- As recent increases in global bond yields came to a halt and investors took solace in indications of underlying resilience in the global economy, European shares increased and equity futures pointed to a better opening for Wall Street. The Stoxx 600 index for Europe increased by 0.7%, on pace for a weekly gain.
- The 10-year treasury benchmark dropped five basis points to 4% on Friday, pausing the three-day upward trend in bond yields. German 10-year rates dropped three basis points after a five-day upward trend. Following four weeks of gains, the dollar also declined versus a basket of currencies and was headed for a weekly decline.
- Oil was on track to post its first weekly rise in three weeks as hope for China's economic revival outweighed ongoing worries over tighter US monetary policy. Gold gained ground and was on track to have its best week since mid-January.
