- US futures gained on Friday, as market concerns about geopolitical risks were soothed by anticipated talks between Russia and the US over Ukraine.
- The Stoxx 600 index in Europe rose as well, however energy companies sank along with oil. In premarket trading, US-listed Chinese stocks plummeted as regulators in Beijing sparked a selloff in Asia with new restrictions targeting food delivery services' fees.
- Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, has agreed to meet with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Europe next week for talks. President Biden cautioned on Thursday that the chances of an invasion of Ukraine are still "especially high," despite Russia's repeated denials that it intends to attack.
- Treasuries and the dollar remained unchanged, while gold and the yen fell.
- Russian Fin. Min. Siluanov has stated that he hopes to pass legislation regulating cryptocurrency by the end of the year.
- ECB's Kažimír: More data is needed to determine whether a hike in 2022 is required.
- ECB's Kažimír supports the end of QE in August and the flexibility of hikes.