The Economic News Agency reported on the 20th that the three major US stock indices closed mixed yesterday, with technology stocks and artificial intelligence-related shares rebounding after significant declines last week, driving gains in the Nasdaq and S&P indices. The Dow Jones closed down 36.38 points or 0.07%, at 51966.03 points; the S&P 500 rose 31.29 points or 0.41%, closing at 7690.73 points; the Nasdaq rose 290.85 points or 1.11%, closing at 26430.89 points. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index closed at 23867, down 319 points or 1.3%, with turnover of HK$190.5 billion.

Regarding important economic events around the world, at 1:00 am Hong Kong time on the 21st, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee member Greene's speech will be released.

On the data front, at 8:30 pm tonight, the US will release September building permits, with the expected monthly decline narrowing from 2.1% to 1.3%; September new home construction is expected to rise from 1.275 million to 1.305 million units, with the monthly rate improving from a decline of 2.6% to a gain of 1.9%. At 10:00 pm, the US will release September existing home pending sales, with the monthly rate expected to reverse from 0.3% to a decline of 0.5%.

In the US, companies reporting earnings today include Netflix (US.NFLX), among others. (wa)