- US equity-index futures swung back and forth between gains and losses as investors awaited the latest payrolls report for clues on the Fed's monetary-policy path after a slew of Fed officials dampened expectations for a halt to rate hikes.
- December contracts on the Nasdaq 100 index fell 0.3%, extending losses, as semiconductor stocks fell in premarket trading. Advanced Micro Devices Inc. fell after reporting lower-than-expected preliminary third-quarter revenue. Meanwhile, futures on the S&P 500 index were little changed, with the benchmark on track for its best weekly gain since June. Treasury yields have fallen.
- US benchmark bond yields are set to rise for the tenth week in a row, the longest streak since 1984, as the Fed remains steadfast in its fight against inflation despite recent data indicating a cooling of the economy.
- After two days of declines, Europe's main Stoxx 600 index traded near flat. Credit Suisse Group AG gained 8% after announcing a debt securities buyback for cash, demonstrating financial strength after market volatility earlier this week on concerns about the bank's stability.
- However, the US economy remains the focal point. The US jobs report due out on Friday is expected to show that employers hired another 255,000 people in September. While the figure is encouraging, it would be the fewest jobs added in a month since a drop in late 2020. Unemployment is expected to remain at 3.7%, just above a five-decade low.
