November 21, 2017
STOCK INDEX FUTURES
Stock index futures are being supported by upbeat results from some retailers, along with the belief that the global economy is strengthening.
The National Activity Index from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in October was .65, which compares to .36 in September.
The 9:00 central time October existing home sales report is expected to show 5.44 million.
At 5:00 Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen will participate "In Conversation with Mervyn King," which includes an audience question and answer session.
Historically stock index futures have shown a tendency to advance in the week of the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
The computer models that I use continue to generate bullish signals for stock index futures.
The main trend for stock index futures is higher.
CURRENCY FUTURES
The U.S. dollar is firmer and the euro currency is lower again after the weekend collapse of coalition talks in Germany.
The British pound is higher after U.K. manufacturing orders surged by the most in almost three decades, which were helped by export demand.
The Confederation of British Industry said its monthly factory index increased to 17 from minus 2 in October, which is the highest level since August 1988.
The Canadian dollar is higher in spite of news that wholesale transactions in Canada fell 1.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis in September, which compares to market expectations of a .6% increase.
INTEREST RATE MARKET FUTURES
Other than Fed Chair Yellen there are no other Federal Reserve speakers scheduled for today.
Yesterday Yellensaid she will resign her position on the board of governors once her nominated successorJerome Powell takes over next February.
According to financial futures markets, the probability that the Federal Open Market Committee will increase its fed funds rate at the December 12-13 meeting is better than 99%.
I am totally on board with the consensus view that the FOMC will hike rates next month.
However, I expect only two fed funds rate increases in 2018, while some analysts are predicting three or more rate hikes in 2018 and the Fed is currently predicting three interest rate hikes.
SUPPORT AND RESISTANCE
December 17 S&P 500
Support 2576.00 Resistance 2596.00
December 17 U.S. Dollar Index
Support 93.770 Resistance 94.160
December 17 Euro Currency
Support 1.17210 Resistance 1.17880
December 17 Japanese Yen
Support .88730 Resistance .89270
December 17 Canadian Dollar
Support .77830 Resistance .78340
December 17 Australian Dollar
Support .7523 Resistance .7593
December 17 Thirty Year Treasury Bonds
Support 153^18 Resistance 154^24
December 17 Gold
Support 1273.0 Resistance 1286.0
December 17 Copper
Support 3.0800 Resistance 3.1250
January 17 Crude Oil
Support 56.13 Resistance 57.03
For more information about these markets, please contact Alan at 312.242.7911 or via email at alan.bush@admis.com. Thank you.
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Futures and options trading involve significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. The risk of loss in trading futures and options can be substantial. The views and opinions expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not reflect the views of ADM Investor Services, Inc. or its staff. Research analyst does not currently maintain positions in the commodities specified within this report. The information provided is designed to assist in your analysis and evaluation of the futures and options markets. However, any decisions you may make to buy, sell or hold a futures or options position on such research are entirely your own and not in any way deemed to be endorsed by or attributed to ADMIS. Copyright ADM Investor Services, Inc.
