Financial Markets Weathering U.S. Payrolls Report

Markets have really struggled for direction overnight, perhaps not surprising with the US non-farm payrolls report looming large. US equities closed modestly in the black but the commodity complex was generally a touch weaker, credit spreads a touch wider and the Dollar stronger. Walt Disney climbed 2.9% after Bank of America recommended the shares, while Coca-Cola and Boeing rose at least 1% as UBS lifted its ratings on the stocks. Abercrombie & Fitch surged 15% to lead gains in retailers on higher than estimated monthly sales.