American equity markets open cautiously Thursday

The US Stock market experienced a cautious opening Thursday mixed upbeat data in the United States provided pause for investors. In the United States, Initial Jobless Claims (March 3) were reported at just 340K, against expectations of 355K, and down from 370K previously. In addition, Continuing Jobless Claims (February 24) came in at 3.094M, against a consensus of 3.110M. Finally, the US Trade Balance shrunk to $-44.45B in January, against a projected figure of $-43.0B.

Beginning with the indices and composites, the NASDAQ rose +0.04% as it settles in region of 3223.77, up +2.46 points in these moments. In addition, the S&P 500 is trading in positive territory, operating at 1543.43, ascending +2.20 points or +0.14% at the time of writing. Finally, the Dow Jones has moved higher at the opening, trading in the zone of 14330.42, presently +0.24% after a movement of +34.19 points.

Sectors are mixed currently, however the Consumer non-Cyclical and Basic Materials sectors have distinguished themselves as main winners thus far, jumping +0.37% and +0.38% respectively. In other news, the price of crude has settled below USD $91.23/bbl Thursday.