– From “The Brewer Blog”, by Brewer Investment Group –
Today, Fed Chairman Bernanke will continue his testimony before the House Financial Services Committee. Yesterday he said the U.S. economic recovery has been “nascent” and requires low interest rates to help it sustain growth. He also said that low employment and subdued inflation allow the FOMC to keep downside pressure on interest rates.
Today’s January Durable Goods Report came out better than expected, but that wasn’t enough to help the equities. Stock indices are down on the news that initial claims rose by 22,000 to 496,000. Traders had been looking for a decrease.
U.S. stock markets are under pressure overnight because of another shift in risk sentiment. Sovereign debt issues in Greece are putting fear into traders triggering liquidation of risky asset position. It’s highly doubtful that Bernanke will say anything today which can turn this market around so traders should look for downside pressure throughout the day. A break through 1090.00 in the March E-mini S&P 500 could trigger a further decline to 1084.50.
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