Markets Remain Neutral

Last week finished on a positive note, with the European stock markets managing to close the third trading week in a row with an increase. Following the results of the session, the index of Great Britain, FTSE 100, increased by 0.37%, the French CAC 40 added 0.59%, and the German DAX went to plus by 0.4%. The regional STXE 600 indicator increased by 0.39% and was closed on a level of 336.09 points, which represents the maximum value in six years.

At the same time, the situation in the American market was not so positive, and indices closed the week with a small decrease. The Dow Jones lost 0.24%, finishing on the level of 16103.30 points. The S&P 500 fell by 0.08% traded on a level of 1836.25 points, and the Nasdaq managed to keep in a symbolical plus by 0.09%, reaching the level of 4263.41 points.

Macroeconomic statistical data published on Friday was quite different. Data on the labor market for the last two months, in fact, has been rather positive, but at the same time, data in the real estate sector absolutely disappointed investors. So, the figures from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) showed that the trust level among builders significantly worsened in February to a level of 46 points, in comparison with 56 points last month.

The situation in the commodities market remains the same. Brent this morning adds 0.09% and is traded on a level of 109.95$ per barrel. WTI is increasing by 0.18% and is bargaining next to the level of 102.38$ per barrel. Gold and silver are increasing by 0.58% and 0.32% accordingly, traded on levels of 1331.22$ and 21.85$ per troy ounce.

In the first half of the day, data on the index of business climate of IFO in Germany for February will be published, and most likely we are going to see similar numbers to the ZEW index, presented last week. The Index showed a decrease from 61.7 to 55.7 points. The index of activity of the FED of Chicago will be presented in the evening.