US equities closed higher overnight with DJIA rose 107.59 pts, or 0.58%, to 18502.99. S&P 500 rose 11.34 pts or 0.52% to close at 2180.38. Financial stocks led other highs as the increased expectation of Fed hike this year was seen as a boost to bank shares. Also, that's an indication that a rate hike would be well received by the markets. Technically, the rebound in DJIA and S&P 500 kept both indices in recently established tight range and lowered the risk of trend reversal. Both indices were held well above key near support level at 18247.79 and 2147.58 respectively and maintained bullishness. In other markets, gold stabilized around 1325 after last week's dip while WTI crude oil continues to struggle around 47.
In the currency markets, Yen remains the weakest major currency this week on speculation of BoJ easing in September. Released from Japan, unemployment rate dropped to 3.0% in July, below expectation of 3.1%. That's also the lowest level in 21 years. Household spending dropped -0.5% yoy in July, better than expectation of -1.3% yoy. Retail sales dropped -0.2% yoy versus expectation of -0.9% yoy. BoJ Haruhiko Kuroda reiterated earlier that the central bank will "continue to carefully examine risks and take additional easing measures without hesitation."
Elsewhere, Dollar stays generally firm but was overwhelmed mildly by Aussie and Kiwi. Australia building approvals rose 11.3% versus expectation of 1.2% mom. New Zealand building permits dropped -10.5% mom in July. There are speculations that RBA could cut interest rate again in November. However, also, there are talks that RBA would hold fire if Fed hikes in September as that would buy time for RBA.
Looking ahead, Swiss will release KOF leading indicator in European session. UK will release mortgage approvals and M4. Eurozone will released confidence indicators and German CPI. Later in the day, US will release consumer confidence and S&P Case Shiller house price. Canada will release IPPI and RMPI.