UK FTSE down -0.9%. Modest declines for the rest on the day

The European stock markets are closed and the major indices are ending in the red (albeit with mostly modest declines).

  • German Dax, -0.1%
  • France's CAC -0.4%
  • UK's FTSE, -0.9%
  • Spain's Ibex, -0.2%
  • Italy's FTSE MIB, -0.07%
  • Portugal's PSI20, -0.2%

In the 10 year benchmark debt market, yields were higher with concerns about Italy politics leading to a bigger rise in yields as investors shun the risks.

IN other markets as London/European traders exit for the day:

  • Spot gold is trading down to $-5.30 or -0.43% at $1226.20
  • WTI crude oil futures are trading down at dollar 65 or -2.63% at $61.43
  • Bitcoin on Coinbase is trading of $20 at $6420. The high reached $6449.65. The low extended to $6387.82

In the US stock market, major indices are higher:

  • S&P index up 9.2 points or 0.34% at 2747.90
  • NASDAQ index of 31 points or 0.42% at 7359.52
  • Dow industrial average up 111 points or 0.44% at 25572.10

IN the forex market, the GBP has taken over the strongest slot from the NZD but overall changes are still relatively modest on the day.

The CAD remains the weakest with the JPY not far behind in the rankings.

The USD is mixed with gains vs the JPY and CAD, and declines vs the GBP, NZD, AUD. The changes vs the EUR and CHF are very small (near unchanged).