An Update from Dr. Copper
What’s in Today’s Report:
- An Update from Dr. Copper (Mildly Encouraging)
Futures are up modestly, but off the highs as investors digest the latest Brexit drama, Chinese stimulus, and mixed economic data ahead of more key US bank earnings.
Economically, Japanese Machine Orders badly missed expectations in November (0.0% vs. E: 3.3%) pointing to soft capital spending while European inflation data was largely inline with estimates.
Today, the government shutdown is going to start affecting the flow of economic data as the December Retail report will not be released. To that point, concerns are starting to build about the economic headwinds the shutdown will have as it drags on, and eventually those worries will begin to weigh on stocks.
U.S. economic data on Import & Export Prices (E: -1.2%, -0.3%) and the Housing Market Index (E: 57.0) will still be released as scheduled however, and there is one Fed official speaking: Kashkari (1:00 p.m. ET).
On the earnings front, focus will be on financials early with: BAC ($0.63), GS ($5.37), BLK ($6.39), and BK ($0.92) all due to report ahead of the bell while two notably growth-sensitive companies: AA ($0.49) and CSX ($1.00) will report after the close.
