Major US stock indices closed above zero

Major US stock indexes finished trading with a slight increase. Investors analyzed the protocols of the Fed meeting and followed the dynamics of the oil market.

The minutes of the Fed meeting, which was held on 26-27 July, it was reported that the leaders of the Central Bank in July, tried to leave the door open for a rate hike. They also tried to come to a unified assessment of prospects for the economy, as well as to coordinate as possible raising short-term interest rates. In general, reports signaled that rates could be raised as early as September, but the Central Bank will not act as long as the majority of its leaders will not come to a consensus regarding the outlook for the economy, employment and inflation.

Meanwhile, today the President of St. Louis Fed Bullard said that short-term interest rates the Fed is very close to the proper level. He also noted that the US economy is growing at a moderate pace, inflation and employment rates are stable. Bullard believes that in such circumstances, the current target range for the Fed's short-term rates (0.25% -0.50%) should be increased about once so that he has reached a level that corresponds to the current state of the economy and that in which it is It expected to be in the future.

Quotes of oil rose moderately, supported by on US petroleum inventories report. US Department of Energy reported that in the week of August 6-12 crude oil inventories fell by 2.5 million barrels to 521.1 million barrels. Analysts predicted that inventories will rise by 500,000 barrels. Oil reserves in Cushing terminal fell 724,000 barrels to 64.5 million barrels. Gasoline inventories fell by 2.7 million barrels to 232.7 million barrels. Analysts had expected inventories fell by 1.7 million barrels.

Most DOW components of the index closed in positive territory (19 of 30). Most remaining shares rose Pfizer Inc. (PFE, + 1.03%). Outsider were shares of Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO, -1.49%).

Sector S & P Index showed mixed trends. The leader turned utilities sector (+ 1.2%). conglomerates (-1.1%) sectors fell most.

At the close:

Dow + 0.11% 18,572.57 +20.55

Nasdaq + 0.03% 5,228.66 +1.55

S & P + 0.18% 2,182.09 +3.94