Analysis of the American trading session

During the American session on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, the US dollar strengthened its positions against most of the major market currencies. In the first half of the US trading, the US dollar maintained a low-key dynamics, which was due to the expectation of publication of the FOMC protocols. Also, some influence on the course of trading was provided by mixed statistics on the USA.

• According to preliminary data, the index of business activity in the manufacturing sector increased in February to 55.9, against the January value of 55.5.
• The index of business activity (PMI) in the services sector increased to 55.9, which is higher than the previous value at the level of 53.3.
• In turn, sales in the secondary housing market declined in January by -3.2% against the level of 5.38M, against the previous value at 5.56M.

Immediately after the publication of the FOMC protocols, the US dollar weakened its positions against the basket of currencies, but then quickly moved on to growth. The protocol itself pointed to the strengthening of the US economy, which provided temporary support to the stock exchanges. At the same time, investors hinted at the increase in the probability of accelerating the interest rate hikes, which led to a decrease in the stock markets and supported the US dollar (Dow -0.67%, S & P 500 -0.55%, Nasdaq -0.22%).

Alexander Sivtsov