The major US stock indexes finished trading in positive territory

The main US stock indices grew moderately, helped by the Boeing rally after the publication of the quarterly report, as well as positive data on the US, and the results of the Fed meeting.

The ADP report showed that employment growth in the US private sector slowed in January, but was stronger than projected. According to the report, in January the number of employed increased by 234 thousand people compared with the figure for December at 242 thousand. It was expected that the number of employed will increase by 185 thousand.

In addition, Chicago Purchasing Managers Index fell 2.1 points to 65.7 in January from a revised 67.8 points in December. Despite the fact that in January it lost momentum, the index continued to move in the same direction as in the second half of 2017, which contributes to an encouraging new year. The index has grown by 28.3% since January last year and at the level of 65.7 exceeds the average of the second half of 2017, equal to 63.7.

Contracts for the purchase of previously owned homes in the United States rose for the third consecutive month in December, helped by a healthy labor market. The National Association of Realtors said that its index of unfinished transactions for the sale of housing rose to 110.1 points last month, which is 0.5% more than in November. Economists predicted that the index will increase by 0.4%, following an increase of 0.3% in the previous month (revised from + 0.2%).

As for the Fed meeting, it was decided to leave interest rates unchanged. At the same time, the Fed indicated that it intends to continue the gradual tightening of monetary policy in order to stimulate economic growth. In general, the rhetoric of the statement remained largely unchanged compared to December, indicating a still positive assessment of the prospects for the US economy. It should be noted that this meeting was the last for Fed Chairman Yellen, whose powers expire on Saturday. The new head of the Federal Reserve will be Powell

Most components of the DOW index finished trading in positive territory (17 out of 30). The leader of growth was the shares of The Boeing Company (BA, + 5.31%). Outsider were shares of Johnson & Johnson (JNJ, -2.43%).

Almost all sectors of the S & P index recorded an increase. The utilities sector grew most (+ 0.9%). Decrease showed only the health sector (-1.1%).

At closing:

DJIA + 0.28% 26.150.80 +73.91

Nasdaq + 0.12% 7,411.48 +9.00

S & P + 0.05% 2,823.93 +1.50