Stock futures were steady ahead of a new earnings season, while oil prices rallied on fears of rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
US stock futures were little changed in early trading as investors looked forward to the earnings season that starts on Friday, with banks such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup due to report their financial results for the fourth quarter.
European equities advanced after the UK reported better than expected economic growth, while Asian markets saw mixed trends. Chinese stocks traded on the back foot after data showed a continuing deflationary trend in the nation’s consumer prices, while the Japanese market extended a sizzling rally.
Oil prices jumped on fears of supply disruptions after the US and UK launched air strikes against Houthi rebel bases in Yemen, while the dollar and 10-year Treasury bond yields were little changed.
