- Trading of US index futures fell slightly, with the selling primarily in Nasdaq 100 contracts, hinting a retreat in technology stocks stay a while. Treasuries were varied as traders considered the Federal Reserve’s tightening plan versus the spread of Covid. The dollar weakened.
- Nasdaq 100 futures were 0.4% lower, likely due to caution surrounding the impact of higher yields on equity valuations. S&P 500 index futures stayed mostly level, while Europe's Stoxx 600 gauge traded close to a record high. Markets received another reminder of the ongoing threat to global growth from the pandemic, as Hong Kong reinstated social measures and banned flights from eight countries.
- A selloff in technology stocks reached Asia, throwing a gauge of Chinese names listed in Hong Kong toward a six-year low. Investors are now dealing with the predicament of deepening fears on global growth combined with a faster tightening by the federal reserve.
- ECB's Kazaks: The ECB is prepared to hike rates and reduce stimulus if necessary.
- The UK sees April as the deadline for finding a solution to increasing energy prices.
- The BoJ is set to slightly raise its inflation prediction for the coming fiscal year - Sources
- For 2 weeks, Hong Kong will stop flights from 8 countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
- Okinawa in Japan is seeking stricter COVID measures - Kyodo.
