S&P 500 Index Rises Toward 5th Quarterly Gain Before Yellen Talk

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U.S. stocks climbed, with the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index poised for a fifth straight quarterly gain, amid signs of tension easing in Ukraine and before a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

The S&P 500 gained 0.3 percent to 1,863.25 at 9:30 a.m. in New York. A quarterly advance would give the gauge its longest streak since 2007. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 32.17 points, or 0.2 percent, to 16,355.23.

The S&P 500 fell 0.5 percent last week, trimming its gain in 2014 to 0.5 percent, as investors sold the bull market™s biggest winners to lock in gains as they assess how much of the recent economic weakness is weather-related and if the situation in Ukraine will worsen.

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U.S. Stock-Index Futures Climb Before Fed Chair Yellen’s Speech

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U.S. stock-index futures climbed, indicating the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index will rebound from last week™s decline, as investors awaited a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

Biogen Idec Inc. advanced 1.8 percent in premarket trading after winning U.S. regulatory approval for a blood-disorder treatment. Tesla Motors Inc. added 1.2 percent after reaching an agreement with car-dealer lobbying groups in New York.

S&P 500 futures expiring in June gained 0.3 percent to 1,856.8 at 10:57 a.m. in London. The equity benchmark fell 0.5 percent last week as banks and technology-companies declined, while a speech by President Barack Obama increased concern that tension will escalate in Ukraine. Dow Jones Industrial Average contracts rose 54 points, or 0.3 percent, to 16,294 today.

The Federal Open Market Committee on March 19 scrapped a threshold for considering raising interest rates based on unemployment dropping to 6.5 percent. A Labor Department report due on Friday will probably show that the jobless rate fell to 6.6 percent last month from 6.7 percent in February, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

Three rounds of bond buying by the Fed have helped the S&P 500 rally as much as 178 percent since its low in 2009.

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Hong Kong Stocks End 0.39% Higher

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Hong Kong shares climbed 0.39 percent on Monday, in line with a broad Asian advance, following a strong lead from Wall Street.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index added 85.53 points to finish at 22,151.06 on turnover of HK$66.05 billion (US$8.52 billion).

But, in China, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.41 percent, or 8.41 points, to 2,033.31 on turnover of 71.6 billion yuan ($11.5 billion).

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, slid 0.41 percent, or 4.26 points, to 1,039.88 on turnover of 76.4 billion yuan.

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Asian Stocks Rise Fourth Day as Consumer Shares Lead Gains

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Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark index heading for its fourth straight daily gain, as consumer shares led the advance.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index climbed 0.9 percent to 137.84 as of 5:15 p.m. in Tokyo with about three shares rising for each that fell. The gauge lost 0.8 percent this month and 3.3 percent this year through last week as investors weighed the crisis in Ukraine, with stocks in Japan and Hong Kong declining the most among developed markets. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speaks in Chicago today as investors await payrolls data due this week to assess the outlook for U.S. interest rates.

Halla Visteon Climate Control Corp., a maker of automotive air-control equipment, jumped 7 percent in Seoul, the most among a MSCI Asia Pacific Index industry group tracking consumer shares. Samsung SDI Co., a South Korean supplier of batteries to Apple Inc., jumped 6.6 percent after it agreed to buy Cheil Industries Inc. Mazda Motor Corp., a Japanese automaker that gets about 30 percent of its revenue in North America, gained 4.3 percent.

China’s Stocks Benchmark Posts Biggest Quarterly Loss Since June

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China™s stocks fell, capping the benchmark index™s biggest quarterly loss since June, as industrial and consumer-discretionary companies slumped before the release of manufacturing data tomorrow.

FAW Car Co. and XJ Electric Co. slid at least 2 percent. China Minsheng Bank Corp. dropped the most in three weeks after earnings trailed analysts™ estimates. BesTV New Media Co., which formed a game console venture with Microsoft Corp. in Shanghai™s free-trade zone, plunged 10 percent as the shares resumed trading following a weeklong halt.

The Shanghai Composite Index dropped for a fourth day, losing 0.4 percent to 2,033.31 at the close. The measure slid 1.1 percent this month, extending this quarter™s slump to 3.9 percent, after a private developer collapsed and concern grew the restart of initial public offerings will divert funds.

The CSI 300 Index slipped 0.3 percent to 2,146.31 today, extending this quarter™s loss to 7.9 percent. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index advanced 0.4 percent for a 1.5 percent gain this month. The H-shares index trades at 6.7 times estimated earnings, compared with 7.5 for the Shanghai Composite. Trading volumes in the Shanghai index were 20 percent below the 30-day average for this time of day, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

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Asian Stocks Rise a Fourth Day as Raw-Material Shares Lead Gains

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Asian stocks rose, with the regional benchmark heading for its fourth straight daily gain, as raw-material and consumer shares led advances.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index climbed 0.5 percent to 137.38 as of 9:01 a.m. in Tokyo. Japan™s Topix index added 0.9 percent as the yen held last week™s losses versus the dollar and even as data showed industrial production unexpectedly fell 2.3 percent in February from January. A three percentage-point sales-tax increase takes effect in Japan tomorrow.

The regional benchmark index lost 0.8 percent this month and 3.3 percent this year through last week with gauges in Japan and Hong Kong declining the most among developed markets.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speaks in Chicago today as investors await payrolls data due later in the week to assess the outlook for U.S. interest rates.

South Korea™s Kospi index added 0.4 percent as North Korea said it may conduct a œnew form of nuclear test if the U.S. challenges its efforts to enhance deterrence through military drills.

Australia™s S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 0.7 percent, while New Zealand™s NZX 50 Index slid 0.2 percent. Markets in Hong Kong and China are yet to open.

Futures on the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index rose 0.4 percent today. The measure gained 0.5 percent on March 28 as consumer shares rebounded amid data showing household purchases rose in February by the most in three months.

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Japan Index Futures Signal Gains as Aussie Stocks Climb

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Japanese and U.S. index futures climbed with Australian shares as the yen maintained declines versus major peers. Crude oil fell from a three-week high.

Nikkei 225 Stock Average futures in the Osaka pre-market were bid 0.7 percent above their March 28 close in Japan, while contracts on the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index added 0.4 percent after the gauge snapped a two-day drop at the end of last week.

Australia™s S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 0.7 percent by 10:55 a.m. in Sydney.

The yen was steady after falling at least 0.6 percent versus the dollar and euro March 28, while Turkey™s lira climbed after local elections. Crude in New York dropped 0.2 percent.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index is set for its second loss in four quarters with gauges in Japan and Hong Kong declining the most among developed markets.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speaks in Chicago today as investors await payrolls data due later in the week to assess the outlook for U.S. interest rates.

Japan posted an unexpected drop in industrial output from January, before data on Chinese manufacturing due tomorrow.

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U.S. Stocks Rise, Led by Consumers as Biotech Weighs on Nasdaq

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U.S. stocks climbed after a two-day slide, as consumer shares rebounded amid data showing household purchases rose the most in three months. Biotechnology shares extended losses, weighing on the Nasdaq Composite Index.

The Standard & Poor™s 500 Index added 0.5 percent to 1,857.55 at 4 p.m. in New York, paring an earlier gain of as much as 1 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 58.22 points, or 0.4 percent, to 16,322.45.

The afternoon slump left the S&P 500 0.1 percent lower for the month. It is still 0.5 percent higher this quarter.

Investors have been selling the bull market™s biggest winners, locking in gains as they assess how much of the recent economic weakness is weather-related and if the situation in Ukraine will worsen.

The Nasdaq Biotechnology Index slumped 2.8 percent today, pushing its loss this week to 7 percent, while the Russell 2000 Index fell 3.5 percent in the past five days.

Consumer-discretionary shares rallied 0.8 today as data showed household spending in the U.S. rose in February by the most in three months as incomes increased.

Americans were shaking off the effects of the coldest winter in four years as they ventured out to shop, supported by a job market that™s also picking up speed.

Separate data indicated consumer confidence fell less than previously estimated in March.

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European Stocks Rise as Euro-Area Confidence Data Beat Forecasts

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European stocks advanced, extending a weekly gain, as a measure of euro-area economic confidence rose in March more than forecast and Italian banks rallied following a government-debt sale.

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA added 3.5 percent as it forecast dividend payouts of about 10 billion euros ($13.7 billion) through 2017. Pirelli & C. SpA increased 3.2 percent after reporting 2013 earnings that surpassed analysts™ predictions. Resolution Ltd. and Aviva Plc led insurers lower after the U.K. financial regulator said it plans to conduct an inquiry into possibly unfair charges levied on life-insurance policies.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index added 0.7 percent to 333.76 at the close of trading, extending this week™s advance to 1.8 percent. The benchmark gauge has still dropped 1.3 percent so far in March amid tension between Russia and the West over Ukraine™s Crimea region.

A gauge of economic confidence in the euro area rose to 102.4 in March from 101.2 a month earlier, beating analyst forecasts for a rise to 101.4. Separate data showed a measure of the region™s industrial confidence stood at minus 3.3 this month, compared with estimates for minus 3.5. In the U.S., consumer spending rose by the most in three months in February, as incomes increased.

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U.S. Stocks Rise as Tech, Consumer Shares Rally on Spending Data

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U.S. stocks climbed after a two-day slide, as technology and consumer shares rebounded and data showed household purchases rose the most in three months.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. rallied 6 percent after Morgan Stanley raised its recommendation on the stock. H&R Block Inc. and GameStop Corp. climbed at least 5.3 percent, leading gains among consumer shares. PG&E Corp. fell 2.7 percent after saying it expects to face criminal charges for the 2010 explosion of one of its natural gas pipelines that killed eight people.

The Standard & Poor™s 500 Index added 0.8 percent to 1,863.37 at 12:50 p.m. in New York, paring its weekly drop to 0.2 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 117.21 points, or 0.7 percent, to 16,381.44. The Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 0.8 percent, trimming its loss this week to 2.2 percent.

The S&P 500 fell for the fourth time in five days yesterday, as banks and technology companies declined. Today™s rally has erased the gauge™s loss in March. It is 0.8 percent higher this quarter.

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Nikkei Futures Drop as Kiwi Holds Advance; Platinum Gains

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Japanese index futures fell while contracts on the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index climbed after financial and technology companies drove a second day of declines in U.S. stocks. Platinum and palladium rebounded as New Zealand™s dollar held gains near a 2 1/2-year high.

Futures on Japan™s Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped 0.5 percent to 14,560 by 8:05 a.m. in the Osaka pre-market, after rising in Chicago. S&P 500 futures added 0.2 percent after the U.S. gauge fell 0.2 percent to a two-week low in New York. Platinum rose for the first day this week while palladium snapped a three-day retreat. The kiwi was steady after touching the strongest level since August 2011 yesterday and forward contracts on the South Korean won climbed a third day.

Asian stocks are headed for their best week since September, rising 2.5 percent as investors brushed aside disappointing economic data to focus on gains in U.S. consumer confidence and speculation China will act to steady its economy. Japanese inflation matched economists™ estimates in February and the jobless rate dropped with retail trade data also due today. In the U.S., jobless claims unexpectedly fell and economic growth came in slower than economists projected.

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U.S. Stock Decline as Financial, Technology Shares Lead Drop

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U.S. stocks fell for the fourth time in five days, led by banks and technology companies, as investors resumed a rotation out of the bull market™s biggest winners.

Citigroup Inc. dropped the most since 2012 after its capital plan failed Federal Reserve stress tests. Accenture Plc fell 5 percent after saying it anticipates a continued œchallenging environment for its business. GameStop Corp. lost 4 percent after its earnings forecast trailed analysts™ estimates. Baxter International Inc. jumped 3.9 percent after announcing plans to split into two companies. Alcoa Inc. rallied 6.2 percent.

The Standard & Poor™s 500 Index declined 0.2 percent to 1,849.04 at 4 p.m. in New York, trimming a loss of as much as 0.6 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 5.43 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 16,263.56. The Nasdaq Composite Index sank 0.5 percent to the lowest since Feb. 10.

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, a gauge for U.S. stock volatility also known as VIX, slid 2.6 percent to 14.54.

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European Stocks Little Changed After Two-Day Rally; H&M Declines

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European stocks were little changed, after a two-day rally, as retailers fell, while food and beverage companies climbed.

Hennes & Mauritz AB lost 4.3 percent after reporting quarterly profit that missed analysts™ estimates. Babcock International Group Plc posted the biggest drop in four years after agreeing to buy private equity-owned Avincis Group. United Internet AG added 5 percent after saying that earnings jumped 25 percent last year. Marine Harvest ASA rose 2.4 percent after the salmon farmer agreed to sell U.K. farming assets to Cooke Aquaculture Inc.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index gained 0.1 percent to 331.4 at the close of trading in London, after jumping 2 percent in the past two days. The gauge is down 2 percent this month, its biggest decline since June, amid tension between Russia and the West over Ukraine.

The U.S. and the European Union have imposed financial sanctions on Russian and Ukrainian officials as well associates of President Vladimir Putin, leaving open the threat of broader measures targeting Russia™s energy and financial sectors.

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U.S. Stocks Decline as Financial, Technology Shares Lead Drop

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Banks and technology companies led U.S. stocks lower for the fourth time in five days, as a midmorning recovery fizzled and investors resumed a rotation out of the bull market™s biggest winners.

Citigroup Inc. dropped the most since 2012 after its capital plan failed Federal Reserve stress tests. Accenture Plc. fell 6.8 percent after saying it anticipates a continued œchallenging environment for its business. GameStop Corp. lost 6.8 percent after its earnings forecast trailed analysts™ estimates. Baxter International Inc. jumped 5.5 percent after saying it will split into two companies.

The Standard & Poor™s 500 Index declined 0.3 percent to 1,847.40 at 12:18 p.m. in New York, after rising as much as 0.2 percent earlier. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 13.91 points, or 0.1 percent, to 16,255.08. The Nasdaq Composite Index sank 0.6 percent.

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, a gauge for U.S. stock volatility also known as VIX, rose 3.6 percent to 15.46. Trading in S&P 500 stocks was 27 percent above the 30-day average during this time of the day.

Copy Source: Bloomberg         

U.S. Stocks Drop as Investors Sell Drugmaker Shares

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U.S. stocks fell, extending a decline from the last hour of yesterday™s session, as investors sold health-care stocks that have led gains in the last year, Internet companies retreated and Citigroup Inc. fell 5 percent.

The Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 1 percent, extending a decline that began on March 19 to 4.6 percent. The S&P 500 dropped 0.5 percent to 1,843.55 at 9:44 a.m. in New York. The slide erased the gauge™s gain for the year.

The S&P 500 yesterday slid 0.7 percent after President Barack Obama warned that the crisis in Ukraine may escalate. Losses extended in the last hour as investors sold companies that have led the bull market.

Gauges of technology stocks, drugmakers, and consumer and industrial companies all fell 0.7 percent in the final 60 minutes of trading yesterday. About half of the day™s 6.5 percent gain in the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index occurred during the period, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

Investors continued to sell riskier assets, as gauges of Internet and biotechnology shares sank. The S&P 500 closed at its session low, erasing nine points in the final hour.

Source : Bloomberg

Nikkei Futures Fall on Yen Gains as Citigroup Slips After Market

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Japanese index futures declined with U.S. stocks as the yen traded near a one-week high amid concern western nations will step up pressure on Russia, while crude oil weakened. Citigroup Inc. dropped in extended trading after failing the Federal Reserve™s stress test for banks.

Nikkei 225 Stock Average futures fell 0.4 percent in Chicago as the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index closed 0.7 percent lower after losses accelerated in the last hour of trading. Japan™s currency was little changed at 102.08 per dollar by 6:44 a.m. in Tokyo following yesterday™s 0.2 percent gain. Citigroup lost more than 5 percent after hours, while JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America Corp. rose after saying they™ll boost dividends. Oil in New York jumped 1.1 percent as gold fell.

U.S. stocks erased earlier gains fueled by better-than-estimated durable goods data after President Barack Obama said there were consequences for being complacent over Russia™s annexation of Crimea. Citigroup™s capital plan was among five that failed the Fed™s tests. Bank of America increased its quarterly payout after the Fed™s statement, which said the lender -- along with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. -- only passed after cutting requests for buybacks and dividends.

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U.S. Stocks Fall as Obama Comments Raise Concerns Over Crimea

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U.S. stocks fell, erasing gains that sent the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index to within three points of a record, on concern the situation in Ukraine may escalate after President Barack Obama said the international order is being tested.

The S&P 500 fell 0.7 percent to 1,852.6 at 4 p.m. in New York, with declines accelerating in the final hour of trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 98.89 points, or 0.6 percent, to 16,268.99. The Russell 2000 Index sank 1.9 percent for its biggest drop in almost two months.

The Nasdaq Internet index retreated 2.5 percent for a sixth day of losses and is down 11 percent since a high on March 6. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology exchange-traded fund lost 1.8 percent, sliding to the lowest since Jan. 9.

European Stocks Advance for a Second Day as Carmakers Lead Gains

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European stocks rose for a second day, with the Stoxx Europe 600 Index posting its biggest two-day gain in three weeks, as auto companies climbed.

PSA Peugeot Citroen increased 2.8 percent, leading a gauge of auto-related stocks higher, as La Tribune newspaper reported the carmaker got more than 120,000 orders in a year for its 2008 crossover model. Standard Life Plc jumped 7 percent after saying a unit is buying Ignis Asset Management Ltd. from Phoenix Group Holdings. Lloyds Banking Group Plc slid the most since May 2012 as the U.K. government sold a stake in the lender.

The Stoxx 600 added 0.7 percent to 330.93 at the close of trading. The benchmark index has rallied 2 percent in the past two days, after falling 4 percent through March 24 as tension grew between the West and Russia over Ukraine. The measure is still heading for a 2.1 percent drop this month, its biggest monthly decline since June.

Copy Source : Bloomberg

U.S. Stocks Rise, Led by Health-Care Shares While Facebook Drops

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U.S. stocks rose for a second day, led by health-care stocks, as data showed the economy is expanding at a rate that investors speculated won™t spur faster interest rate increases. Technology shares slipped.

Quest Diagnostics Inc. and Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings jumped at least 5 percent to a rally among health-care stocks. PVH Corp. jumped 5.4 percent after earnings exceeded its forecast. Facebook Inc. lost 2.1 percent after buying virtual-reality headset maker Oculus VR Inc. King Digital Entertainment Plc, the maker of the œCandy Crush smartphone game, slumped 9.1 percent on the first day of trading.

The Standard & Poor™s 500 Index added 0.2 percent to 1,869.40 at 12:23 p.m. in New York. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 22.13 points, or 0.1 percent, to 16,390.01. Trading in S&P 500 stocks was 6 percent lower than the 30-day average during this time of the day.

The S&P 500 has advanced 1.2 percent this year through yesterday, putting it on course for a fifth consecutive quarterly gain. The index has accomplished that feat just seven times since its creation in 1957.

Copy Source: Bloomberg

U.S. Stocks Advance as Investors Weigh Report on Durable Goods

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U.S. stocks climbed for a second day, as investors gauged the strength of the world™s largest economy after a report showed durable-goods orders advanced more than forecast while investment in business equipment fell.

The Standard & Poor™s 500 Index added 0.3 percent to 1,870.91 at 9:30 a.m. in New York. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 34.23 points, or 0.2 percent, to 16,402.11.

The S&P 500 has advanced 0.9 percent this year through yesterday, putting it on course for a fifth consecutive quarterly gain. The index has accomplished that feat just seven times since its creation in 1957.

The gauge rose 0.4 percent yesterday after data showed confidence among American consumers at a six-year high, adding to reports indicating the economy is pulling out of a slowdown linked to unusually harsh winter weather.

Demand for durable goods items meant to last at least three years climbed a more-than-forecast 2.2 percent, reflecting the biggest gain in automobile demand in a year, a Commerce Department report showed today.

Orders for U.S. business equipment fell in February for the second time in three months, signaling corporate investment will be slow to gain momentum following the severe weather that put a damper on demand.

A report at 9:45 a.m. New York time will probably show that activity in the services sector has increased this month. Markit Economics Ltd.™s purchasing-managers index rose to 54 in March from 53.3 in February, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

Source : Bloomberg

Bursa Saham AS Ditutup Naik Pasca Penurunan Dua Harinya

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Saham AS ditutup naik untuk pertama kalinya dalam tiga hari terakhir seiring saham komoditas dan saham alat kesehatan menguat serta data ekonomi menunjukkan kepercayaan konsumen berada di enam tahun tertinggi.

Indeks S&P 500 menguat sebanyak 0,5 persen ke level1,865.83 pada pukul 4 sore di New York. Indeks Dow Jones Industrial Average meningkat 94,41 poin, atau sebanyak 0,6 persen, ke level 16,371.10. Indeks Russell 2000 stagnan.

kemarin Saham AS karena data ekonomi mengisyaratkan saham Amerika mengalami perlambatan di bidang manufaktur dan bioteknologi yang mencatat penurunan. IHSG mencapai rekor intraday pada 21 Maret seiring data menunjukkan ekonomi sedang menarik keluar dari perlambatan seiring dengan cuaca musim dingin yang extreme.

Tiga putaran stimulus The Fed telah membantu pertumbuhan ekonomi pada komoditas bahan bakar minyak, mengirimkan S&P 500 melonjak sebanyak 178 persen dari level terendah di tahun 2009. Ketua The Fed Janet Yellen mengatakan pada 19 Maret bahwa program stimulus bank sentral bisa mengakhiri musim gugur ini dan acuan suku bunga akan naik sekitar enam bulan kemudian.(yds)

Europe Stocks Rise After U.S. Data as EasyJet Gains on Forecast

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European stocks rose the most in three weeks as better-than-forecast U.S. consumer-confidence and housing data signaled the world™s largest economy has rebounded from the harsh winter.

EasyJet Plc gained 3.7 percent after forecasting that its loss may narrow in the six months through March. Luxottica Group SpA advanced 4 percent after saying it will design spectacles that use Google Inc.™s Glass technology. Baloise Holding AG climbed 2.9 percent after the Swiss insurer unexpectedly increased its dividend.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index added 1.3 percent to 328.57 at the close in London after yesterday falling the most in two weeks. World equities have regained $2.7 trillion since a low on Feb. 4 as economic data improved and concern dissipated that Russian President Vladimir Putin will seek territory beyond Crimea. Stocks have still lost $270 billion globally this year.

Copy Source : Bloomberg

 

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S&P 500 Fluctuates After Energy Gain Offset by Consumer Shares

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U.S. stocks fluctuated as a rally in commodity prices boosted energy and raw-material shares, while consumer stocks declined.

Schlumberger Ltd. and Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. advanced at least 1.4 percent as oil and copper prices increased. Walgreen Co. climbed 2.4 percent after saying it plans to close 76 drugstores. Carnival Corp. declined 5.3 percent as it narrowed its full-year profit forecast.

The Standard & Poor™s 500 Index was little changed at 1,856.26 at 12:27 p.m. in New York. It earlier rose as much as 0.8 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 20.56 points, or 0.1 percent, to 16,297.25. Trading in S&P 500 stocks was in line with the 30-day average during this time of the day.

The S&P 500 slid yesterday as economic data signaled a slowdown in American manufacturing and biotechnology shares slumped. The benchmark index reached an intraday record on March 21 as data indicated the economy is pulling out of a slowdown linked to unusually harsh winter weather.

Copy Source: Bloomberg

Emas ditransaksikan Mendekati Level Lima Pekan Terendah

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Gold traded near the lowest level in more than five weeks as the dollar strengthened while the world™s leading industrial powers threatened more sanctions to deter Russia from further incursions into Ukraine.

Gold rose 9.2 percent this year on signs of a faltering global economy and Russia™s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine sparked the most serious confrontation between the government in Moscow and the U.S. and its allies since the Cold War. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index, a gauge against 10 major trading partners, rose for the first time in three days, advancing 0.1 percent. Gold and the dollar typically move inversely.

Gold for June delivery was little changed at $1,312.70 an ounce by 9:19 a.m. on the Comex in New York. Prices fell as much as 0.4 percent to $1,305.90, the lowest since Feb. 14. Futures trading volumes were 66 percent higher than the average for the past 100 days for this time of day, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Bullion for immediate delivery rose 0.3 percent to $1,312.32 an ounce in London.

Prices dropped 1.9 percent yesterday in New York, the biggest decline in 13 weeks, as the outlook for higher U.S. interest rates damped demand for the precious metal as a store of value. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said on March 19 that the central bank™s benchmark rate may rise about six months after monetary stimulus ends, expected later this year. Policy makers announced the third $10 billion cut in monthly bond purchases, and gold last week dropped 3.1 percent, the most since November.

Source : Bloomberg

U.S. Stocks Rise Before Consumer Confidence, Home Sales Reports

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U.S. stocks rose, after the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index fell for two days, as investors awaited data on consumer confidence and new-home sales for clues on the strength of the world™s largest economy.

The S&P 500 added 0.5 percent to 1,866.89 at 9:31 a.m. in New York. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 107.73 points, or 0.7 percent, to 16,384.42.

The S&P 500 slid yesterday as economic data signaled a slowdown in American manufacturing and biotechnology shares slumped. The benchmark index reached an intraday record on March 21 as data indicated the economy is pulling out of a slowdown linked to unusually harsh winter weather.

Three rounds of bond purchases from the Federal Reserve have helped fuel economic growth, sending the S&P 500 surging as much as 178 percent from its 2009 low. Fed Chair Janet Yellen said on March 19 that the central bank™s stimulus program could end this fall and benchmark interest rates may rise about six months later.

Fed Bank of Philadelphia President Charles Plosser said in an interview on CNBC today that the central bank wants to get back to normal policy, and that he doesn™t think the Fed changed its position on a rate rise.

Source : Bloomberg

Indeks Saham AS Lanjutkan Reli Pekan Lalu

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Saham AS naik melanjutkan penguatannya pekan lalu, karena optimisme kekuatan ekonomi terbesar di dunia dibayangi kekhawatiran krisis di Ukraina dapat meningkat.

Saham Apple Inc naik sebesar 1,2 persen terkait laporan bahwa perusahaan telah mengadakan pembicaraan dengan Comcast Corp, operator kabel terbesar di Amerika, guna membahas layanan live streaming dan on-demand televisi. Saham Herbalife Ltd melonjak sebesar 6,7 persen setelah sepakat untuk mencalonkan tiga orang diusulkan oleh miliarder Carl Icahn ke dewan direksi.

Indeks Standard & Poor 500 naik sebesar 0,2 persen ke level 1,869.38 pukul 09:30 pagi di New York. Indeks Dow Jones Industrial Average naik sebanyak 45,59 poin, atau sebesar 0,3 persen, ke level 16,348.36 hari ini.

Para pemimpin Amerika Serikat, Uni Eropa, China , Jepang akan bertemu hari ini, berusaha untuk memobilisasi perlawanan terhadap serangan Rusia ke Crimea. Pertemuan di Den Haag ini untuk mendiskusikan Ukraina di tengah kekhawatiran atas penumpukan tentara Rusia di perbatasan ukrainan sebagai pasukan pro-Kremlin yang ingin merebut basis keuatan Ukraina di Krimea.

Saham mendapat keuntungan terbesar mereka dalam satu bulan terakhir pekan lalu, dengan indeks S&P 500 naik sebesar 1,4 persen, seiring data dari klaim pengangguran hingga data manufaktur menunjukkan ekonomi AS menguat. Indeks  IHSG mencatat rekor intradaynya pada jum™at lalu, menyentuh level 1,883.97 sebelum kembali turun. (izr)

Sumber : Bloomberg

U.S. Stock-Index Futures Climb After Weekly Gain as Apple Rises

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U.S. stock-index futures advanced, following the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index™s gain last week.

Apple Inc. added 0.8 percent in early New York trading as the Wall Street Journal reported that the technology company has held talks with Comcast Corp., America™s largest cable operator, about streaming live and on-demand television.

Futures on the S&P 500 expiring in June climbed 0.2 percent to 1,860.9 at 6:10 a.m. in New York. The equity benchmark climbed 1.4 percent last week. Dow Jones Industrial Average contracts gained 22 points, or 0.1 percent, to 16,243 today.

U.S. President Barack Obama arrives in Europe as Russia, which completed its annexation of Crimea last week, masses troops on the border with Ukraine. U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague wrote in yesterday™s Sunday Telegraph that the troop buildup means the crisis may worsen, calling the situation the most serious risk to Europe™s security this century.

Apple added 0.8 percent to $537.01. The newspaper reported that Comcast has discussed providing preferential access to its cables for video content sent to Apple™s set-top boxes. The newspaper cited unidentified people familiar with the matter.

Source : Bloomberg

U.S. Stocks Decline on Slowing Factory Data Amid Russia Concern

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U.S. stocks fell for a second day as economic data signaled a slowdown in American manufacturing and some banks said Russia™s economy will enter a recession.

The Standard & Poor™s 500 Index fell 0.5 percent to 1,857.45 at 4 p.m. in New York, trimming an earlier decline of as much as 0.9 percent.

The Markit Economics preliminary index of U.S. manufacturing decreased to 55.5 in March from 57.1 a month earlier, the London-based group said today. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. This month™s reading was the second-highest since January 2013.

Sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the European Union are pushing Russia toward a recession as the intensity of their economic penalties increases after the annexation of Crimea earlier this month.

Banks including state-run VTB Capital say the world™s ninth-biggest economy will shrink for at least two quarters as penalties for annexing Crimea rattle markets, curb investment and raise the cost of borrowing. Sanctions that have so far focused on individuals via visa bans and asset freezes may be expanded to target specific areas of the economy.

The Group of Seven major powers decided to hold a summit in Brussels in June instead of a planned G-8 meeting in Sochi in the latest sanction against Russia. President Barack Obama and his fellow G-7 leaders met in The Hague today to agree on the next steps in the crisis, amid growing concern that Russia is building up its forces on the border with Ukraine.

Copy Source : Bloomberg

European Stocks Fall Most in Two Weeks on Ukraine, Manufacturing

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European stocks fell, after posting their biggest weekly advance in more than a month, as world leaders pledged further measures against Russia, and manufacturing gauges slipped in China, Germany and the U.S.

Royal KPN NV lost 4.2 percent after Citigroup Inc. downgraded the stock. Stada Arzneimittel AG slumped 15 percent after cutting its 2014 forecast. CEZ AS, the largest Czech utility, climbed 5.1 percent after the nation™s finance minister said the government is seeking a 100 percent dividend payout.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index fell 1.1 percent to 324.39 at the close of trading in London. That™s its biggest drop since March 7. The benchmark gauge advanced 1.8 percent last week as Russian President Vladimir Putin said he won™t seek territory beyond Crimea.

U.S. President Barack Obama and the other Group of Seven heads of government hold a meeting in The Hague tonight to decide what steps to take next in the Ukraine crisis amid growing concern that Russia is building up its forces on the border with its neighbor after annexing the Crimean peninsula. Ukraine said today it deployed more troops to the frontier.

Copy Source : Bloomberg

U.S. Stocks Drop on Slowing Factory Data as Biotech Shares Slump

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U.S. stocks fell for a second day as economic data signaled a slowdown in American manufacturing and some banks said Russia™s economy will enter a recession.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. tumbled 5.5 percent, helping drive the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index toward the biggest two-day retreat since 2011. Tesla Motors Inc. and Facebook Inc., among this year™s best performers in the Nasdaq 100 Index, dropped at least 4.8 percent, dragging the technology gauge toward its lowest level since February. NetApp Inc. slipped 3.7 percent after Morgan Stanley cut the stock™s rating.

The Standard & Poor™s 500 Index fell 0.8 percent to 1,851.26 at 12:41 p.m. in New York. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 76.52 points, or 0.5 percent, to 16,226.25. Trading in S&P 500 stocks was 11 percent higher than with the 30-day average during this time of the day.

The Markit Economics preliminary index of U.S. manufacturing decreased to 55.5 in March from 57.1 a month earlier, the London-based group said today. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. This month™s reading was the second- highest since January 2013.

Copy Source: Bloomberg

U.S. Stocks Retreat After Early Advance Sent S&P 500 to Record

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U.S. stocks retreated, with health-care and technology shares leading losses after the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index rose to a record earlier amid optimism about the economy.

The S&P 500 lost 0.3 percent at 1,865.79 at 4 p.m. in New York. The gauge climbed 1.3 percent this week and earlier today rose above its previous intraday record of 1,883.57 reached March 7. Trading in S&P 500 stocks was 42 percent above the 30-day average amid a quarterly event known as quadruple witching, when futures and options contracts on indexes and individual stocks expire.

Stocks erased gains today after the S&P 500 earlier reached levels it has repeatedly failed to surpass this month. Before today, its previous intraday high was 1,883.57, reached March 7, and the gauge touched 1,881.94 on March 6 and 1,882.35 on March 11.

The S&P 500 yesterday recovered most of its drop from March 19 when Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said the central bank™s stimulus program could end this fall and benchmark interest rates could rise about six months later. Stocks gained yesterday as data on leading indicators and regional manufacturing fueled economic optimism, overshadowing concern that interest rates may rise in the middle of next year.

Copy Source: Bloomberg

U.S. Stocks Advance on Economy Optimism as S&P 500 Nears Record

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U.S. stocks advanced, with the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index poised for its biggest weekly jump in a month, amid investor optimism in the strength of the world™s largest economy.

The S&P 500 added 0.2 percent to 1,876.51 at 9:30 a.m. in New York. The gauge has climbed 1.7 percent this week and closed within six points of its record reached March 7. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 20.72 points, or 0.1 percent, to 16,351.77 today.

Stock trading may be subject to unexpected swings today because of a quarterly event known as quadruple witching, when futures and options contracts on indexes and individual stocks expire.

The S&P 500 rose 0.6 percent yesterday as reports on leading indicators and regional manufacturing fueled optimism in the economy, overshadowing concern that benchmark interest rates may rise in the middle of next year.

The index lost 0.6 percent the previous day after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said the central bank™s stimulus program could end this fall and the rates could rise about six months later.

Three rounds of Fed stimulus and low interest rates have helped boost the equity gauge as much as 178 percent from a 12-year low as U.S. stocks enter the sixth year of a bull market.

Copy Source : Bloomberg

European Stocks Little Changed After Confidence Report, Witching

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European stocks were little changed, with the Stoxx Europe 600 Index posting its biggest weekly gain in five weeks, as consumer confidence increased more than forecast, while derivatives contracts expired.

Rio Tinto Group rose 1.6 percent as copper rebounded. Commerzbank AG climbed 2.5 percent as Morgan Stanley upgraded its rating on the German lender. Havas SA lost 1.8 percent after posting 2013 profit that fell short of analysts™ estimates. Remy Cointreau SA retreated the most since November as UBS predicted China™s anti-extravagance measures will continue to cut into the cognac-maker™s profit.

The Stoxx 600 gained 0.1 percent to 327.91 at the close of trading. The index has advanced 1.8 percent this week, paring its loss this year to 0.1 percent, as President Vladimir Putin said he wasn™t seeking to split up Ukraine after Crimea voted to join Russia.

Copy Source : Bloomberg

U.S. Index Futures Rise as S&P 500 Heads for Best Week in Month

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U.S. stock-index futures advanced, indicating that the Standard & Poor™s 500 Index will rise for a second day as it heads for its biggest weekly jump in a month.

Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. surged 37 percent in early New York trading after saying it remains in talks about a potential debt restructuring. Yelp Inc. rose 2.6 percent after partnering with advertising platform YP. Symantec Corp. slumped 10 percent after firing its chief executive officer. Tiffany & Co. lost 2.7 percent after reporting earnings that missed analysts™ estimates and forecasting profit below projections.

Futures on the S&P 500 expiring in June added 0.2 percent to 1,870.3 at 8 a.m. in New York. The gauge has climbed 1.7 percent this week and closed 0.3 percent away from its record high reached March 7. Dow Jones Industrial Average contracts gained 30 points, or 0.2 percent, to 16,295 today.

The S&P 500 rose 0.6 percent yesterday as reports on leading indicators and regional manufacturing fueled optimism in the economy, overshadowing concern that benchmark interest rates may rise in the middle of next year. The index lost 0.6 percent the previous day after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said the central bank™s stimulus program could end this fall and the rates could rise about six months later. The Fed had previously said it would not raise them for a considerable period, without specifying a time frame.

Copy Source : Bloomberg

U.S. Stocks Rebound; Asian Index Futures Gain

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Index futures Australia and South Korea rose, while contracts on the Nikkei 225 Stock Average showing a rise after yesterday's decline, after U.S. economic data pushed stocks to rebound. Forward on emerging-market currencies Asia increased as oil prices extended losses.

Index futures contract on the S & P / ASX 200 in Australia and Seoul's Kospi index rose 0.4 percent in recent trading as the Nikkei 225 index futures in Chicago and Osaka closed at levels above yesterday's closing index of Japan. Index futures Standard & Poor's 500 Index fell 0.2 percent. Meanwhile, in one month the Indonesian rupiah and the Korean won rose at least 0.3 percent after the currency skidded yesterday. Gold snapping a four-day because the price of crude oil in New York fell for a second day. (Yds)

Saham AS Gain Pasca Data Ekonomi Membayangi Kekhawatiran Naiknya Suku Bunga

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Saham AS naik untuk ketiga kalinya dalam minggu ini pasca laporan terhadap indikator terkemuka dan manufaktur regional memicu optimisme dalam perekonomian, membayangi kekhawatiran bahwa suku bunga akan naik pada pertengahan tahun depan.

Indeks Standard & Poor 500 naik 0,6 persen menjadi 1,872.04 pada 04:00 sore di New York. Indeks Dow Jones Industrial Average menambahkan 109,01 poin, atau 0,7 persen, menjadi 16,331.18. Kedua indeks menghapus sebagian besar penurunan kemarin. Perdagangan saham di S&P 500 adalah 9,4 persen di atas rata-rata 30-hari pada hari ini.

Acuan ekuitas turun 0,6 persen kemarin setelah Ketua Federal Reserve Janet Yellen mengatakan bahwa program stimulus bank sentral dapat berakhir pada musim gugur ini dan suku bunga acuan dapat naik sekitar enam bulan kemudian. The Fed sebelumnya mengatakan tidak akan menaikkan suku bunga untuk jangka waktu yang cukup, tanpa menentukan kerangka waktu.(yds)

Sumber : Bloomberg

Saham Eropa Ditutup Turun Terkait Pernyataan Yellen

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Sebagian besar saham-saham Eropa mengalami penurunansetelah para investor menimbang pernyataan Ketua Federal Reserve Janet Yellen bahwa suku bunga acuan kemungkinan naik sekitar enam bulan setelah bank sentral mengakhiri pembelian obligasinya.

Saham GlaxoSmithKline Plc kehilangan 1,6 persen setelah mengatakan bahwa obat eksperimental untuk kanker paru-parubuatan mereka mengalami kegagalan dalam studi klinis. Saham Rheinmetall AG mengalami penurunan terbesar dalam empat bulan terakhir setelah sebuah laporan mengatakan bahwa pemerintah Jerman menghentikan kesepakatan perusahaan pertahanannyadengan pihak Rusia dikarenakan krisis Ukraina. Saham Munich Re naik 1,4 persen setelah mengumumkan pembelian kembali saham mereka.

Indeks Stoxx Europe 600 naik kurang dari 0,1 persen menjadi 327,67 pada sesi penutupan perdagangan, setelah dua saham turun untuk setiap satu yang naik. Indeks acuan telah turun 0,2 persen pada tahun 2014, setelah mengalami keuntungan dalam dua tahun terakhir, pasca The Fed memulai pemangkasan pembelian aset sebesar $ 10 miliar per bulan dan konflik di Ukraina yang menyebabkan ketegangan antara pemerintah Rusia dan Amerika Serikat.

Sejumlah indeks nasional 11 dari 18 pasar di Eropa baratmengalami penurunan. DAX Jerman naik 0,2 persen, FTSE 100 Inggris turun 0,5 persen dan CAC 40 Prancis naik 0,5 persen.(frk)

Sumber: Bloomberg

Saham AS Menguat Pada Data ekonomi, Dolar Catat Kenaikan

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Saham AS Menguat karena data ekonomi yang lebih baik dari perkiraan yang mengimbangi kekhawatiran atas tingkat suku bunga Amerika yang akan mengalami kenaikan. Emerging-market anjlok sementara mata uang dolar menguat dan minyak catat penurunan.

Indeks Standard & Poor 500 naik sebanyak 0,3 persen pada 12:04 siang di New York, membalikkan penurunan sebelumnya sebesar 0,3 persen. Dolar menguat terhadap 14 dari 16 mata uang utama, dengan penguatan mata uang AS sebanyak  0,4 persen terhadap euro. Indeks MSCI Emerging Markets turun 1,2 persen dan tembaga jatuh 2,2 persen karena saham Cina di Hong Kong memasuki Bear-market. Minyak kehilangan 1 persen, mencatat penurunan untuk pertama kalinya dalam tiga hari terakhir.

Indeks leading indicator AS naik 0,5 persen pada Februari, tanda ekonomi akan menguatt setelah perlambatan cuaca yang disebabkan pada kuartal pertama. Ketua Federal Reserve Janet Yellen mengatakan acuan suku bunga kemarin bisa naik dalam enam bulan setelah The Fed mengakhiri program pembelian obligasinya.

S & P 500 turun 0,6 persen dan yield Treasury melonjak kemarin pasca Janet Yellen mengatakan program stimulus bank sentral bisa mengakhiri musim gugur ini dan cuansuku bunga a bisa naik sekitar enam bulan kemudian. The Fed sebelumnya mengatakan tidak akan menaikkan suku bunga untuk jangka waktu yang tidak ditentukan. (yds)

Sentimen Komentar Yellen, Tekan Bursa Saham AS Melemah

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Bursa saham AS melemah, acuan ekuitas tersebut turun pada hari kedua, setelah Ketua Federal Reserve Janet Yellen memberikan sinyal bahwa acuan suku bunga akan dinaikkan pada pertengahan tahun depan.

Indeks Standard & Poor 500 melemah 0.1% ke level 1,859.05 pukul 9:30 pagi waktu New York. Dow Jones Industrial Average melemah 19.07 poin atau 0.1% ke level 16,203.10.

Kemarin Indeks S&P 500 melemah 0.6% setelah Yellen menyatakan bahwa program stimulus bank sentral akan dihentikan dan acuan suku bunga akan dinaikkan pada 6 bulan kedepan. Federal Reserve sebelumnya telah menyatakan bahwa tidak akan meningkatkan suku bunga untuk beberapa periode, tanpa memberikan spesifikasi waktunya.

Perkiraan The Fed kuartalan juga menunjukkan bahwa bank sentral memprediksi acuan suku bunga saat ini mendekati 0, akan dinaikkan setidaknya 1% diakhir 2015 dan 2.25% di tahun berikutnya. Bank sentral menyatakan akan memangkas pembelian obligasi bulanannya sebesar $10 miliar, sehingga total pembelian menjadi $55 miliar.

Tiga putaran stimulus Federal Reserve stimulus dan acuan suku bunga telah membantu kenaikan acuan ekuitas tersebut naik 178% dari level 12 tahun terendahnya. (bgs)

Sumber : Bloomberg

Saham AS Ditutup Turun Terkait Pernyataan The Fed

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Saham AS ditutup turun untuk pertama kalinya dalam tiga hari terakhir terkait pernyataan ketua  Federal Reserve Janet Yellen yang mengatakan program stimulus bank sentral bisa berakhir di musim gugur ini dan tingkat suku bunga bisa menguat di enam bulan kemudian.

Indeks S & P 500 tergelincir 0,6 persen menjadi 1,860.83 pada pukul 4 sore di New York. Indeks Dow Jones Industrial Average turun 113,51 poin, atau sebanyak 0,7 persen, ke level 16,222.68. Volume perdagangan saham untuk S & P 500 ini sejalan dengan rata-rata 30-hari saat ini.

Dengan menjaga sasaran suku bunga acuan mendekati nol dan melakukan tiga sesi putaran pembelian aset, the Fed telah membantu mendorong S & P 500 naik sebanyak 178 persen dalam 12 tahun terakhir karena ekuitas AS memasuki bull-market  di tahun keenamnya yang dimulai pada Maret 2009.(yds)

Sumber: Bloomberg

Saham AS Berfluktuasi Sebelum Keputusan Stimulus Federal Reserve

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Saham AS berfluktuasi, menyusul reli dua hari terbesar dalam lima minggu terakhir, setelah investor menunggu hasil keputusan Federal Reserve yang diperkirakan akan memotong pembelian obligasi bulanannya sebesar $ 10 miliar.

Homebuilders reli setelah KB Home melaporkan pendapatan yang melampaui estimasi para analis, harga jual mengalami kenaikan. Saham perusahaan utilitas turun pasca Consolidated Edison Inc kehilangan 2 persen. Saham FedEx Corp tergelincir setelah pelaporan hasil yang mengecewakan akibat cuaca buruk.

Indeks Standard & Poor`s 500 naik kurang dari 0,1 persen menjadi 1,872.88 pada 01:22 di New York. Indeks ekuitas berada sekitar lima poin dari rekornya yang dicapai pada 7 Maret lalu. Indeks Dow Jones Industrial Average sedikit berubah pada 16,336.93. Perdagangan saham di S&P 500 adalah 27 persen lebih rendah dari rata-rata 30-hari pada hari ini.

Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) akan mengakhiri pertemuan dua harinya di mana para pembuat kebijakan akan memilih untuk memotong ketiga $ 10 miliar pembelian obligasi bulanan menjadi $ 55 miliar, menurut rata-rata estimasi ekonom dalam sebuah survei. Para pejabat akan terus mengurangi pembelian obligasi bulanan pada setiap pertemuannya sebelum menutup program pada pertemuan mereka tanggal 28-29 Oktober yang lalu, menurut survei.(frk)

Sumber : Bloomberg

Saham Eropa Ditutup Stagnan Jelang Keputusan The Fed

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Saham Eropa ditutup stagnan, setelah dua hari keuntungan, akibat para investor menunggu keputusan dari pertemuan Ketua Federal Reserve Janet Yellen untuk menilai pandangan bank sentral mengenai program stimulus dan tingkat suku bunga.

Saham Inditex SA menambahkan 4,9 persen setelah mengatakan penjualan meningkat dalam enam minggu pertama tahun fiskal. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG melonjak ke rekornya setelah memperkirakan laba sebelum pajak yang akan naik di tahun ini. Ophir Energy Plc jatuh ke level terendah sejak Desember 2011 setelah mengatakan pihaknya menemukan sedikit bukti adanya hidrokarbon di sumur di Gabon.

Indeks Stoxx Europe 600 turun 0,1 persen menjadi 327,63 pada sesi penutupan perdagangan. Indeks saham turun 4,8 persen dari 25 Februari sampai akhir pekan lalu di tengah gejolak antara Rusia dan wilayah Barat atas Krimea. Memperpanjang gain minggu ini kemarin seiring Presiden Rusia Vladimir Putin mengatakan ia tidak berupaya untuk mencaplok bagian lain Ukraina.(yds)

Sumber: Bloomberg

Bursa Saham AS Stagnan Jelang Keputusan The Fed

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Bursa saham AS stagnan, akibat para investor menunggu hasil keputusan rapat Federal Reserve yang diperkirakan akan mengurangi program pembelian obligasi sebesar $10 miliar.

Indeks Standard & Poor 500 melemah kurang dari 1 poin ke level 1,871.62 pukul 9:32 pagi waktu New York. Acuan ekitas tersebut turun 7 poin dari level rekornya 1,878.04 yang tercapai pada tanggal 7 Maret lalu. Pada hari ini Dow Jones Industrial Average naik kurang dari poin ke level 16,336.48.

FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) akan mengakhiri pertemuannya yang telah berlangsung selama 2 hari ini yang mana The Fed akan memilih opsi yang ketiga kalinya guna mengurangi pembelian obligasi sebesar $10 miliar menjadi $55 miliar, menurut perkiraan dari para ekonom.

Pada bulan lalu Ketua Federal Reserve Janet Yellen menyatakan bahwa ekonomi AS telah cukup membaik untuk dilakukannya pengurangan pembelian obligasi. Tiga putaran stimulus Federal Reserve telah mendorong S&P 500 naik 177% dari level terendahnya dalam 12 tahun terakhir, setelah ekuitas AS memasuki tahun keenam dengan situasi pasar yang naik (bullish)  yang telah mulai sejak tanggal 9 Maret 2009 lalu.

Indeks S&P 500 menguat 1.7% dalam 2 hari terakhir akibat Russia tidak akan memecah belah Ukraina. AS dan Uni Eropa sedang mempersiapkan sanksi kepada Russia setelah Presiden Vladimir Putin menandatangani perjanjian guna menggabungkan wilayah Crimea dengan Russia. Larangan visa dan pembekuan asset terhadap pemerintah Russia telah gagal menggoyang Putin, para pemimpin Uni Eropa besok akan mengadakan pertemuan guna mempertimbangkan œtambahan dan jauh dari konsekuensi. (bgs)

Sumber : Bloomberg

Sentimen The Fed, Akibatkan Indeks Berjangka AS Stagnan

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Indeks berjangka AS stagnan, akibat para investor menunggu hasil keputusan rapat Federal Reserve yang diperkirakan akan memangkas pembelian obligasi bulanannya sebesar $10 miliar.

Adobe Systems Inc. catat gain 1.1%. Oracle Corp. melemah 3.4%. SolarCity Corp. turun 2.7%.

Kontrak berjangka pada Indeks Standard & Poor 500 yang akan berakhir di bulan Juni mendatang naik kurang dari 0.1% ke level 1,865.2 pukul 6:59 pagi waktu New York. Acuan ekuitas tersebut naik 1.7% dalam 2 hari terakhir setelah Russia menyatakan tidak akan memecah belah Ukraina. Pada hari ini kontrak di Dow Jones Industrial Average naik 11 poin atau kurang dari 0.1% ke level 16,273. (bgs)

Sumber : Bloomberg