- US equity index futures were mixed as traders went on the defensive ahead of key American inflation data that could influence how aggressively the Federal Reserve tightens monetary policy.
- Futures on the S&P 500 were flat, those on the NASDAQ 100 were lower, and those on the Dow Jones were higher. Twitter rose in premarket trading after announcing a share repurchase programme and reporting fourth-quarter results that were broadly in line with expectations. Coca-Cola and Pepsico rose on the back of strong earnings. Treasury yields remained stable, and the dollar was little changed, while bond yields in most of Europe increased.
- The STOXX Europe 600 index lost an early gain as a result of mixed corporate results tinged with inflation fears.
- While strong corporate earnings have boosted stock prices this week, the United States' inflation report is the focus of attention. Inflation in the United States is expected to exceed 7%, according to data. A surprise reading on either side could shift bets on the pace of Fed interest-rate hikes, causing stocks and bonds to become more volatile.
- ECB's de Guindos: We expect growth to pick up significantly in 2022.
- NATO Sec. Gen. Stoltenberg: A letter has been written to Russian Foreign Min. Lavrov to continue the dialogue.
- The European Commission has raised its inflation forecast for the eurozone for 2022 to 3.5%, up from 2.2% in November, and for 2023 to 1.7%, up from 1.4% previously.
- UK's Defence Min. Wallace on Russia tensions: The government is almost ready to offer a list of penalties to parliament.
