US markets closes mixed amid good economic report

19 Nov 2011 Evaluate

The US markets ended its volatile trade on a mixed note on Friday, as a gauge of leading indicators climbed, boosting views of the US economy. The markets traded directionless as investors balanced the improving economic domestic sentiment and worsening yield picture in the euro zone. The US Conference Board’s index of leading economic indicators climbed more than forecast, signaling the world’s largest economy will keep growing into early next year. Besides, US debt cutting commission members hardened their position as deadline looms to cut expenditures. The bi-partisan commission was appointed to cut ballooning deficit and out of control defense spending and rising medical and retirement entitlement charges. The markets erased gains earlier as Germany’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the nation was considering the possibility of more orderly defaults beyond Greece.

In Europe, the European Central Bank purchases pushed down Italian and Spanish bond yields. The ECB bought sovereign debt for fifth straight day as part of its efforts to halt turmoil in European bond markets. The purchases have helped bring Italy’s 10-year yield below the 7 percent level that foreshadowed bailouts for Greece, Ireland and Portugal. European officials may start talks with the International Monetary Fund for the ECB to lend to the IMF for sovereign bailouts. ECB President Mario Draghi pushed back against politicians and investors asking to do more to end the sovereign debt crisis, expressing impatience with leaders’ failure to act.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 25.43 points, or 0.22 percent, to 11,796.20. The Standard and Poor’s 500 closed lower by 0.48 points, or 0.04 percent, to 1,215.65, while the Nasdaq composite lost 15.49 points, or 0.60 percent, to 2,572.50.

The Indian ADRs closed mixed on Friday, ICICI Bank was up by 0.17% and Wipro was up 0.02%. On the flip side, Dr. Reddy’s Lab was down by 0.34%, Infosys Technologies was down by 0.33% and Tata Communications was down by 0.19%.

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