Stock mixed as rising COVID-19 cases weigh on sentiment - 19.11.2020

The Dollar weakening has halted currently ahead of the US Labor Department report at 17:30 CET expected to show 707 thousand Americans likely sought unemployment benefits over the last week, down from 709 thousand the previous week, and Philly Fed Manufacturing Index report expected to indicate dampening business sentiment for November. The live dollar index data show the ICE US Dollar index, a measure of the dollar’s strength against a basket of six rival currencies, slipped 0.02% Wednesday despite report US housing starts rose to 1.53 million in October from 1.46 in September while building permits kept pace unchanged. EUR/USD reversed climbing yesterday while GBP/USD added to gains with both pairs down currently after reports Europe's leaders would demand the European Commission publish no-deal plans as the Brexit talks’ deadline neared. AUD/USD reversed its sliding while USD/JPY continued retreating yesterday with both Australian dollar and yen lower against the greenback currently.

Futures on three main US stock indexes are mixed currently after a bearish session on Wednesday as companies continue reporting third quarter results. Despite back to back losses yesterday, stocks are still at high levels with both the Dow and SP 500 ending at records on Monday. The three main US stock indexes recorded losses ranging from 0.8% to 1.2% Wednesday. European stock indexes are advancing  currently after a bullish session Wednesday led by auto stocks which added 1.3%. Asian indexes are mostly higher today with Nikkei ending lower as Japan raised its pandemic alert to the highest level on record new cases.

Brent is extending gains today. US Energy Information Administration reported yesterday domestic crude oil inventories rose 768,000 barrels last week, compared with American Petroleum Institute expectations of 800,000 barrel weekly climb. Prices ended higher Wednesday. The US oil benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures gained: WTI rose 0.9% and is higher currently. Brent crude closed 1.4% higher at $44.34 a barrel on Wednesday.