(Cutoff at European market closing) Janet Yellen said the US economy is now near the FOMC's employment and price goals and that "the case for an increase in the federal funds rate has strengthened in the recent months." But she is also stressing that policy moves are data dependent. Vice-chair Stanley Fischer said that her remarks were consistent with a move as early as next month. Asked if there was a chance of an additional rise after that, he said "yes". Yemeni missiles had hit facilities owned by Saudi Aramco, who said its facilities were safe. The dollar index was up at 95.11 - its highest in eight sessions - as the euro fell to $1.1233 and dollar/yen rose to ¥101.20. The yield on the two-year US Treasury was up 4 basis points at 0.83 per cent - the highest since early June - while the 10-year yield was up 1bp at 1.58 per cent. Brent crude dropped to $49.76 a barrel, after rising as high as $50.6. The US WTI declined to $47.76 a barrel. Gold reversed a gain to trade unchanged at $1,320 an ounce.
Real GDP, prelim Q2 1.10%
GDP price index Q2 2.30%
International trade in goods Jul $59.3bn
Wholesale inventories Jul 0.00%
Final Michigan consumer sentiment Aug 89.80
S&P500 2169.04
SSE 3070.31
HSI 22909.54
