- On Monday, US futures gained alongside European stocks as traders braced for a flurry of central bank announcements this week amid fears about inflation and the economic threats posed by the Omicron.

- US contracts rose after equities finished at an all-time high on Friday. Technology stocks rose in premarket trade, bringing Apple's market valuation close to $3 trillion if the trend continues. Miners led the rally in Europe's STOXX 600 index, as iron ore prices rose in hopes that China will enhance stimulus next year.

- The Federal Reserve is anticipated to accelerate the withdrawal of stimulus on Wednesday, perhaps opening the door to earlier interest-rate hikes in 2022 if price pressures remain near a four-decade high. The 10-year Treasury yield in the United States remained unchanged at 1.48%, but the dollar rose.

- Traders are reducing their wagers that the Bank of England will raise interest rates next year, as concerns about new COVID restrictions outweigh inflation fears. The pound fell after Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned of a "tidal wave" of omicron infections and set a year-end deadline for the country's booster immunization program.

- Money market bets on 1% BoE rate are being pushed back to 2023 from 2022.

- Belarus' Pres. Lukashenko again warns Minsk could halt gas transit to Europe in response to new western sanctions - TASS.

- Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov: If the US and NATO do not provide security guarantees to Russia, this could lead to conflict - RIA.