.39%

Nasdaq 100 4660.50 +22.25 +0.48%

Oil 43.91 -0.84 -1.88%

Gold 1322.20 -8.80 -0.66%

U.S. 10yr 1.55 -0.01

Oil prices fell by more than a percent, while continuing yesterday's trend. Market pressure put lingering concerns about the global oversupply.

Recall, Genscape reported yesterday that last week (July 19) oil reserves in Cushing terminal rose 725,176 barrels. Earlier this week, the US Department of Energy announced that crude oil inventories fell more than expected, but gasoline inventories unexpectedly rose. According to the report, during the week of 9-15 July crude oil inventories fell by 2.3 million barrels to 519.4 million barrels, while remaining at high levels by historical standards for a given period of the year. Analysts had forecast a decline of 2.1 million.

Analysts say that the oil surplus was transformed into a surplus of refined petroleum products.

Another factor was the rise in price of the dollar, which makes US dollar-denominated oil prices higher for holders of other currencies.

In addition, participants expect the Baker Hughes oilfield services company data on the number of US rigs. Recall, from 9 to July 15, the number of drilling rigs in the US increased by 6 to 357, an increase for the third consecutive week and the sixth week of the last seven. Renewed growth has spawned speculation that the country's oil production may soon begin to grow, which in turn increased the concerns about the oversupply of oil.

The cost of the September futures for US light crude oil WTI fell to 44.06 dollars per barrel.

September futures price for North Sea petroleum mix of mark Brent fell to 45.42 dollars a barrel on the London Stock Exchange ICE Futures Europe.

Polish equity market closed lower on Friday. The broad market benchmark, the WIG Index, lost 0.21%. Sector-wise, oil and gas (-1.47%) was the worst-performing group, while utilities (+1.19%) outpaced.

The large-cap stocks' measure, the WIG30 Index, fell by 0.45%. In the index basket, IT-company ASSECO POLAND (WSE: ACP) led the underperformers with a 3.63% drop, followed by chemical producer GRUPA AZOTY (WSE: ATT), bank BZ WBK (WSE: BZW) and railway freight transport operator PKP CARGO (WSE: PKP), plunging by 2.68%, 2.18% and 1.98% respectively. On the other side of the ledger, two coal miners BOGDANKA (WSE: LWB) and JSW (WSE: JSW) were the session's best performers, gaining 3.9% and 3.75% respectively. Among other major advancers were genco PGE (WSE: PGE) and footwear retailer CCC (WSE: CCC), jumping by 2.36% and 2.16% respectively.

Gold prices have dropped reflecting the increase in the overall risk appetite and increasing the likelihood of further tightening of monetary policy by the Fed at the end of the year. Pressure on the precious metal also was a strengthening of the US dollar against the background of positive data.

Data provided by Markit Economics, signaled a further recovery of business conditions across the US manufacturing sector, led by sustained expansion of incoming new orders and the very rapid growth in production. Creation of new jobs had accelerated, and was the most rapid in the last 12 months. Meanwhile, the purchase prices rose at the fastest pace since November 2014, but selling prices rose only slightly. Overall, the preliminary manufacturing PMI index rose to 52.9 in July compared with 51.3 in June. It was predicted that the indicator will improve only to 51.6 points. Analysts say the recent data from US increases the likelihood of the Fed raising interest rates. This is unlikely to happen at the July meeting, but closer to the end of the year. Futures on the federal funds currently estimated the probability of a 20% rate hike in September. Meanwhile, the chances for a increase in December is 40% compared with less than 20% a week ago, and 9% at the beginning of the month. Higher rates hurt gold prices, which does not bring guaranteed income and become less in demand relative to higher-yielding assets.

BNP Paribas experts reviewed in the forecast for gold for 2016 and 2017. Now they expect the average gold price of $ 1245 in 2016 (previously $ 960) and $ 1,195 in 2017 (previous forecast $ 860).

Gold reserves in the largest gold ETF-fund SPDR Gold Trust fell yesterday to 0.22 percent, reaching the level of 963.14 tons.

The cost of the August gold futures on the COMEX fell to $ 1320.20 per ounce.

"The message from Draghi was as expected - we need more time to assess the economic data in the aftermath of recent events like Brexit and the attempted coup in Turkey. By the next meeting on 8th September, the outlook will be a little clearer and the ECB will have the updated staff forecasts to make a more informed decision.

That message certainly leaves the door open for action at that meeting although there was no strong or explicit signal about action by then. But certainly the general tone of his statement and comments point to the ECB still being concerned about downside risks to inflation.

For the week ahead, the advance PMIs tomorrow might give some indication of the hit to business confidence post-Brexit when markets in Europe fell sharply. The risks to those reports seem to be to the downside.

Next week, the key event is the FOMC announcement on 27th July. Given the general flow of economic data, the statement from the FOMC is likely to be more optimistic about the outlook which could fuel further upward pressure on short-term yields in the US, thus providing some modest support for the dollar" - via efxnews.

The July data signaled a further recovery of business conditions across the US;s manufacturing sector, led by sustained expansion of incoming new orders and the very growth in production for eight months. Creation of new jobs was strengthened in July, the latest increase in jobs was the fastest in the last 12 months. At the same time, input price inflation rose at the fastest pace since November 2014, but selling prices rose only slightly.

Markit data showed that seasonally adjusted preliminary manufacturing purchasing managers index rose to 52.9 in July, compared with 51.3 in June, and pointed to the strong improvement in the general business environment.

In addition, the index continues to recover from its post-crisis low, recorded in May, the latest reading been the strongest since October 2015. The acceleration of growth in output, new orders and employment had a key positive effect in July.

The market on Wall Street began relatively neutral. On the threshold of the last session of the week, the chart of the S&P500 indicates shortness of breath of bulls after last week's success and breaking to new all-time highs.

On the Warsaw market about half an hour ago was a total boredom, but with the approach of the opening of Wall Street bulls have more to say. Approach in the vicinity of 1,800 points suggests that on that level the game may be played at the end of the session. Given that the mWIG40 and the sWIG80 move up, breadth of the market is growing, and it gives a good base to play for the bulls side.

EUR/USD: 1.0950 (EUR 1.3bln) 1.1000 (655m) 1.1050 (428m) 1.1075-80 (603m)

USD/JPY: 106.50 (USD 270m) 107.00 (250m) 108.00 (815m)

U.S. index futures inched higher, after equities slipped from all-time highs on Thursday, as investors weighed mixed earnings reports..

Global Stocks:

Nikkei 16,627.25 -182.97 -1.09%

Hang Seng 21,964.27 -36.22 -0.16%

Shanghai 3,012.43 -26.58 -0.87%

FTSE 6,727.35 +27.46 +0.41%

CAC 4,379.5 +3.25 +0.07%

DAX 10,152.22 -3.99 -0.04%

Crude $45.70 (-0.11%)

Gold $1324.10 (-0.52%)

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

Upgrades:

UnitedHealth (UNH) upgraded to Buy at Argus

Downgrades:

Facebook (FB) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at BTIG Research

Twitter (TWTR) downgraded to Mkt Perform from Outperform at Raymond James

Other:

General Motors (GM) target raised to $34 from $32 at RBC Capital Mkts

Visa (V) target raised to $91 from $86 at Stifel

Procter & Gamble (PG) target raised to $92 from $85 at Stifel

AT&T (T) target raised to $42 from $38 at FBR Capital

Starbucks (SBUX) reiterated with an Outperform at RBC Capital Mkts, target $68

Retail sales rose 0.2% to $44.3 billion in May. Higher sales at food and beverage stores and gasoline stations more than offset lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers.

Sales were up in 6 of 11 subsectors, representing 51% of retail trade.

After removing the effects of price changes, retail sales in volume terms edged up 0.1% in May.

Prices rose in all major components in the 12 months to June, with the shelter index and the household operations, furnishings and equipment index contributing the most to the year-over-year gain in consumer prices.

The shelter index rose 1.6% in the 12 months to June, after increasing 1.4% in May. This acceleration was partly attributable to the homeowners' replacement cost index, which was up more year over year in June (+3.5%) than in May (+2.7%). Additionally, fuel oil prices were down less on a year-over-year basis in June (-13.2%) compared with May (-17.3%). The natural gas index posted a larger decline in the 12 months to June than in the previous month.

Food prices were up 1.3% year over year in June, following a 1.8% gain in May. Prices for food purchased from stores rose 0.8% in the 12 months to June, as the fresh or frozen beef index (-3.3%) registered its first year-over-year decrease since August 2010. Consumers paid 2.1% less for dairy products in June compared with the same month a year earlier. Prices for food purchased from restaurants advanced 2.6% on a year-over-year basis in June, matching the rise in May.

The following data was published:

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

7:00 France Business activity index in the services sector (preliminary data) July 49.9 49.5 50.3

France 7:00 PMI in the manufacturing sector (preliminary data) July 48.3 48.6 48

Germany 7:30 PMI in the service sector (preliminary data) July 53.7 53.2 54.6

Germany 7:30 PMI in the manufacturing sector (preliminary data) July 54.5 53.5 53.7

8:00 Eurozone PMI in the manufacturing sector (preliminary data) July 52.8 51.9 52

8:00 Eurozone business activity index in the services sector (preliminary data) July 52.8 52.3 52.7

8:30 UK PMI index for the services sector in July 52.3 48.9 47.4

8:30 UK PMI Manufacturing Index July 52.1 47.8 49.1

The British pound fell against the US dollar after the weak economic reports from UK have raised concern about the UK's growth prospects after the decision of the country to leave the EU. The activity of the private sector fell at the strongest pace since the beginning of 2009 after Brexit, revealed Friday the preliminary survey results from Markit.

The composite output index fell to a 87-month low of 47.7 in July from 52.4 in June. A value below 50 points to contraction.

Purchasing Managers' Index in the services sector fell more than expected to 47.4, 88 month low, from 52.3 in the previous month. The expected level was 48.9.

Manufacturing PMI reached 49.1, compared with 52.1 in June, but above the expected level of 47.8. It was the lowest for 41 months.

"The UK economy has suffered because of the sharp fall in output and new orders following the referendum on EU membership, as uncertainty prevailed" said David Noble.

The true extent of the impact of this uncertainty remains to be seen in the next month, said Noble.

Weak PMI reinforced concerns about slowing growth in the UK, as investors continue to assess the economic impact of Brexit.

At the same time, the dollar was supported after positive US statistics, published on Thursday, boosted optimism about the US economy.

The data showed that sales in the secondary housing market in the US unexpectedly rose in June by 1.1% to 5.57 million units, while a separate report showed that the number unemployment claims unexpectedly fell last week by 1000 to 253000.

The euro was almost unchanged against the US dollar after the release of positive euro-zone data, while the markets assess the decision of the European Central Bank to leave the parameters of monetary policy unchanged.

The euro strengthened the position for a short time after ECB President Mario Draghi said that European markets have coped with the volatility as a result of Brexit, showing "encouraging stability", but confirmed that if necessary, the central bank is ready to act, using all available means.

Draghi also said that the recovery in the euro area still faces a number of challenges for macroeconomic forecasts and downside risks prevail, citing Brexit, slow growth in developing countries and the lack of structural reforms, significant threats to the region's economy.

The comments came after the ECB kept interest rates unchanged at a record low 0.0% that was the expected decision.

Earlier Friday, Markit index of business activity in the euro area (for the production and service sectors) declined from 53.1 in June to 52.9 in July, remaining above the forecasted 52.5.

Germany's manufacturing PMI fell in July to 53.7 from 54.5. The index for the services sector rose to 54.6 this month from 53.7.

The index of business activity in the manufacturing sector in France fell to 50.0 in July from 49.6, while the index of business activity in the services sector rose to 50.3 from 49.9.

EUR / USD: during the European session, the pair rose to $ 1.1040 and then dropped to $ 1.1008

GBP / USD: during the European session, the pair fell to $ 1.3084

USD / JPY: during the European session, the pair rose to Y106.28

Honeywell reported Q2 FY 2016 earnings of $1.66 per share (versus $1.51 in Q2 FY 2015), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $1.64.

The company's quarterly revenues amounted to $9.991 bln (+2.2% y/y), missing analysts' consensus estimate of $10.136 bln.

HON fell to $116.00 (-2.24%) in pre-market trading.

General Electric reported Q2 FY 2016 earnings of $0.51 per share (versus $0.28 in Q2 FY 2015), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $0.46.

The company's quarterly revenues amounted to $33.494 bln (+14.6% y/y), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $31.574 bln.

GE fell to $31.80 (-2.42%) in pre-market trading.

Visa reported Q3 FY 2016 earnings of $0.69 per share (versus $0.74 in Q3 FY 2015), beating analysts' consensus estimate of $0.67.

The company's quarterly revenues amounted to $3.630 bln (+3.2% y/y), generally in-line with analysts' consensus estimate of $3.640 bln.

V closed Thursday's trading session at $78.79 (-0.72%).

Starbucks reported Q3 FY 2016 earnings of $0.49 per share (versus $0.42 in Q3 FY 2015), in-line with analysts' consensus estimate.

The company's quarterly revenues amounted to $5.238 bln (+7.3% y/y), missing analysts' consensus estimate of $5.337 bln.

SBUX fell to $56.12 (-2.57%) in pre-market trading.

The first half of the session brought clear stabilization of the WIG20 in the region of 1,790 points, however, less than PLN 143 mln of turnover on the WIG20 index indicates that the session is a little sleepy, and it may be time irretrievably lost by investors waiting for volatility. At 13:00 (Warsaw time) the WIG20 index was at the level of 1,788 points (-0.82%).

AT&T reported Q2 FY 2016 earnings of $0.72 per share (versus $0.69 in Q2 FY 2015), in-line with analysts' consensus estimate.

The company's quarterly revenues amounted to $40.500 bln (+22.7% y/y), generally in-line with analysts' consensus estimate of $40.623 bln.

T closed Thursday's trading session at $42.52 (-0.44%).

Today European stocks traded with less dynamic, while investors analyzed data on business activity.

The composite index of the largest companies in the region Stoxx Europe 600 fell during trading 0,3% - to 339.42 points.

On Friday research organization Markit Economics released preliminary PMI data for July.

Eurozone private sector expanded at its weakest pace in six years in July. The composite output index fell to 52.9 in July, the 18-month low, from 53.1 in June. However, the index is above the expected level of 52.5. The index signals a slight weakening in the growth of output in the industrial sector and the services sector.

Purchasing Managers' Index in the services sector fell slightly to 52.7 from 52.8 in June. The index was expected to drop to 52.3. At the same time, the manufacturing PMI fell more than expected to 51.9 from 52.8 in the previous month. Economists had forecast a reading of 52 in July.

"The euro area economy has shown remarkable resilience to Brexit and terrorist attacks in France," said Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit. The overall rate of economic growth has remained unchanged to a large extent, suggesting that GDP growth will be weak, but sufficiently stable at annual rate of about 1.5 percent, Williamson said.

At the same time, the UK private sector activity contracted at the strongest pace since the beginning of 2009 after "Brexit". The composite output index fell to a 87-month low of 47.7 in July from 52.4 in June. Below 50 points showing contraction.

Purchasing Managers' Index in the services sector fell more than expected to 47.4, 88-month low, from 52.3 in the previous month. The expected level was 48.9. Manufacturing PMI reached 49.1, compared with 52.1 in June, but above the expected level of 47.8. It was the lowest for 41 months.

"The UK economy has suffered because of the sharp fall in output and new orders following the referendum on EU membership, as uncertainty prevailed," said David Noble. The true extent of the impact remains to be seen in the next month, said Noble.

Shares of the largest mining companies BHP Billiton, Glencore and Anglo American fell by 1.7%, 0.9% and 2.2% amid falling commodity prices.

Price of oil-producing firms Tullow Oil and BP Plc dropped 2.8% and 0.6% respectively. Brent crude quotes during trading on Friday fell below $ 46 a barrel for the first time since mid-May.

Capitalization of Banco de Sabadell SA fell by 6.4%. Net profit fell 31% compared with the 1st quarter and amounted to 173.3 million euros in the second quarter, while the experts polled by FactSet had expected the figure at 235 million euros.

Quotes of the Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt fell by 0.2%, despite the fact that the company's revenue increased by 6.6% in the first half of the year, to 1.5 billion Swiss francs ($ 1.52 billion), while profit increased by 11% , to 72.2 million francs.

British chain stores Marks & Spencer fell 2.6% after Barclays downgraded recommendations on them to the "below the market level." It became known earlier that retail sales in the UK in June decreased by 0.9% compared to May due to the referendum on withdrawal from the EU and the bad weather, reducing the sale of clothing and food.

The market value of the British operator Vodafone Group Plc Communications jumped 3.6%. Revenues, exchange rates fluctuations and the acquisition of assets in April-June increased by 2.2% in annual terms, while experts expect an average increase of 1.9%.

At the moment:

FTSE 6709.56 9.67 0.14%

DAX 10135.58 -20.63 -0.20%

CAC 4373.86 -2.39 -0.05%

Italy's industrial orders and sales decreased in May after rising in the previous month, figures from the statistical office ISTAT showed Friday.

Industrial orders declined 2.8 percent from April, when they rose 0.9 percent. Domestic market orders decreased for a third straight month, down 0.6 percent. Foreign orders fell 5.7 percent after an 8.2 percent jump in the previous month.

Compared to a year ago, industrial orders decreased 4.2 percent in May following an 11.3 percent slump in the previous month. That was second consecutive annual decline.

Industrial turnover declined 1.1 percent from April, when sales rose 2.1 percent. Domestic sales decreased 1.1 percent and sales abroad shrunk 1.2 percent.

On a year-on-year basis, industrial sales fell 2.7 percent after a 0.1 percent gain in the previous month.

D/W

Donald Trump has officially agreed to run for US president

Donald Trump has officially agreed to run for US president from the Republican Party. He stated this on Friday night, 22 July, the last day of the party's congress in Cleveland. In his speech, the politician said that "violence and crime, who found refuge in our society, will soon be brought to an end".

Paris, London ready to give time to prepare Brexit

France is ready to provide the UK time to prepare the negotiations on the exit from the European Union. French President Francois Hollande said that before the start of negotiations on Brexit should be no preliminary discussions and meetings.

newspaper. ru

MasterCard will buy a 90% stake in the largest payment system in the UK

MasterCard payment system operator has agreed to buy a controlling share (92.4%) in the UK payments VocaLink system, which handles most payments in the UK and Northern Ireland, Bloomberg reported. The deal amounted to $ 920 million.

The ECB again kept its key interest rate at a record low

The Governing Council of the European Central Bank has left its benchmark interest rate at a record low of 0%, according to a press release from the regulator. The rate on deposits maintained at minus 0.4%, margin rate remained at around 0.25%.

EUR/USD: 1.0950 (EUR 1.3bln) 1.1000 (655m) 1.1050 (428m) 1.1075-80 (603m)

USD/JPY: 106.50 (USD 270m) 107.00 (250m) 108.00 (815m)

This morning in New York futures for WTI crude oil were down -0.80% to $ 44.39 and Brent oil futures fell by -0.43% to $ 46.00 per barrel. Thus, the black gold is trading lower as analyzed data from the US indicated a surplus of oil on the market, while the volume of exports from Iraq's black gold is growing. Given the huge oil volumes stored in tanks and tankers on land and water, rebalancing the market takes longer than expected.

The UK economy opened the third quarter on a weak footing. Output and new orders both fell for the first time since the end of 2012, while service providers' optimism about the coming 12 months slumped to a seven-and-a-half year low. The headline Markit Flash UK Composite Output Index - which is compiled using the same methodology as Flash PMI data published for the euro area, the United States and Japan - fell to 47.7 in July, its lowest reading since April 2009. Data were collected between July 12-21. The weaker performance of the UK economy during July was especially striking when looking at the month-on-month movements in the index levels. The Composite Output and the Composite New Orders indices fell by 4.7 and 6.8 points respectively since June, the steepest drops registered in the series histories. The 10.4 point decline in the Services Business Expectations Index was also the largest on record. Output and new orders fell in both the manufacturing and service sectors during July. A number of firms linked this to ongoing uncertainty pre- and post-EU referendum, with reports especially prevalent among service providers. The downturn in services was also more marked than that seen in manufacturing. Services activity and new orders both fell at the quickest rates in over seven years, with series-record month-onmonth drops in the respective index levels.

Euro area business activity growth edged lower in July, according to the Markit Eurozone Flash PMI, dropping to an 18-month low. July's flash PMI reading of 52.9 compared to 53.1 in the prior two months and signalled only a marginal easing in the rate of growth of output across both manufacturing and services. However, the overall pace of growth remained only slightly slower than the average seen so far this year, and employment rose at the fastest rate for almost five-and-a-half years as companies boosted capacity in line with the overall upturn in the economy. Rates of expansion moderated slightly in both sectors, slipping to a one-and-a-half year nadir in services but merely easing to a two-month low in manufacturing. The relatively stronger performance in manufacturing was helped by a further upturn in new export orders, in turn linked to the weaker euro. However, export growth slowed fractionally from June's six-month high, in part due to weakened sales to the UK which were often blamed on the UK referendum and the weakening pound.

Output growth in Germany's private sector accelerated at the start of the third quarter, as highlighted by the Markit Flash Germany Composite Output Index rising from June's 54.4 to 55.3. The index reached its highest level in 2016 so far with both manufacturers and service providers reporting stronger expansions. The trend in new business remained positive in July, with companies reporting a nineteenth successive monthly rise in new workloads. Some panellists commented on particularly strong demand from foreign markets. Indeed, manufacturers reported a solid increase in new export orders, with the pace of expansion the second-best in almost two-and-a-half years. In an effort to increase capacity at their units, companies continued to hire new staff during July. The current sequence of job creation now stretches to 33 months, with the latest increase the most marked in nearly six years. Service providers reported a particularly strong rise in employment. With employment levels rising sharply, the rate at which backlogs of work accumulated slowed markedly during July and was only fractional overall. On the prices front, there was a further pick-up in input cost inflation, with the respective rate of increase the highest since May of last year. It was the first time in a year that both manufacturers and service providers recorded increased input prices. Anecdotal evidence partly attributed this to higher steel prices, raw material shortages and rising wages.

WIG20 index opened at 1800.87 points (-0.16%)*

WIG 46513.80 -0.27%

WIG30 2027.69 -0.46%

mWIG40 3546.24 0.10%

*/ - change to previous close

Trading on the cash (spot) market, as well as on the futures market began from downward move. Among the blue chips we may see a definite advantage of red color with a negative distinction, among others, PKO and KGHM. As a result, the WIG20 falls below the minimum specified in yesterday's session and we have to make it clear that it does not look encouraging.

The yesterday's downward session in the US and today's decline in the Nikkei by over 1 percent suggest that after nearly two weeks of good atmosphere for which the impetus was information about the planned implementation of additional monetary stimulation packages in Japan, demand at least has been saturated.

The latest flash France PMI data signalled that private sector output stabilised in July. The Markit Flash France Composite Output Index, based on around 85% of normal monthly survey replies, registered 50.0, up from 49.6 in June. Service providers signalled a marginal rise in activity during July, the third increase in the past four months. On the other hand, manufacturing output fell for the fourth consecutive month, although the pace of contraction eased to the slowest in that sequence. Panellists reported generally subdued trends in consumption, in some cases referencing the Nice attack as having further weighed on activity. New business across the French private sector returned to growth in July, albeit marginal overall. Higher intakes of new work were centred on the service sector, where growth quickened since June. Manufacturers in contrast reported that new orders decreased at the sharpest rate in three months. That said, manufacturers' new export orders showed a more encouraging trend, increasing slightly for the first time since December 2015. Anecdotal evidence pointed to a number of new contracts being secured from clients based outside Europe. Employment in the French private sector remained broadly unchanged in July, ending a two-month period of decline. Service providers reported a slight rise in staffing levels, whereas manufacturers signalled a fifth successive decline.

Thursday's session on Wall Street ended modest declines in the major indexes, which gave up from 0.3 to 0.4 per cent in response to weaker corporate earnings and weaker attitude of other markets even the response to the passivity of central banks in Japan and Europe.

The contract for the DAX is trading now below the base index closing and the beginning of European markets is expected to cons. A neutral scenario in the morning will quickly be shifted by reactions to the preliminary readings of PMI indices in Europe, which will dominate the first hour of trading.

In the following hours there is no plans for important macro reports, so attention will shift back on Wall Street, and the results of local companies, the most important of which is the report of General Electric, a company once recognized for the US economy in miniature, and today, well exposed to foreign markets and therefore, having insight into the condition of the global economy.

Despite all these elements Friday is not going to be particularly exciting.

EUR/USD

Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)

$1.1224 (3949)

$1.1153 (1919)

$1.1102 (806)

Price at time of writing this review: $1.1028

Support levels (open interest**, contracts):

$1.0963 (3163)

$1.0936 (4270)

$1.0904 (3950)

Comments:

- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date August, 5 is 38705 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,1200 (3949);

- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date August, 5 is 49466 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,0900 (7166);

- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.28 versus 1.30 from the previous trading day according to data from July, 21

GBP/USD

Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)

$1.3507 (1876)

$1.3410 (2008)

$1.3314 (948)

Price at time of writing this review: $1.3241

Support levels (open interest**, contracts):

$1.3183 (461)

$1.3087 (1629)

$1.2991 (1644)

Comments:

- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date August, 5 is 25910 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,3400 (2008);

- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date August, 5 is 24850 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,2950 (2789);

- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 0.96 versus 0.98 from the previous trading day according to data from July, 21

* - 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.

The euro strengthened slightly against the US dollar after yesterday's decline on the results of the ECB meeting. As expected, the ECB has decided not to change the monetary policy: the key rate remained at a record low of 0% and the deposit rate at -0.4%. At the same time, the head of the Central Bank Draghi signaled in September a possible further easing. In September, the ECB economists will present the new forecasts for growth and inflation, allowing a more clear asses of the probability of slowing down economic recovery. As for the Brexit impact, he said that everything will depend on how long the negotiations will take place between the UK and the EU on the new conditions of interaction, as well as the results of these negotiations. "It is too early to judge the impact" - Draghi said, adding that Brexit was a problem for the European economy, given the geopolitical uncertainties. He also said to use all available instruments in the framework of the mandate in the case of reducing the probability of achieving the inflation target over the coming years, if necesary.

The market is expecting the indexes of business activity in the service sector and in manufacturing for July: at 07:00 GMT the report from France, 07:30 GMT - Germany, at 08:00 GMT - the eurozone and in the 08:30 GMT Britain. According to forecasts, the euro zone manufacturing PMI index fell to 52.0 from 52.8 in June, and the index for the services sector worsened to 53.5 from 54.5.

The Japanese yen traded in a narrow range around yesterday's lows. Bank of Japan Kuroda, denied the possibility of "helicopter money", thereby weakening the expectations of radical stimulus measures. "There is neither necessary nor possible", - said Kuroda.

Recent statements by Kuroda largely repeated his earlier statement that the government and the central bank should make decisions on fiscal and monetary policy, rather than a coordinated action within the framework of "distributing money" program. Kuroda said that if necessary, he will strengthen the measures namely - a wide-ranging program of asset purchases and negative rates. "We have a very strong policy framework", and I do not think there are significant limitations for further easing, Kuroda said.

Also holding back the further growth of the yen was today's preliminary data on the index of business activity in the manufacturing sector of Japan. Business activity in July was 49.0, higher than the previous value of 48.1 and analysts' expectations of 48.3. Despite the small increase the PMI index still remains below 50. The new export orders fell at the fastest pace in more than three and a half years and amounted to 44.0. The appreciation of the yen was leading to a decrease in global competitiveness.

Canadian dollar depreciates during today's session amid lower oil prices. Brent crude fell 0.3% to $ 46.34 per barrel.

Today at 12:30 GMT, Canada will release retail sales data for May and a report on consumer prices for June. The sales are expected to remain unchanged, while consumer prices to rose by 0.1%.

EUR / USD: during the Asian session, the pair was trading in the $ 1.1015-25 range

GBP / USD: during the Asian session, the pair was trading in the $ 1.3210-30 range

USD / JPY: during the Asian session, the pair was trading in Y105.55-80 range

Source is releasing a one off Flash data to help provide clarity on the potential impact of the UK's EU referendum on the economy. This data is based on more than 70% of the survey responses.

In a scheduled "Economic Update" published on Thursday, the RBNZ signalled a significant strengthening in its easing bias, and dovish shift across its views on domestic inflation and domestic/global growth. At the heart of many of these changes is renewed concern about the elevated NZD. In our view, these changes make clear that the RBNZ is positioning for a deeper easing cycle, notwithstanding ongoing risks to financial stability from rising house prices.

Overall, given recent progress to mitigate these latter risks (efforts we expect will intensify), the RBNZ's published policy sensitivities, our forecast depreciation in the NZD, and below-consensus growth outlook, we now expect the RBNZ will cut rates on three further occasions in August 2016 (-25bp), November 2016 (-25bp) and March 2017 (-25bp). This implies the OCR will finish this cycle at a low of 1.50% (-50bp lower than our previous forecast).

We continue to forecast NZ$/US$ at 68, 64, 62 in 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively.

Sentiment in the Chinese business community from the MNI was 55.5, higher than the previous value of 54.5

The indicator of business sentiment in China from by MNI, whose data are based on a monthly survey of Chinese business leaders, monitors and forecasts economic conditions in China, and provides important information before official government data. Companies that participated in the study, registered in the domestic stock market or in Hong Kong, although some of them also have a foreign registration. The research group consists of about 75% of manufacturing companies and 25% - non-manufacturing.

According to MNI the sentiment indicator in July increased with the improvement in new orders and the availability of credit.

Japan's manufacturing sector contracted again in July but the pace of deterioration slowed, flash survey data from Markit showed Friday.

The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 49 in July from 48.1 in June. A reading below 50 indicates contraction in the sector.

Output and new orders shrank at a slower pace in July. International demand fell at the sharpest rate in over three-and-a-half years.

At the same time, employment growth accelerated and backlogs of work dropped at a slower rate.

"On a more positive note, the stronger yen/dollar rate helped to ease inflationary pressures as input prices decreased at the fastest rate since November 2009," Amy Brownbill, economist at Markit, said.

European stocks edged lower on Thursday, as a drop in the shares of major airlines offset gains in some banks, propped up by signals of support for the sector from the European Central Bank.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index and similar FTSEurofirst 300 both closed 0.1 percent lower.

Airline stocks fell amid fears some consumers may avoid travelling abroad for holidays after last week's attack in Nice, for which militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility, and attempted coup in Turkey.

U.S. stocks closed lower Thursday, ending the Dow industrials' nine-session win streak - its longest since March 2013. The main indexes retreated from record levels set on Wednesday, as investors turned cautious ahead of a number of central bank policy meetings next week. A drop in oil prices CLQ6 also weighed on energy and materials stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA, -0.42% fell 77.80 points, 0.4% to 18,517.23, the S&P 500 index SPX, -0.36% declined 7.86 points, or 0.4% to 2,165.16, while the Nasdaq Composite Index COMP, -0.31% ended the session 16.03 points, or 0.3%, lower at 5,073.90.

Asian stocks dipped on Friday after weak corporate results halted Wall Street's record run overnight, while the yen held to large gains made after the Bank of Japan governor downplayed the need for "helicopter money" stimulus.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS was down 0.4 percent. It remained close to its nine-month high seen on Thursday, and is headed for a fractional 0.1 percent gain on the week.

China's CSI 300 index .CSI300 and the Shanghai Composite .SSEC both slipped 0.4 percent. The former is poised for a loss of 1 percent for the week, and the latter 0.9 percent.

New Zealand .NZ50 shares continued their record-setting trend, climbing 0.3 percent to hit a fresh all-time high on Thursday. They're headed for a 2.3 percent gain for the week.

Japan's Nikkei .N225 slid 0.9 percent, dragged down by the yen's 1 percent rally on Thursday. The index is still up 1 percent in a week during which it touched an eight-week high thanks to an initially weaker yen and hopes of fiscal and monetary stimulus.

(raw materials / closing price /% change)

Oil 44.54 -0.47%

Gold 1,331.20 +0.02%

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

FTSE 100 6,699.89 -29.10 -0.43%

Xetra DAX 10,156.21 +14.20 +0.14%

S&P 500 2,165.17 -7.85 -0.36%

Dow Jones 18,517.23 -77.80 -0.42%

Hang Seng 22,000.49 +118.01 +0.54%

Nikkei 225 16,810.22 +128.33 +0.77%

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

EUR/USD $1,1025 +0,15%

GBP/USD $1,3217 -0,13%

USD/CHF Chf0,9856 -0,15%

USD/JPY Y106,17 -0,97%

EUR/JPY Y117,07 -0,81%

GBP/JPY Y140,03 -1,33%

AUD/USD $0,7491 +0,27%

NZD/USD $0,6996 +0,44%

USD/CAD C$1,3086 +0,11%

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

02:00 Japan Manufacturing PMI (Preliminary) July 48.1 48.3

07:00 France Services PMI (Preliminary) July 49.9 49.5

07:00 France Manufacturing PMI (Preliminary) July 48.3 48

07:30 Germany Services PMI (Preliminary) July 53.7 53.2

07:30 Germany Manufacturing PMI (Preliminary) July 54.5 53.5

08:00 Eurozone Manufacturing PMI (Preliminary) July 52.8 52

08:00 Eurozone Services PMI (Preliminary) July 52.8 52.3

12:30 Canada Consumer Price Index m / m June 0.4% 0.1%

12:30 Canada Retail Sales, m/m May 0.9% 0.0%

12:30 Canada Retail Sales YoY May 4.6%

12:30 Canada Retail Sales ex Autos, m/m May 1.3% 0.3%

12:30 Canada Consumer price index, y/y June 1.5% 1.4%

12:30 Canada Bank of Canada Consumer Price Index Core, y/y June 2.1% 2%

12:30 U.S. Chicago Federal National Activity Index June -0.51

13:45 U.S. Manufacturing PMI (Preliminary) July 51.3 51.6