- US equity-index futures remained stable in the aftermath of another Wall Street all-time high on thin volumes in the final days of the year. Treasury yields trimmed an advance.

- The 10-Yr Treasury yield pared its gains to return to its 50-day moving average. Following Wednesday's worldwide sovereign-bond retreat, European bonds edged higher. A dollar index climbed. Iron ore reversed a three-day slide and emerged above $120 per ton, possibly due to restocking by China's steel mills. Crude oil fell in price.

- As the year comes to a conclusion, investors are considering the consequences of the rapidly spreading omicron coronavirus variety, reduced stimulus, and increased inflation caused by supply-chain constraints. The important uncertainties are whether government yields will rise further and how much momentum remains in the equity bull run.

- Iran: We made substantial progress on sanctions during nuclear talks - Tasnim citing lead negotiator Bagheri.

- Chairman of China Securities Regulator: We will prevent large ups and downs in the securities market - State Media.

- ECB's Holzmann: In 2022, the ECB should begin abandoning negative rates.

- Spain's annual inflation rate in 2021 at 6.7%, is the highest since 1989, according to an INe flash forecast.

- Binance is to fund €100 million to a French fintech effort, according to CNBC.

- ECB's Visco: The ECB won't end tapering before 2023 and will continue to provide highly favourable financing conditions to the economy.