Q2 to End on Upbeat Note

It’s the final day of the first half of the year and markets look poised to climb. The US$ index is slightly lower, equity futures are pointing to an extension of Monday’s gains, and oil prices are inching closer to $72 per barrel (in Asian markets WTI broke $73 per barrel on news that a refinery had been attacked in Nigeria.)

The day brings three major macro releases to markets, beginning with house prices at 9am (expected to post a record decline), followed by a regional output report from the Midwest (contraction expected to slow), and topped off with  a monthly look at consumer confidence (anticipated to edge up a bit.)

Traders will also have their minds on data coming out later in the week, particularly the ISM Manufacturing report on Wednesday and the June employment figures on Thursday.

Key Releases Today:

9:00 â€