Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Economic Journal - Tuesday, 3/8/2016

(As of 7:10 am PST)

Stock prices are turning lower today after a back and forth session on Monday which ultimately led to a higher finish for stocks. The Dow Jones and S&P500 extended their winning streak to five consecutive sessions while oil prices closed at the highest level of the year Monday. Things are headed the other direction in a hurry today as slumping oil prices and disappointing trade data out of China are weighing down stocks. Chinese trade data, released early Tuesday, showed exports plummeting 25% in February – marking the eighth straight month of declines for China. Imports also declined, falling 13%, reflecting the impacts of a sluggish global economy on the emerging nation. The Shanghai composite eked out a small gain, while most other Asian indexes finished lower. European stocks added to the gloomy picture Tuesday with stocks lower across the board. The economic data calendar is light Tuesday and no Fed speakers are scheduled to speak, as the FOMC moves into its blackout period ahead of next week’s meeting. Gold is up slightly while interest rates and the US dollar are down.

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