Thursday, June 19, 2014

Economic Journal - Thursday, 6/19/2014

(As of 7:15 am PST)
 
US stocks opened near the unchanged line after an impressive late day rally yesterday which saw the S&P500 reach its 20th record close of the year.  Stocks soared late in the session yesterday after comments from Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen indicated the Fed is in no hurry to raise short term interest rates.  In a press conference which concluded a two day FOMC policy meeting, the Fed Chair signaled the central bank was confident it could hold rates low for a considerable length of time after the wind down of its asset purchase program.  The market soared on the comments as many analysts had been calling for the Fed to consider a rate hike as near term as this fall.  Despite the Fed trimming another $10 billion per month in bond purchases, and lowering its 2014 growth forecast for the US, investors applauded the upbeat comments on rates and sent stocks soaring at the close.  Markets are taking a breather at today’s open.  A report on jobless claims showed claims dropping by 6,000 last week, as expected.  The Philly Fed manufacturing index climbed in June to its highest level since last September.  Gold is trading up nearly 1.5% while oil is trading back below $106 per barrel.  International markets are decidedly higher as well. 

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