Major US stock indexes finished trading in positive territory

The main US stock indexes rose slightly, as the drop in quotations of the sector of conglomerates and the sector of basic materials was offset by an increase in other sectors. Investors also analyzed data on the US housing market, and played out the details of the minutes of the last meeting of the Fed.

As it became known, in July permits for construction and bookings of new houses decreased, but the construction of new houses continues to grow slowly and steadily, supporting a gradually improving housing market. The Ministry of Trade reported that the bookmarks for new houses were 1.16 million in July, taking into account seasonal fluctuations. This is 4.8% lower than in June, and 5.6% lower than a year ago. The result also gave way to a consensus forecast of 1.22 million units.

Meanwhile, the minutes of the Fed meeting indicated that the leaders' opinions regarding the time of the next rate increase were divided, as they were at a loss to determine the cause of weak inflation. However, they agreed to soon begin to reduce the balance of the Fed. "The slowdown in inflation has prompted some executives to suggest for the time being to refrain from further raising rates, as the Fed can afford to be patient in the current environment," the protocol said. In general, disagreements among Fed leaders made market participants question the possibility of a third Fed rate hike this year Now the Fed rate futures tracked by the CME Group indicate that investors estimate the probability of another rate increase this year at 42.0% compared to 49.3% before the release of the minutes of the FR meeting FROM.

Most components of the DOW index finished trading in positive territory (18 out of 30). The leader of growth was shares United Technologies Corporation (UTX, + 1.70%). Outsider were shares of Chevron Corporation (CVX, -1.69%).

Almost all sectors of the S & P index recorded an increase. The technological sector grew most (+ 0.4%). The greatest decrease was shown by the sector of conglomerates (-0.3%).

At closing:

DJIA +0.12% 22,024.87 +25.88

Nasdaq +0.19% 6,345.11 +12.10

S&P +0.14% 2,468.11 +3.50