Analytics, News, and Forecasts for CFD Markets: stock news — 21-08-2017.

US stock indexes finished trading almost unchanged as a significant drop in quotations conglomerates sector was offset by growth in the utilities sector and the service sector. In addition, the focus of the market was on statistics on the US and news about the beginning of joint military exercises of the United States and South Korea.

The economic activity index from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (CFNAI) dropped to -0.01 in July from 0.16 in June. Three of the four broad categories of indicators that make up the index have declined since June. Three of the four categories made a negative contribution to the index in July. The contribution from production-related indicators in CFNAI declined to -0.02 in July from +0.03 in June. The employment-related figures contributed +0.09 to CFNAI in July, compared to +0.13 in June. Employment in the non-agricultural sector increased by 209,000 in July after rising by 231,000 in June. The contribution of personal consumption and housing to the CFNAI rose to -0.06 in July from -0.07 in June

Meanwhile, investors are cautious ahead of economic symposium in Jackson Hole, which will take place from Thursday to Saturday. At this symposium will include representatives of the world's central banks, including the Fed Chairman Janet Yellen and ECB President Mario Draghi. Investors will closely monitor new information about the central banks' plans for monetary policy.

Components of the DOW index finished the trades mixed (16 in positive territory, 14 in negative territory). The growth leader was the shares of The Home Depot, Inc. (HD, + 1.33%). Outsider were the shares of NIKE, Inc. (NKE, -2.46%).

Most sectors of the S & P index recorded a fall. The largest decrease was shown by the sector of conglomerates (-1.0%). The service sector grew the most (+ 0.4%).

At closing:

DJIA + 0.13% 21.703.28 +28.77

Nasdaq -0.05% 6.213.13 -3.40

S & P + 0.11% 2.428.33 + 2.78

U.S. stock-index futures rose slightly on Monday, with investors focusing on White House turmoil as well as the Korean Peninsula, as South Korea and U.S. forces begin their annual military exercise today.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei 19,393.13 -77.28 -0.40%

Hang Seng 27,154.68 +107.11 +0.40%

Shanghai 3,287.32 +18.60 +0.57%

S&P/ASX 5,725.85 -21.26 -0.37%

FTSE 7,326.31 +2.33 +0.03%

CAC 5,097.14 -17.01 -0.33%

DAX 12,119.27 -45.92 -0.38%

Crude $48.58 (+0.14%)

Gold $1,293.40 (+0.14%)

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

NIKE (NKE) downgraded to Hold from Buy at Jefferies

Global Stocks

Stocks started the week modestly lower in Asia, following some sizable declines worldwide at the end of last week. Friday's removal of chief White House strategist Steve Bannon, while not a surprise to markets, turned the spotlight back on concerns about the Trump administration's ability to advance its agenda.

Blue-chip stocks in the U.K. dropped Friday, wrapping up the week with a fall in travel-related stocks after terrorists launched attacks in Spain. Equities across Europe SXXP, -0.71% IBEX, -0.56% slumped after at least 14 people were killed Thursday when a van mowed down pedestrians on Barcelona's popular Las Ramblas thoroughfare.

U.S. stock benchmarks closed firmly lower on Friday to register another unsightly week of losses as low volumes and skittish investors left Wall Street especially vulnerable to pullbacks.