American equity markets pull back Thursday

The US Stock market experienced a slightly negative opening Thursday after the publication of economic data in the United States with much of the world eying the central bank action in Europe. In the US, Continuing Jobless Claims (January 27) came in at 3.224M, relative to a figure of 3.216M previously. In addition, Initial Jobless Claims (February 3) were reported at 366K, against expectations calling for only 360K.

Beginning with the indices and composites, the NASDAQ fell -0.04% as it settles in region of 3165.93, down -1.28 points in these moments. In addition, the S&P 500 is trading in positive territory, operating at 1511.31, descending 0.62 points or -0.04% at the time of writing. Finally, the Dow Jones has moved lower at the opening as well, trading in the zone of 13968.32, presently -0.13% after a setback of -17.69 points.

Sectors are all mixed at the opening, however the Consumer Cyclical and Consumer non Cyclical sectors have distinguished themselves as the winners thus far, climbing +0.36% and +0.21% respectively. In other news, the price of crude has settled above USD $97.03 Thursday.