On Thursday, the stock indices saw mixed results. Despite this, the sentiment among US retail investors is currently at near 12-month highs, according to a recent survey. The S&P 500 index was up 0.03 percent after the start of trading, while the Nasdaq Composite was down 0.05 percent and the Dow Jones was down 0.08 percent.
Consumer confidence in the United States is also strong, with the Michigan confidence index scoring 79.4 in March, surpassing economists’ estimates. This is the highest reading since July 2021. Additionally, investor confidence has improved, with half of respondents in a recent survey expressing optimism about the stock market’s development over the next six months.
While there are positive indicators for US consumer and investor confidence, there are also signs of growth in the housing market. Pending housing transactions in the USA increased by 1.6 percent in February compared to January. However, there was a negative indicator as Chicago purchasing managers’ index fell below expectations, scoring 41.4 in March. Overall, moving forward there are several positive signs for the US economy and markets that suggest continued growth in consumer and investor confidence as well as positive developments in the housing market
