- US equity futures fell and stocks held steady as crude oil rose and investors watched diplomatic efforts to end Russia's nearly month-long war in Ukraine.
- Shares in China and Hong Kong fell, while South Korea fell, on data indicating an increase in energy imports and a slowing in export growth. Contracts for the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 fell. Overall, the movements indicated a pause in global equities following their best weekly performance since 2020.
- The dollar fluctuated, and the yen remained close to a six-year low. West Texas Intermediate oil rose to around $107 per barrel as investors weighed the war and Middle Eastern tensions. Australia's ban on alumina exports to Russia drove up the price of aluminium.
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, fueling inflation by raising the prices of key commodities such as oil and wheat. Turkey said Moscow and Kyiv are getting closer in their talks to reach a cease-fire agreement.
- The bond market remains wary of the risks posed by the war and rising US interest rates. The treasury yield curve is flattening and inverting, which some believe indicates an impending economic slowdown. Treasury futures declined.
- Due to a Japanese holiday, there is no cash trading in Asia.
