With no major economic data releases on yesterday’s schedule, the stock markets understandably dominated headlines from across the pond. The S&P 500 lost 7.5 points at the opening bell, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped by 44 points. The tech-heavy Nasdaq index fell by 20 points. The moves were announced as investors await news on the latest round of trade talks between the US and China.
There are hopes that the two largest economies in the world can agree a deal sooner rather than later, with both sides claiming progress has been made. Higher-level talks are expected on Thursday, which could well give us more of an idea of what to expect in the coming days.
Today’s highlight from the US is the latest minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee meeting. It will be interesting to see what is said about interest rate policy in 2019. We will also see mortgage applications up to 15 February 2019.
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