- As investors considered the impact of the omicron variation on the global economic recovery, US market futures gained, while Asian stocks were divided in thin trading.
- The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 contracts climbed at the start of the new year, despite major markets like as Australia, Japan, and China being closed for holidays. Equities rose in South Korea and Taiwan, but sank in Hong Kong, where trading in Evergrande shares was halted for an unspecified reason.
- JPMorgan Chase strategists led by Mixo Das in Hong Kong wrote in a note that there is a positive setup through 2022 with Fed. In terms of Fed tightening, the peak of market disturbance may have passed. Covid headwinds to reduce, and China policy tailwinds.
- Overall, analysts anticipate less disruption to economic activity and above-trend global growth this quarter, especially in Asia.