North America
US equity futures have tracked the weaker pivot from European equities, with losses expected at the open.
The US trade balance is expected before the market opens today. Consumer confidence was weaker than expected yesterday, as were housing starts.
The third estimate of fourth-quarter GDP is due on Thursday.
Europe
Indices in Europe lost ground as global growth worries continue to dominate the agenda. The European Central Bank President Mario Draghi struck a cautious tone in a speech this morning, reflecting policymakers’ anxieties about trade and growth.
The FTSE 100 was initially higher but dipped as the session progressed as the pound strengthened ahead of MPs’ votes on Brexit options. Shares in Debenhams (DEB) soared after an approach by Sports Direct’s Mike Ashley that would install him as CEO.
German inflation numbers are due tomorrow.
Asia
Markets in Asia-Pacific picked up on the positive mood on Wall Street the night before, with China and Hong Kong stocks moving ahead. The Shanghai Composite Index nudged back above 3,000 points, a level that the index has struggled to hold above in recent sessions.
Japan markets were a touch weaker on the day.