- European stocks and futures climbed, while Asian shares were mixed as investors considered the implications of the Omicron variation and the regulatory prospects for Chinese technology firms.

- Energy and financial businesses led an advance in Europe's STOXX 600 index, but technology shares dipped and a Hong Kong-traded index of Chinese technology equities fell for a third day. China's central bank reduced the amount of cash that most banks were required to maintain in reserve, offering a liquidity boost to a slowing economy facing a worsening property downturn and setting China on a policy path that differed markedly from that of many other central banks.

- South Africa indicated that the strain isn't causing an increase in hospitalizations, and Top NIH Official Dr. Fauci stated that there doesn't appear to be "a significant degree of severity to Omicron," though he cautioned that it's too early to be certain. The focus shifts to consumer prices in the United States, which are projected to show the greatest annual increase in decades, putting additional pressure on the Federal Reserve to tighten policy more quickly.

- Treasury yields rose, trimming Friday's drop that brought the 10-year yield closer to 1.30%. The dollar fell.

- UK: We will tighten rules to omit underachieving suppliers and will abandon bureaucratic EU regulations.

- Kremlin: US and Russia relations are in a pitiful state.

- Evergrande intends to restructure all offshore bonds.

- PBoC: RRR will be reduced to free up 1.2 trillion yuan in liquidity.

- China lowers the Reserve Requirement Ratio for banks by 0.5%.

- Japan's PM Kishida: A new virus outbreak could result in the reinstatement of restrictions.