- Stocks fell led by a drop in technology shares, as monetary policy tightening to combat inflation buffeted sentiment, while growth risks from the omicron virus variant helped to sustain demand for treasuries.
- The MSCI Asia-Pacific Index fell for the fifth time in six sessions, with Chinese technology stocks falling more than 2%.
- Equity futures in the US and Europe were in the red after the Nasdaq 100 fell the most since September. The index fell due to a drop in demand for more highly valued technology stocks, as the Federal Reserve shifted its policy toward reducing excessive stimulus.
- The 10-year treasury yield has recovered some of the ground lost during US hours. Continued demand for treasuries may reflect concerns that the rapidly spreading omicron strain will trigger curbs that dim the economic outlook.
- The dollar index rose slightly but remained on track for its third weekly drop in a row.
- Oil fell for the first time in three days, and bitcoin fell below $48,000.
