The main US stock indexes mostly rose, supported by the increase in shares of the utilities sector and the health sector.

In the focus of attention of market participants were also statistics on the US, which exceeded expectations. As it became known, in January, the bookmarks of new homes in the US rose sharply, which could lead to economic growth and slow down the growth of house prices. The number of bookings of new homes increased by 9.7% compared to a month earlier to an annual value of 1.326 million units, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday. This marked the third growth in four months. Construction companies are also planning to increase construction later this year. The number of building permits increased by 7.4%, to an annual rate of 1.396 million units.

However, preliminary research results submitted by Thomson-Reuters and the Michigan Institute showed that the mood sensor among American consumers grew in February despite the average forecasts of experts. According to the data, in February, the consumer sentiment index rose to 99.9 points compared to the final reading for January at 95.7 points. According to average estimates, the index had to fall to the level of 95.5 points.

Most components of the DOW index recorded a rise (20 out of 30). Leader of growth were the shares of Pfizer Inc. (PFE, + 1.93%). Outsider were shares of Caterpillar Inc. (CAT, -1.95%).

Almost all sectors of S & P completed the auction in positive territory. The utilities sector grew most (+ 0.8%). The decrease was demonstrated only by the base materials sector (-0.3%).

At closing:

Dow + 0.08% 25.219.38 +19.01

Nasdaq -0.23% 7.239.46 -16.97

S & P + 0.04% 2.732.22 +1.02