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U.S Market Update

Mon, Aug 18 2008, 15:22 GMT
by Trade The News Staff

TradeTheNews.com

- Indices fell from the open on continued pessimism over the economy as a whole and financials in particular, although fresh declines in crude to levels unseen since May helped equities recover slightly mid morning. Crude futures rose overnight on concerns tropical storm Fay could disrupt oil operations in the Gulf of Mexico, although prices have fallen again after the open. Natural gas futures are down more than 2% with the Sep contract sporting a 7 handle as it appears Tropical storm Fay will stay on a more easterly course. The major financials are down 1-2% in early trading. Overnight UBS cut its Q3 estimates for C, JPM and GS, saying that the firms "may appear mortal" in the coming quarter, while Fox-Pitt cut its Q3 estimates for Goldman and predicted the firm will have about $2.1B in writedowns. The Wall Street Journal reported that some analysts believe LEH may have a Q3 loss of $1.8B or more and is considering pre-announcing its earnings again this quarter. FRE and FNM are both down more than 10% as pessimism deepens regarding the firms' ability to prevent a major intervention by the US Treasury. A Barron's article from the weekend noted that it is growing "increasingly likely" that the Treasury will recapitalize the GSEs in a move that would "wipe out" holdings of common stock. It hasn't been all gloom among the financials: FMD+38% is soaring after announcing that a Goldman fund has completed an equity investment in the student finance company. Mitsibushi UFJ has raised its bid for the remaining 35% share in California regional bank UB+13.5% to $73.50/shr from $63/shr it offered back on August 12. LOW is trading around even after opening up nearly 4% on strong Q2 earnings. The home improvement retailer exceeded earnings and revenue expectations and raised its full-year guidance by a hair. The firm's CEO cautioned that challenges remain due to a difficult sales environment, noting that rising fuel costs continue to be a concern, and that the firm continues to take a "cautious and measured" outlook on guidance. TSL+3% is showing strength after guiding higher full-year revenue and shipments, and reporting stronger margins; the firm did miss the Street's EPS estimates and reported non-trivial foreign currency exchange losses due to the appreciation of the yuan versus the dollar. HSY-8% reported that it sees its full-year results at the low end of its previously forecasted range, while reiterating its revenue growth expectations for the year, earning itself a cut to hold from buy at Citi. Small-cap printing tech firm BLD+20% is on fire after thrashing earnings estimates.

- The USD continues to consolidate it recent gains among the majors in a quiet, listless session. Higher oil and gold prices are helping to quell the dollar's recent surge. Oil probed into negative territory a few times but climbed back higher following comments from a US official noted that s that limited signs "so far" seen in regards to any withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia. With the September OPEC meeting is not too far off, there are some calls that perhaps OPEC should cut back on output in the awake of slowing global growth.

- Dealers are looking ahead to Tuesday's economic calendar, noting that US housing data could dictate the next leg of the dollar's price action. EUR/USD is trading at 1.4715 after testing as high as 1.4767 in the session. Dealers are noting of some light euro buy stops building above the 1.4790 level but add that resistance is seen at 1.4850 area. Commodity-related currencies are also modestly firmer with USD/Cad at 1.0595 and AUD/USD at 0.8716. USD/CAD showed little reaction to its international securities transaction data. Dealers see 1.0530 to 1.0630 area as the current support/resistance level.

- European fixed-income saw a mixed result for the session. Sept Bunds +20 ticks at 114.40 while Sept Gilts were off 11 tics at 109.05. European equities drifted back into negative territory as financial, airliners and retails contributed to declines.

- Euro Stoxx 50 down 0.25 at 3,361; FTSE 100 Index -0.1% at 5,446; CAC 40 Index at 0.25 at 4,446 and DAX -0.2% at 6,413.

Published on  Tue, Aug 19 2008, 06:28 GMT