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Investing.com - The Dow closed sharply higher on Friday as traders cheered reports that plans were afoot for a meeting between President Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi that could pave the way for an end to the trade war.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose about 0.43%. The S&P 500 rose 0.33%, while the Nasdaq Composite rose about 0.13%.

Chinese and U.S. negotiators are drawing up plans for talks between President Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in November, according to report from the Wall Street Journal.

The report also said that low-level talks on trade between the countries would be held on August 22 and August 23.

That lifted the major averages as trade-sensitive stocks rallied, offsetting pressures in semiconductor names, led by a slump in Nvidia.

Shares of 3M (NYSE:MMM), Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) and Boeing (NYSE:BA), which all have significant internationally exposure (making them vulnerable to rising trade tensions), rose on the news to end the day higher.

Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) closed nearly 5% lower as investors fretted the short-term outlook for the chipmaker. It posted third-quarter guidance that fell short of estimates. But analysts continued to sound upbeat on the Nvidia, citing its new Turing GPU would ramp up growth.

"With three solid, structural growth drivers in DC (Data Centre) AI, gaming and autonomous, we see continued outsized growth (for Nvidia)," Oppenheimer said in a note to clients. "We're buyers with a $310 target."

Energy helped the broader market hold onto gains as bullish news on the U.S.-China trade front eased concerns about a further deterioration in China's economy, which many fear would crimp oil demand.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange crude futures for September delivery rose 45 cents settle at $65.91 a barrel.

Still, the rise in oil prices failed to avert U.S. crude futures from posting a third weekly loss in a row.

In other corporate news, Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) stock fell 9% amid growing doubts about CEO Elon Musk's plans to take the company private, as the SEC's investigation into those plans, and issues related to disclosures about Model 3 production, intensifies.

On the economic front, data showing consumer sentiment fell to its lowest level in 11 months had a muted impact on market direction.

The University of Michigan said its preliminary consumer sentiment index in August fell to 95.3, down from 97.9 in July.

Looking ahead to next week, the healthcare sector is expected to garner investor attention.

"We believe generalist investors are likely to focus on the healthcare sector over the next week given the potential for an announcement from the President on drug pricing," Goldman Sachs said in a note.

Top Dow Gainers and Losers Today:

Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) , Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) were among the top Dow gainers for the session.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT), Nike (NYSE:NKE) and McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) were among the worst Dow performers of the session.

Investing.com - Top 5 things that rocked U.S. markets this week:

1. Walmart Leads on Retail Earnings; Chips See Weakness

The earnings calendar began to lighten up this week, but there were still enough major reports to move the market, especially in the retail sector.

The broader market tends to perform well if retail is humming along, as consumer spending accounts for as much as 70% of U.S. economic growth.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT) reported quarterly earnings that topped consensus and raised its full-year earnings guidance.

Home Depot (NYSE:HD) lifted its full-year guidance for both revenue and same-store sales. But Macy’s (NYSE:M) shares struggled on margin concerns.

Chip stocks were hit by a double dose of weak guidance after the bell Thursday. Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) issued softer-than-expected guidance. And Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) forecast weaker-than-expected earnings per share.

On the positive side in tech, Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO) beat on both the top and bottom lines and the company forecast better-than-expected numbers for its fiscal first quarter.

2. U.S. and China Going Back to the Table on Trade

Talks of trade rapprochement between the U.S. and China helped ease the nagging tariff tensions in stocks.

China said it will hold a fresh round of trade talks with the U.S. in Washington later this month, offering a glimmer of hope for progress in resolving a conflict that has set world markets on edge.

A Chinese delegation led by Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen will meet with U.S. representatives led by Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs David Malpass, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on its website.

The upcoming meeting, which is lower-level compared with four previous rounds of talks, comes at the invitation of the U.S., according to the statement.

3. Turkish Lira Roller Coaster Continues

The Turkish lira took currency traders on another wild ride this week, keeping bank stocks, especially in Europe, on the back foot.

The struggling currency sank to an all-time low of 7.2393 on Monday amid growing concern over a deepening diplomatic rift with the United States over Ankara's detention of Andrew Brunson, an American pastor detained in 2016.

It found its footing Tuesday, after the country's central bank pledged to provide liquidity in response to the meltdown.

On Friday, Turkey remained in the spotlight as U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s announced that the U.S. is prepared to slap Turkey with more sanctions if its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refuses the quick release of Brunson.

The Turkish lira has lost almost 50% of its value this year, largely over worries about Erdogan's growing influence over the economy, his repeated calls for lower interest rates in the face of high inflation and worsening ties with the U.S.

4. Economic Numbers Lack Clear Direction

Wall Street dealt with mixed economic data over the week.

On Friday, the University of Michigan reported a drop in its preliminary measure of August consumer sentiment, which surprised the market. The measure of 95.3 was down from July. Economists were looking for a rise to 98.1.

But July retail sales, and core retail sales, which exclude autos, came in above expectations.

Housing data was mixed. Housing starts for July rose less than economists anticipated. But building permits, an indicator of future demand, were stronger than forecasts for the month.

And the Philadelphia Fed index fell sharply to the lowest reading since November 2016.

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve said its manufacturing index fell by 14 points to 11.9 from 25.7 in July. The consensus forecast had been for a reading of 21.9.

5. Gold Falls Sharply for the Week; Copper in a Bear Market

Gold prices were on track for their biggest weekly loss since April 2017, as worries about demand from China and contagion from Turkey’s currency crisis. And copper fell into bear-market territory during the week.

Gold was also hit by strength in the dollar, as a stronger greenback makes gold more expensive for holders of foreign currency.

In China, data showed fixed-asset investment rose less than anticipated, as did factory output.

Copper prices sank on indications of China weakness and were hit by easing supply concerns. BHP Billiton (LON:BLT) and the union at the world’s biggest mine in Chile agreed to put a new wage offer to a vote by workers, potentially saving the industry from a strike that threatened to disrupt supply at a time of shrinking stockpiles.

Investing.com – U.S. stocks were higher after the close on Friday, as gains in the Basic Materials, Industrials and Utilities sectors led shares higher.

At the close in NYSE, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.43% to hit a new 3-months high, while the S&P 500 index added 0.33%, and the NASDAQ Composite index gained 0.13%.

The best performers of the session on the Dow Jones Industrial Average were Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:CAT), which rose 2.25% or 3.06 points to trade at 139.32 at the close. Meanwhile, Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) added 2.00% or 4.26 points to end at 217.58 and Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) was up 1.59% or 0.66 points to 42.08 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT), which fell 0.80% or 0.79 points to trade at 97.85 at the close. Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) declined 0.39% or 0.31 points to end at 79.74 and McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) was down 0.35% or 0.57 points to 161.16.

The top performers on the S&P 500 were Nordstrom Inc (NYSE:JWN) which rose 13.27% to 59.22, Coty Inc (NYSE:COTY) which was up 6.45% to settle at 12.22 and Perrigo Co (NYSE:PRGO) which gained 3.64% to close at 72.96.

The worst performers were Applied Materials Inc (NASDAQ:AMAT) which was down 7.72% to 43.77 in late trade, NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) which lost 4.90% to settle at 244.82 and Gilead Sciences Inc (NASDAQ:GILD) which was down 3.53% to 72.92 at the close.

The top performers on the NASDAQ Composite were Izea Inc (NASDAQ:IZEA) which rose 33.33% to 1.4600, Sigma Designs Inc (NASDAQ:SIGM) which was up 24.24% to settle at 0.25 and Bellerophon Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:BLPH) which gained 22.81% to close at 0.798.

The worst performers were Zion Oil&Gas Inc (NASDAQ:ZN) which was down 27.13% to 1.840 in late trade, Boxlight Corp Class A (NASDAQ:BOXL) which lost 18.78% to settle at 3.98 and US Energy Corp (NASDAQ:USEG) which was down 15.69% to 0.8600 at the close.

Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the New York Stock Exchange by 2109 to 956 and 46 ended unchanged; on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, 1375 rose and 1177 declined, while 147 ended unchanged.

Shares in Nordstrom Inc (NYSE:JWN) rose to 52-week highs; up 13.27% or 6.94 to 59.22. Shares in Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) rose to all time highs; up 2.00% or 4.26 to 217.58. Shares in Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) rose to 5-year highs; rising 1.59% or 0.66 to 42.08. Shares in Zion Oil&Gas Inc (NASDAQ:ZN) fell to 52-week lows; falling 27.13% or 0.685 to 1.840.

The CBOE Volatility Index, which measures the implied volatility of S&P 500 options, was down 6.02% to 12.64.

Gold Futures for December delivery was up 0.64% or 7.60 to $1191.60 a troy ounce. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Crude oil for delivery in September rose 0.67% or 0.44 to hit $65.90 a barrel, while the October Brent oil contract rose 0.48% or 0.34 to trade at $71.77 a barrel.

EUR/USD was up 0.55% to 1.1441, while USD/JPY fell 0.31% to 110.57.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.51% at 95.99.

Investing.com – Canada stocks were higher after the close on Friday, as gains in the Healthcare, Materials and REITs sectors led shares higher.

At the close in Toronto, the S&P/TSX Composite gained 0.58%.

The best performers of the session on the S&P/TSX Composite were Canopy Growth Corp (TO:WEED), which rose 8.38% or 3.410 points to trade at 44.090 at the close. Meanwhile, Precision Drilling Corporation (TO:PD) added 4.09% or 0.19 points to end at 4.83 and Alacer Gold Corp (TO:ASR) was up 4.05% or 0.090 points to 2.310 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Kinaxis Inc (TO:KXS), which fell 4.01% or 4.00 points to trade at 95.70 at the close. MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (TO:MAXR) declined 3.02% or 1.51 points to end at 48.51 and Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (TO:GC) was down 2.68% or 1.21 points to 43.89.

Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Toronto Stock Exchange by 647 to 404 and 132 ended unchanged.

The S&P/TSX 60 VIX, which measures the implied volatility of S&P/TSX Composite options, was down 2.07% to 13.26.

Gold Futures for December delivery was up 0.64% or 7.60 to $1191.60 a troy ounce. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Crude oil for delivery in September rose 0.67% or 0.44 to hit $65.90 a barrel, while the October Brent oil contract rose 0.48% or 0.34 to trade at $71.77 a barrel.

CAD/USD was up 0.74% to 0.7657, while CAD/EUR rose 0.16% to 0.6692.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.50% at 96.00.

Investing.com - WTI crude oil prices ended lower for a third-straight week, despite settling higher Friday amid reports the U.S. and China are mapping out plans to resolve their trade war later this year.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange crude futures for September delivery rose 45 cents settle at $65.91 a barrel, while on London's Intercontinental Exchange, Brent rose 0.63% to trade at $71.88 barrel.

Chinese and U.S. negotiators are drawing up plans for talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in November to end their trade war, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Oil prices were also lifted by signs of a slowdown in domestic output, despite data this week showing domestic producers increased production for the first time in three weeks.

Oilfield services firm Baker Hughes reported on Friday that the number of U.S. oil drilling rigs in operation was unchanged at 869.

Yet the rise in oil prices proved to be too little, too late amid heavy losses during the week on the back of rising U.S. inventories and concerns slowing growth in emerging markets and China would dent oil demand.

Inventories of U.S. crude rose by 6.805 million barrels for the week ended Aug. 10, confounding expectations for a draw of 2.449 million barrels, according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The unexpected build in crude supplies emerged as imports rose by about 1.341 million barrels a day (bpd), while exports fell by 2.58 million bpd, data from EIA showed.

Investing.com - Gold prices Friday were set to post their biggest weekly slump since April last year as fears over a slowdown in China and a stronger dollar wreaked havoc in metals earlier this week.

Gold futures for August delivery on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose by $0.40, or 0.08%, to $1,184.80 troy ounce.

The rise in gold prices Friday arrived as the dollar gave up some of its earlier-week gains to trade roughly flat on the week.

The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, fell by 0.39% to 96.20.

Gold prices, however, struggled to claw back heavy losses suffered during week and remained on track to post its biggest weekly slump since April last year.

Gold tumbled more than 1% on Monday, pressured by a middday rally in the dollar to a fresh yearly high and concerns about slowing growth in China amid a negative slew of economic data.

Gold is sensitive to moves higher in the U.S. dollar. A stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for holders of foreign currency, reducing investor demand for the precious metal.

Beyond China, economic frailties in Turkey triggered fears of contagion amid a rout in emerging markets, which also kept a lid on gains in the wider metals as copper fell into bear-market territory Wednesday.

Copper prices rose 0.67% to $2.63, while zinc prices rose 0.13% at 2,380.25.

Aluminium prices fell 0.22% to 2,033.75, while nickel futures rose 1.67% to 13,552.50.

Silver futures rose 0.56% to $14.63 a troy ounce, while platinum futures lost 0.59% to $779.90.

Investing.com - The dollar fell against its rivals Friday, pressured by weak U.S. economic data and a bounce in the euro and yen.

The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, fell by 0.31% to 96.158.

The University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index in August fell to 95.3, down from 97.9 in July. That was the lowest level in 11 months and did little to encourage traders to back the dollar.

The greenback was also pressured by uptick in safe-haven yen, as fears of contagion resumed after the lira turned bearish, falling about 5%.

USD/JPY fell 0.45% to Y110.41.

Fresh selling emerged in the USD/TRY as market participants were not impressed by Turkey's central bank efforts to limit foreign investors from betting against its embattled domestic currency. Turkey took measures to limit the amount of currency-swap transactions, a movethat analysts said would curb foreign investment flows into the country as it limits investors' ability to offset the risk of plummeting lira.

"By taking this step, the government is cutting off the branch the Turkish economy is currently sitting on," Commerzbank (DE:CBKG) analysts said in a note. "It removes the ability of foreigners to hedge against Turkish lira weakness. Who is going to buy Turkish stocks, bonds, etc., if there is no opportunity to hedge the currency risk?"

Yet bargain hunters appeared to shrug off fresh selling in the lira and scooped up a cheaper euro as it rose 0.28% against the dollar to $1.1410. The single currency was set to post its first weekly gain in four weeks.

There was no such reprieve for the pound, however, as it remained on track for a sixth-straight weekly loss despite rising 0.10% to $1.2728. Brexit-related angst has pushed the pound to its lowest level in nearly 14 months.

USD/CAD plunged 0.56% to C$1.3087 as bullish inflation data from Canada fueled speculation about a further tightening of monetary policy from the Bank of Canada.

Investing.com – Morocco stocks were higher after the close on Friday, as gains in the Beverage, Forestry&Paper and Construction&Building Materials sectors led shares higher.

At the close in Casablanca, the Moroccan All Shares added 1.00%.

The best performers of the session on the Moroccan All Shares were Brasseries Du Maroc (CS:SBM), which rose 7.14% or 200 points to trade at 3000 at the close. Meanwhile, SMI (CS:SMI) added 5.96% or 103 points to end at 1830 and Saham Assurance (CS:SAH) was up 4.17% or 60 points to 1500 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Stokvis Nord Afrique (CS:SNA), which fell 5.33% or 0.93 points to trade at 16.51 at the close. Stroc Industrie (CS:STR) declined 4.64% or 1.30 points to end at 26.70 and Involys (CS:INV) was down 3.13% or 3.80 points to 117.50.

Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Casablanca Stock Exchange by 30 to 11 and 4 ended unchanged.

Shares in Involys (CS:INV) fell to 52-week lows; down 3.13% or 3.80 to 117.50.

Crude oil for September delivery was up 0.20% or 0.13 to $65.59 a barrel. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Brent oil for delivery in October rose 0.14% or 0.10 to hit $71.53 a barrel, while the December Gold Futures contract rose 0.01% or 0.10 to trade at $1184.10 a troy ounce.

EUR/MAD was up 0.01% to 10.8810, while USD/MAD fell 0.13% to 9.5433.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.31% at 96.18.

Investing.com – Russia stocks were lower after the close on Friday, as losses in the Power, Telecoms and Oil&Gas sectors led shares lower.

At the close in Moscow, the MOEX Russia lost 0.26%.

The best performers of the session on the MOEX Russia were NPK OVK PAO (MCX:UWGN), which rose 5.19% or 28.0 points to trade at 568.0 at the close. Meanwhile, Safmar Finansovye Investitsii PAO (MCX:SFIN) added 4.71% or 29.0 points to end at 644.6 and NK RussNeft PAO (MCX:RNFT) was up 3.89% or 22.0 points to 587.0 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were NMTP (MCX:NMTP), which fell 5.07% or 0.3200 points to trade at 5.9950 at the close. PIK (MCX:PIKK) declined 2.92% or 10.50 points to end at 348.50 and Detskiy Mir PAO (MCX:DSKY) was down 2.19% or 1.90 points to 84.85.

Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Moscow Stock Exchange by 107 to 105 and 15 ended unchanged.

Shares in NMTP (MCX:NMTP) fell to 52-week lows; falling 5.07% or 0.3200 to 5.9950. Shares in Detskiy Mir PAO (MCX:DSKY) fell to 52-week lows; losing 2.19% or 1.90 to 84.85.

The Russian VIX, which measures the implied volatility of MOEX Russia options, was up 3.83% to 29.820 a new 3-months high.

Gold Futures for December delivery was up 0.08% or 1.00 to $1185.00 a troy ounce. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Crude oil for delivery in September rose 0.41% or 0.27 to hit $65.73 a barrel, while the October Brent oil contract rose 0.34% or 0.24 to trade at $71.67 a barrel.

USD/RUB was up 0.92% to 67.4440, while EUR/RUB rose 1.32% to 76.9753.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.33% at 96.16.

Investing.com – Netherlands stocks were lower after the close on Friday, as losses in the Telecoms, Technology and Industrials sectors led shares lower.

At the close in Amsterdam, the AEX fell 0.62%.

The best performers of the session on the AEX were Relx NV (AS:RELN), which rose 0.58% or 0.110 points to trade at 19.105 at the close. Meanwhile, Wolters Kluwer (AS:WLSNc) added 0.29% or 0.16 points to end at 54.64 and Koninklijke Philips NV (AS:PHG) was up 0.24% or 0.09 points to 37.40 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Koninklijke Vopak NV (AS:VOPA), which fell 6.42% or 2.64 points to trade at 38.46 at the close. Aegon NV (AS:AEGN) declined 3.90% or 0.214 points to end at 5.274 and ASR Nederland NV (AS:ASRNL) was down 2.83% or 1.08 points to 37.08.

Falling stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange by 83 to 40 and 14 ended unchanged.

The AEX Volatility, which measures the implied volatility of AEX options, was down 0.21% to 13.38.

Crude oil for September delivery was up 0.40% or 0.26 to $65.72 a barrel. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Brent oil for delivery in October rose 0.34% or 0.24 to hit $71.67 a barrel, while the December Gold Futures contract rose 0.08% or 1.00 to trade at $1185.00 a troy ounce.

EUR/USD was up 0.30% to 1.1412, while EUR/GBP rose 0.17% to 0.8962.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.33% at 96.16.

Investing.com – Spain stocks were lower after the close on Friday, as losses in the Financial Services&Real Estate, Consumer Services and Telecoms&IT sectors led shares lower.

At the close in Madrid, the IBEX 35 declined 0.11%.

The best performers of the session on the IBEX 35 were Distribuidora Intl de Aliment (MC:DIDA), which rose 2.06% or 0.041 points to trade at 2.003 at the close. Meanwhile, Grifols SA (MC:GRLS) added 1.99% or 0.480 points to end at 24.550 and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA (MC:GAM) was up 1.92% or 0.225 points to 11.945 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Cie Automotive (MC:CIEA), which fell 2.36% or 0.600 points to trade at 24.860 at the close. Mapfre (MC:MAP) declined 1.13% or 0.029 points to end at 2.529 and Bankia SA (MC:BKIA) was down 1.10% or 0.035 points to 3.154.

Falling stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the Madrid Stock Exchange by 84 to 73 and 27 ended unchanged.

Shares in Mapfre (MC:MAP) fell to 52-week lows; falling 1.13% or 0.029 to 2.529.

Gold Futures for December delivery was up 0.09% or 1.10 to $1185.10 a troy ounce. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Crude oil for delivery in September rose 0.44% or 0.29 to hit $65.75 a barrel, while the October Brent oil contract rose 0.36% or 0.26 to trade at $71.69 a barrel.

EUR/USD was up 0.30% to 1.1412, while EUR/GBP rose 0.17% to 0.8962.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.34% at 96.15.

Investing.com – Finland stocks were higher after the close on Friday, as gains in the Utilities, Industrials and Technology sectors led shares higher.

At the close in Helsinki, the OMX Helsinki 25 added 0.19%.

The best performers of the session on the OMX Helsinki 25 were Valmt (HE:VALMT), which rose 2.28% or 0.42 points to trade at 18.82 at the close. Meanwhile, YIT Oyj (HE:YIT) added 1.47% or 0.08 points to end at 5.51 and Konecranes ABP (HE:KCRA) was up 1.34% or 0.43 points to 32.53 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Outokumpu Oyj (HE:OUT1V), which fell 2.16% or 0.1120 points to trade at 5.0840 at the close. Neste Oil Oyj (HE:NESTE) declined 0.95% or 0.70 points to end at 72.90 and Kesko Oyj (HE:KESKOB) was down 0.83% or 0.41 points to 48.88.

Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Helsinki Stock Exchange by 76 to 63 and 22 ended unchanged.

Brent oil for October delivery was up 0.48% or 0.34 to $71.77 a barrel. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Crude oil for delivery in September rose 0.53% or 0.35 to hit $65.81 a barrel, while the December Gold Futures contract rose 0.09% or 1.10 to trade at $1185.10 a troy ounce.

EUR/USD was up 0.31% to 1.1413, while EUR/GBP rose 0.16% to 0.8961.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.34% at 96.15.

Investing.com – Germany stocks were lower after the close on Friday, as losses in the Construction, Technology and Basic Resources sectors led shares lower.

At the close in Frankfurt, the DAX declined 0.22%, while the MDAX index fell 0.20%, and the TecDAX index lost 0.25%.

The best performers of the session on the DAX were Bayer AG NA (DE:BAYGN), which rose 1.75% or 1.35 points to trade at 78.40 at the close. Meanwhile, E.ON SE NA (DE:EONGn) added 0.93% or 0.088 points to end at 9.520 and Deutsche Post AG NA O.N. (DE:DPWGn) was up 0.59% or 0.180 points to 30.750 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Heidelbergcement AG O.N. (DE:HEIG), which fell 2.62% or 1.840 points to trade at 68.500 at the close. Thyssenkrupp AG O.N. (DE:TKAG) declined 1.78% or 0.350 points to end at 19.330 and Deutsche Bank AG NA O.N. (DE:DBKGn) was down 1.26% or 0.125 points to 9.758.

The top performers on the MDAX were Rocket Internet (DE:RKET) which rose 2.16% to 29.30, Uniper SE (DE:UN01) which was up 1.98% to settle at 25.300 and Rheinmetall AG (DE:RHMG) which gained 1.76% to close at 95.820.

The worst performers were Metro Wholesale&Food Specialist AG (DE:B4B) which was down 3.97% to 11.6050 in late trade, Aareal Bank AG (DE:ARLG) which lost 2.58% to settle at 35.450 and K+S AG NA O.N. (DE:SDFGn) which was down 2.04% to 19.185 at the close.

The top performers on the TecDAX were SMA Solar Technology AG (DE:S92G) which rose 1.87% to 30.500, Wirecard AG (DE:WDIG) which was up 1.48% to settle at 178.800 and Drillisch AG (DE:DRIG) which gained 0.97% to close at 45.620.

The worst performers were Siltronic AG (DE:WAFGn) which was down 3.94% to 118.150 in late trade, S&T AG (DE:SANT1) which lost 3.85% to settle at 24.00 and Freenet AG NA (DE:FNTGn) which was down 3.15% to 23.640 at the close.

Falling stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange by 424 to 277 and 78 ended unchanged.

Shares in Heidelbergcement AG O.N. (DE:HEIG) fell to 52-week lows; down 2.62% or 1.840 to 68.500. Shares in Thyssenkrupp AG O.N. (DE:TKAG) fell to 52-week lows; down 1.78% or 0.350 to 19.330. Shares in Wirecard AG (DE:WDIG) rose to all time highs; up 1.48% or 2.600 to 178.800.

The DAX volatility index, which measures the implied volatility of DAX options, was up 1.52% to 17.95.

Gold Futures for December delivery was up 0.14% or 1.60 to $1185.60 a troy ounce. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Crude oil for delivery in September rose 0.52% or 0.34 to hit $65.80 a barrel, while the October Brent oil contract rose 0.45% or 0.32 to trade at $71.75 a barrel.

EUR/USD was up 0.32% to 1.1414, while EUR/GBP rose 0.15% to 0.8960.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.34% at 96.15.

Investing.com – Poland stocks were lower after the close on Friday, as losses in the Basic Materials, Oil&Gas and Banking sectors led shares lower.

At the close in Warsaw, the WIG30 declined 1.61%.

The best performers of the session on the WIG30 were Dino Polska SA (WA:DNP), which rose 3.74% or 3.65 points to trade at 101.20 at the close. Meanwhile, CCC SA (WA:CCCP) added 1.84% or 3.80 points to end at 210.00 and Asseco Poland SA (WA:ACPP) was up 1.43% or 0.62 points to 43.90 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were KGHM Polska Miedz SA (WA:KGH), which fell 4.71% or 4.16 points to trade at 84.22 at the close. Eurocash SA (WA:EUR) declined 4.29% or 0.77 points to end at 17.18 and Energa SA (WA:ENGP) was down 3.33% or 0.30 points to 8.70.

Falling stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the Warsaw Stock Exchange by 238 to 194 and 192 ended unchanged.

Shares in Eurocash SA (WA:EUR) fell to 5-year lows; losing 4.29% or 0.77 to 17.18.

Crude oil for September delivery was up 0.53% or 0.35 to $65.81 a barrel. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Brent oil for delivery in October rose 0.49% or 0.35 to hit $71.78 a barrel, while the December Gold Futures contract rose 0.12% or 1.40 to trade at $1185.40 a troy ounce.

EUR/PLN was down 0.20% to 4.2983, while USD/PLN fell 0.50% to 3.7664.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.33% at 96.16.

Investing.com – Sweden stocks were higher after the close on Friday, as gains in the Consumer Services, Industrials and Financials sectors led shares higher.

At the close in Stockholm, the OMX Stockholm 30 added 0.71%.

The best performers of the session on the OMX Stockholm 30 were Sandvik AB (ST:SAND), which rose 1.89% or 2.90 points to trade at 156.40 at the close. Meanwhile, Atlas Copco AB Series B (ST:ATCOb) added 1.75% or 4.0 points to end at 229.8 and ASSA ABLOY AB ser. B (ST:ASSAb) was up 1.72% or 3.1 points to 182.8 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were SSAB AB ser. A (ST:SSABa), which fell 0.93% or 0.37 points to trade at 39.47 at the close. Autoliv Inc . SDB (ST:ALIVsdb) declined 0.61% or 5.2 points to end at 843.0 and Telia Company AB (ST:TELIA) was down 0.07% or 0.03 points to 42.28.

Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Stockholm Stock Exchange by 386 to 246 and 47 ended unchanged.

Crude oil for September delivery was up 0.55% or 0.36 to $65.82 a barrel. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Brent oil for delivery in October rose 0.42% or 0.30 to hit $71.73 a barrel, while the December Gold Futures contract rose 0.14% or 1.60 to trade at $1185.60 a troy ounce.

EUR/SEK was up 0.14% to 10.4706, while USD/SEK fell 0.20% to 9.1729.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.34% at 96.15.

Investing.com – Turkey stocks were higher after the close on Friday, as gains in the Basic Metals, Telecoms and Holdings&Investments sectors led shares higher.

At the close in Istanbul, the BIST 100 added 1.83%.

The best performers of the session on the BIST 100 were Teknosa Ic ve Dis Ticaret AS (IS:TKNSA), which rose 10.54% or 0.410 points to trade at 4.300 at the close. Meanwhile, Eregli Demir ve Celik Fabrikalari TAS (IS:EREGL) added 8.63% or 0.900 points to end at 11.330 and Alcatel Lucent Teletas Telekomunikasyon AS (IS:ALCTL) was up 7.47% or 0.370 points to 5.320 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Hurriyet Gazetecilik ve Matbaacilik AS (IS:HURGZ), which fell 19.42% or 0.270 points to trade at 1.120 at the close. Mavi Giyim Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS (IS:MAVI) declined 5.67% or 1.36 points to end at 22.64 and Yatas Yatak ve Yorgan Sanayi Ticaret AS (IS:YATAS) was down 5.13% or 0.200 points to 3.700.

Falling stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the Istanbul Stock Exchange by 245 to 118 and 45 ended unchanged.

Gold Futures for December delivery was up 0.13% or 1.50 to $1185.50 a troy ounce. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Crude oil for delivery in September rose 0.53% or 0.35 to hit $65.81 a barrel, while the October Brent oil contract rose 0.41% or 0.29 to trade at $71.72 a barrel.

USD/TRY was up 3.85% to 6.0587, while EUR/TRY rose 4.28% to 6.9325.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.33% at 96.16.

Investing.com – Greece stocks were higher after the close on Friday, as gains in the Telecoms, Household and Industrials sectors led shares higher.

At the close in Athens, the Athens General Composite rose 0.36%.

The best performers of the session on the Athens General Composite were Loulis Mills (AT:LOUr), which rose 2.94% or 0.06 points to trade at 2.10 at the close. Meanwhile, Athens Water (AT:EYDr) added 2.93% or 0.15 points to end at 5.27 and Hellenic Telec (AT:OTEr) was up 2.60% or 0.27 points to 10.65 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Techn Olympic (AT:OLYr), which fell 3.93% or 0.070 points to trade at 1.710 at the close. National Bank of Greece (AT:NBGr) declined 3.36% or 0.008 points to end at 0.230 and Iaso (AT:IASr) was down 2.25% or 0.018 points to 0.780.

Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Athens Stock Exchange by 54 to 48 and 17 ended unchanged.

Gold Futures for December delivery was up 0.14% or 1.70 to $1185.70 a troy ounce. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Crude oil for delivery in September rose 0.58% or 0.38 to hit $65.84 a barrel, while the October Brent oil contract rose 0.45% or 0.32 to trade at $71.75 a barrel.

EUR/USD was up 0.26% to 1.1408, while EUR/GBP rose 0.12% to 0.8958.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.29% at 96.20.

Investing.com – U.S. consumer sentiment unexpectedly dropped in August, according to a report published on Friday.

The preliminary publication of the data for August from the University of Michigan's Consumer Survey Center showed that consumer sentiment decreased to 95.3 from 97.9 a month earlier. That was it's lowest level since September 2017.

Analysts had forecast a rise to 98.1.

The current conditions indicator fell to 107.8 in August, from the previous 114.4.

Additionally, consumer expectations held steady at 87.3.

Meanwhile, inflation expectations for the next 12 months held steady at 2.9%, while the five-year gauge increased to 2.5% from 2.4%.

The survey’s chief economist Richard Curtin indicated that the decline was concentrated among households in the bottom third of the income distribution.

“The dominating weakness reflected much less favorable assessments of buying conditions, mainly due to less favorable perceptions of market prices,” he added.

Curtin pointed out that consumers held unfavorable views on buying conditions for large household durables and vehicles.

“The data suggest that consumers have become much more sensitive to even relatively low inflation rates than in past decades,” this economist noted, adding that the falloff in favorable price perceptions was much larger than ever before recorded.

“Overall, the data indicate that consumers have little tolerance for overshooting inflation targets, and to the benefit of the Fed, interest rates now play a more decisive role in purchase decisions,” Curtin concluded.

Investing.com - Stocks in focus in pre-market trade Friday:

• Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) stock slumped 2.40% by 8:10 AM ET (12:10 GMT) as chief executive Elon Musk confessed to The New York times that “this past year has been the most difficult and painful year of my career.” The report also suggested that efforts are underway to find a No. 2 executive to help take some of the pressure off Musk.

• Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) stock sank 2.94% ahead of the open after the company issued a softer-than-expected guidance when it released quarterly results after Thursday’s close.

• Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) stock plunged 4.79% after the chipmaker forecast weaker-than-expected earnings per share for its fiscal fourth quarter.

• Deere (NYSE:DE) stock declined 4.64% after the company cut its fiscal full-year forecast for adjusted net income.

• Nordstrom (NYSE:JWN) stock surged 8.01% as it reported a same-store sales increase that smashed expectations and increased its profit guidance for the year.

• Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) stock slipped 0.20% as the company said on Friday no customer data was compromised after Australian media reported a teenager had pleaded guilty to hacking into its main computer network, downloading internal files and accessing customer accounts.

Investing.com – Sri Lanka stocks were lower after the close on Friday, as losses in the Beverages&Tobacco, Hotels&Travel and Construction&Engineering sectors led shares lower.

At the close in Colombo, the CSE All-Share declined 0.53% to hit a new 1-month low.

The best performers of the session on the CSE All-Share were SMB Leasing PLC (CM:SEMB), which unchanged 0.00% or 0.0000 points to trade at 0.5000 at the close. Meanwhile, Blue Diamonds Jewellery Worldwide PLC (CM:BLUE) added 20.00% or 0.100 points to end at 0.600 and Printcare PLC (CM:CARE) was up 15.00% or 3.90 points to 29.90 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Adam Investments Ltd (CM:ADAM), which fell 50.00% or 0.100 points to trade at 0.100 at the close. Amana Takaful Life Ltd (CM:ANTK) declined 23.88% or 3.20 points to end at 10.20 and Kelsey Developments PLC (CM:KDL) was down 17.74% or 5.50 points to 25.50.

Falling stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the Colombo Stock Exchange by 90 to 69 and 55 ended unchanged.

Shares in Adam Investments Ltd (CM:ADAM) fell to all time lows; down 50.00% or 0.100 to 0.100. Shares in Kelsey Developments PLC (CM:KDL) fell to 3-years lows; down 17.74% or 5.50 to 25.50.

Crude oil for September delivery was up 0.57% or 0.37 to $65.83 a barrel. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Brent oil for delivery in October rose 1.06% or 0.76 to hit $72.19 a barrel, while the December Gold Futures contract unchanged 0.00% or 0.00 to trade at $1184.00 a troy ounce.

GBP/LKR was down 0.08% to 203.985, while USD/LKR rose 0.03% to 160.540.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.07% at 96.41.

Investing.com – Japan stocks were higher after the close on Friday, as gains in the Chemical, Petroleum&Plastic, Mining and Machinery sectors led shares higher.

At the close in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose 0.35%.

The best performers of the session on the Nikkei 225 were Familymart Ltd (T:8028), which rose 5.39% or 590.0 points to trade at 11530.0 at the close. Meanwhile, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (T:9107) added 4.60% or 88.0 points to end at 2002.5 and Pacific Metals Co., Ltd. (T:5541) was up 4.20% or 155.0 points to 3845.0 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd. (T:7735), which fell 2.90% or 230.0 points to trade at 7700.0 at the close. Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. (T:9983) declined 2.17% or 1070.0 points to end at 48200.0 and Eisai Co., Ltd. (T:4523) was down 1.71% or 166.0 points to 9569.0.

Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by 2363 to 1014 and 216 ended unchanged.

The Nikkei Volatility, which measures the implied volatility of Nikkei 225 options, was up 3.57% to 17.72.

Crude oil for September delivery was up 0.37% or 0.24 to $65.70 a barrel. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Brent oil for delivery in October rose 0.49% or 0.35 to hit $71.78 a barrel, while the December Gold Futures contract rose 0.10% or 1.20 to trade at $1185.20 a troy ounce.

USD/JPY was down 0.18% to 110.71, while EUR/JPY rose 0.16% to 126.36.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.26% at 96.23.

Investing.com - Oil prices headed for a second consecutive day of recovery on Friday, but remained on track for a weekly decline, with U.S. crude heading for its seventh straight weekly drop, as investors continued to observe world trade developments.

New York-traded West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 11 cents, or 0.17% to $65.57 a barrel by 3:54 AM ET (7:54 GMT).

Meanwhile, Brent crude futures, the benchmark for oil prices outside the U.S., rose 13 cents, or 0.18%, to $71.56.

Oil’s advance came after White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow confirmed Thursday that Chinese and U.S. officials will meet later in August to resume trade talks.

Markets were worried a potential full-blown trade war between the U.S. and China would slow global economic growth and curb energy consumption, while a standoff between the U.S. and Turkey subsequently sparked fears of contagion among emerging markets.

Both concerns have sparked a selloff in oil, with U.S. crude down slightly more than 3% this week and Brent on track for weekly losses of 1.7%

Crude prices were particularly hard hit on Wednesday as data from the Energy Informational Administration (EIA) showed that the U.S. crude inventory level unexpectedly grew by 6.8 million barrels.

Later on Friday, Baker Hughes will release its most recent data on U.S. crude production.

The U.S. rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose by 10 to 869 last week, the highest level since March 2015, according to the oilfield services firm.

In other energy trading, gasoline futures slipped 0.03% to $1.9855 a gallon by 3:56 AM ET (7:56 GMT), while heating oil advanced 0.15% to $2.0996 a gallon.

Lastly, natural gas futures traded up 0.45% to $2.921 per million British thermal units.

Investing.com – HNA Group, a conglomerate in China and the parent company of the Hong Kong-listed CWT International (HK:0521) (formerly known as HNA Holding) , is in talks to sell its 21-story 850 Third Avenue in New York, a building under U.S. government’s scrutiny for its proximity to the Trump tower, Bloomberg reported citing sources familiar with the matter.

HNA is hoping to sell the building to B&L Management Co. which values the building at $452 million. HNA and its partners acquired the property for $463 million in 2016, according to the report.

Bloomberg further noted that HNA is also in talks to sell luggage company Swissport Group. The debt-ridden company has sold over $17 billion in assets this year, after agreeing to sell its stakes in Radisson Hospitality AB to Jin Jiang International Co. and 30% stakes of its aircraft lessor Avolon to Japanese investment company Orix T for $2.2 billion last week.

Investing.com – Australia stocks were higher after the close on Friday, as gains in the A-REITs, IT and Telecoms Services sectors led shares higher.

At the close in Sydney, the S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.18% to hit a new 5-year high.

The best performers of the session on the S&P/ASX 200 were Ausdrill Ltd (AX:ASL), which rose 17.88% or 0.292 points to trade at 1.925 at the close. Meanwhile, Seven West Media Ltd (AX:SWM) added 7.22% or 0.070 points to end at 1.040 and Link Administration Holdings Ltd (AX:LNK) was up 6.06% or 0.460 points to 8.050 in late trade.

The worst performers of the session were Estia Health Ltd (AX:EHE), which fell 5.10% or 0.160 points to trade at 2.980 at the close. Evolution Mining Ltd (AX:EVN) declined 4.04% or 0.115 points to end at 2.735 and Platinum Asset Management Ltd (AX:PTM) was down 3.92% or 0.215 points to 5.265.

Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Sydney Stock Exchange by 725 to 502 and 392 ended unchanged.

Shares in Estia Health Ltd (AX:EHE) fell to 52-week lows; down 5.10% or 0.160 to 2.980. Shares in Seven West Media Ltd (AX:SWM) rose to 52-week highs; rising 7.22% or 0.070 to 1.040. Shares in Platinum Asset Management Ltd (AX:PTM) fell to 52-week lows; down 3.92% or 0.215 to 5.265.

The S&P/ASX 200 VIX, which measures the implied volatility of S&P/ASX 200 options, was up 5.16% to 12.047.

Gold Futures for December delivery was down 0.19% or 2.20 to $1181.80 a troy ounce. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Crude oil for delivery in September fell 0.03% or 0.02 to hit $65.44 a barrel, while the October Brent oil contract fell 0.07% or 0.05 to trade at $71.38 a barrel.

AUD/USD was up 0.11% to 0.7268, while AUD/JPY rose 0.09% to 80.60.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.03% at 96.45.