- Stocks and US equity futures fell as a rally in Chinese technology stocks fizzled and oil rose above $100 a barrel amid mixed signals from Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
- A drop in the tech sector in Hong Kong, where investors are waiting for Beijing to follow through on its promise to stabilise China's markets, dragged down an Asian equity index. After the best three-day rally in US stocks since 2020, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 contracts fell.
- The conflict in Ukraine, as well as the sanctions imposed on Russia, continue to shape public opinion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. processed funds for interest payments due on Russian government dollar bonds, alleviating some concerns about a default.
- The price of oil continued to rise after the Kremlin cast doubt on how far ongoing cease-fire talks have progressed. Russian crude flows have been severely disrupted as a result of the war. The Pentagon has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that if the conflict drags on, he may threaten to use nuclear weapons.
- Treasury yields fell, while the dollar remained stable. Before the Bank of Japan's decision, which is expected to maintain monetary easing, the yen was near a six-year low.
