US markets consolidate as trade deficit widens

12 Jan 2013 Evaluate

US markets consolidated on Friday, though for the week they moved higher but on last trading session stocks remained directionless and choppy. Though traders shrugged off the report of US Commerce Department that the US trade deficit unexpectedly widened in the month of November. Traders were unable to get any cues from the overseas markets, which had helped to push stocks higher in the previous session. While news of a $116 billion stimulus package in Japan generated some positive sentiment, a report from China showing an acceleration in the pace of inflation suggested that it may not provide further stimulus.  In the coming week, the market is expected to turn to corporate earnings, with several large companies reporting their numbers.

Meanwhile, the US trade results showed a surprising jump in the November trade deficit. The US Department of Commerce reported that the trade deficit widened 15.8% to $48.7 billion in November, hitting the largest deficit since April, compared with a revised $42.1 billion deficit in October. Imports rose 3.8% to $231.3 billion, the highest level since April, while exports increased 1% to $182.6 billion.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 17.21 points or 0.13 percent to 13,488.43, the Nasdaq was up by 3.87 points or 0.12 percent to 3,125.63, while the S&P 500 edged down by 0.07 points to 1,472.05.

Indian ADRs made a mixed closing on Friday, Wipro was up by 0.60%, HDFC Bank was up by 0.35% and Infosys was up by 8.27%. On the other hand, ICICI Bank was down by 0.21%, Tata Motors was down by 0.15% and MTNL lost 0.91%.

© 2026 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×