News Headline Summary

(MARKET COMMENTARY)

US EQUITY WRAP

Decent macro-economic data lifted equity markets for the second day in a row. However, despite the optimistic economic data, investors remained cautious and likely have sidelined them levels from further commitment until they are able to digest the NFP report tomorrow. Home builders have shown decent gains post stronger housing data, while consumer services sector benefited from better than expected retail sales data. Worth noting that oil & gas sector came under pressure today following an explosion on one of its rig in the Gulf of Mexico. The latter half of the session saw equities settle into a range-bound trade and at the closing bell DJIA closed up 0.49% at 10320.10, S&P 500 closed up 0.91% at 1090.10 and NASDAQ 100 closed up 1.13% at 1840.58.