Stock Futures Are Higher And Yields Are Ticking Lower As Investors Digest A New Batch Of Earnings And Economic Data

U.S. stock futures are higher. Stock futures are higher and yields are ticking lower as investors digest a new batch of earnings and economic data. U.S. GDP for the fourth quarter grew at 3.3%, which easily beat expectations for 2% growth. Weekly jobless claims came in at 214k, which exceeded last week’s figure and estimates which were 189k and 200k respectively. Durable goods orders were unexpectedly flat for the month of December. The initial reaction is that this morning’s economic data is constructive for markets and for the Federal Reserve. Overseas, Asian markets finished on a positive note, led by Chinese indexes which notched their third-straight day of gains to pare back recent strong weakness. European markets are mixed as the ECB announced that they will keep rates unchanged as expected without providing further indications on the timing of rate cuts. Crude oil prices and gold are gaining, and the U.S. Dollar is strengthening.

DISCLAIMER: THIS MATERIAL MAY CONTAIN INACCURACIES AND TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. UNITED ASSET DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE MATERIALS OR THE RELIABILITY OF ANY ADVICE, OPINION, STATEMENT OR OTHER INFORMATION DISPLAYED OR DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE SITE.