Average hourly earnings growth came in at 2.7% (All Employees) for the 12 months ended July 2018. Growth in average hourly earnings is an excellent gauge of underlying inflationary pressures in the economy, which remain subdued.
Consumer price index (CPI) growth is slightly higher, at 2.8% for June 2018, but lower core CPI (2.2%) suggests that food and energy prices are partly to blame.
The S&P 500 respected support at 2800, signaling an advance to 3000. Declining 21-day Volatility suggests that market risk is declining and the market is returning to business as usual.
The Nasdaq 100 shook off recent Facebook (FB) and Netflix (NFLX) tremors and is testing resistance at 7400. Breakout is likely and would offer a target of 7800.
