US equity futures were firmer Friday. Asian markets were mostly higher, and European markets opened slightly weaker. The oil market was the main focus as prices spiked after Washington imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil producers, a move expected to disrupt near-term crude flows to China and India. In trade developments, the White House confirmed President Trump will meet President Xi at the October 30th APEC summit, though no major breakthroughs are expected. Reports suggest Washington is preparing new curbs on software exports to China and may launch a Section 301 probe into Beijing’s trade-deal compliance. Earnings sentiment stayed upbeat as companies broadly exceeded expectations, while retail trading volumes hit their highest level in five years, underscoring elevated investor participation.

Companies Mentioned: Disney, Alphabet, Target, General Motors, Stellantis

US equity futures are firmer after Wednesday’s losses. Asian markets ended mixed, and European equities opened also mixed. Market sentiment remained focus on geopolitics. The White House is reportedly preparing to curb exports of software-related products to China, including laptops and aviation components, raising concern over a potential escalation in trade tensions. However, President Trump continued to talk up prospects of a deal with President Xi at their upcoming APEC meeting. In energy markets, oil surged after Washington imposed sanctions on Russia's two largest oil producers, Rosneft and Lukoil, for undermining Ukraine peace efforts, while Europe moved toward banning Russian LNG imports. Earnings also drew focus, with high-profile misses from Netflix and Texas Instruments offset by strength in industrial and energy names.

Companies Mentioned: Warner Bros. Discovery, Airbus, Leonardo, Thales, Starlink, IonQ, Quantum Computing, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum

S&P futures are up +0.1% and pointing to another flat open. Asian equities were mostly lower today. Greater China markets underperformed due to weakness in tech names and ongoing concerns about China’s economic recovery. Australia’s ASX fell sharply as gold miners tracked steep losses in the precious metals market. European equity markets also opened lower. The FTSE 100 stood out with a +0.7% advance, supported by strength in miners and energy stocks as oil prices climbed.

Companies Mentioned: GE Vernova, Alphabet, Meta Platforms

S&P futures are up +0.1% and pointing to a flat open. Asian equities broadly advanced, buoyed by optimism over US-China trade relations and strong gains in Chinese and Japanese markets. European equity markets also opened higher, following Monday's broad-based gains. Markets initially reacted positively to signs of easing US-China trade tensions but have since pared gains. President Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal with President Xi at the upcoming APEC summit, while reiterating the threat of a 100% tariff if no agreement is reached by November 1st.

Companies Mentioned: Apple, Core Scientific, Flour

S&P futures are up +0.4% and pointing to a higher open. Asian equities began the week's trading on a high note, with Japan's Nikkei surging over +3% as political clarity boosted sentiment. Hong Kong's Hang Seng also gained +2.4%, led by sharp advances in big tech. European markets are also higher in early trade as gains are being supported by easing US-China tensions and strong momentum from Asian markets. However, the French CAC is lagging slightly, following S&P’s decision to downgrade France’s credit rating late last week.

Companies Mentioned: Tesla, Hologic, The Cooper Cos, Boeing

US equity futures lower with S&P down (1.4%). European equity markets are sharply lower, follows firmer close on Thursday. Asian equity markets were weaker. Bonds strengthen, tracking big move in treasuries which sees US 10-year at 3.95%. Dollar is weaker. Oil down. Gold extends to new record high. Industrial metals mixed. Bitcoin lower. Markets have been keying off renewed turbulence in US regional banking space after KRX fell 6% to four-month low amid regional-bank credit concerns, which added to concerns over souring loans following collapse of subprime auto lender Tricolor and autoparts maker First Brands. Developments drew attention to JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon's warning about potential for more revelations. Press also highlighted concerns stemming from riskier credit as big investors dial back exposure.

Companies Mentioned: CME Group, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk

S&P futures are up +0.3% and pointing to a higher open today. Asian equities posted mixed results on Thursday, with Japan's Nikkei up +1.2% and Korea's Kospi outperforming on optimism around U.S.-South Korea trade talks. European markets opened narrowly mixed. The Trump administration maintained a hawkish stance on trade as U.S.-China tensions escalated. USTR Greer criticized China's new rare earth export restrictions, labeling them a global supply chain power grab and a violation of trade agreements. Treasury Secretary Bessent dismissed reports that China is leveraging U.S. stock market concerns to push for negotiations, asserting the U.S. won't capitulate due to market fluctuations.

Companies Mentioned: Microsoft, Estée Lauder, SL Green Realty

S&P futures are up +0.5% and pointing to a higher open today. Asian markets posted solid gains on Wednesday, led by Japan’s Nikkei and Hong Kong's Hang Seng, both up over +1.5% as tech shares rebounded. European markets are also moving higher in early trades. The French CAC is leading with a +1.5% advance as French PM Lecornu’s willingness to suspend pension reform to secure political support provided some relief, though a vote of confidence is looming on Thursday. U.S.-China trade tensions continue to generate volatility, with President Trump indicating on Truth Social a potential halt to trade on cooking oil products, citing China’s refusal to purchase U.S. soybeans. This follows recent threats to double tariffs in response to China’s expanded rare earth restrictions, although Trump later reassured that resolution is possible.

Companies Mentioned: Apple, Eli Lily, Papa John's

S&P futures are under pressure, down (1%) as risk sentiment deteriorates following Asian equity weakness and reports that Beijing imposed fees on U.S.-related shipping. China has added five U.S. units of Hanwha Ocean to its sanctions list, escalating trade tensions with the U.S. The move prohibits these entities from conducting business with China and follows reciprocal fee hikes on ships at ports by both nations. Japan’s Nikkei fell near (3%) today after reopening post-holiday, while Hong Kong also dropped (1.3%). European markets mostly opened in the red with major benchmarks down near (1%).

Companies Mentioned: Goldman Sachs, Broadcom, Ford, Robinhood

US equity futures sharply higher with S&P up around 1.5%. Follows worst S&P session on Friday since early April Liberation Day slide. European markets are higher while Asia's ended largely lower. Bonds are firmer in Asia after Treasuries made big gains on Friday. 2-year yield flat to 3.5% and 10-year flat to 4.1%. Dollar slightly higher versus European FX majors and Japanese yen, softer versus Aussie. Oil up. Gold rallies to fresh record high. Big gains also in copper and industrial metals space. Bitcoin near two-week low. Spike in US-China trade tensions remained talking point over the weekend after President Trump on Friday announced additional 100% tariffs on China in response to what he described as hostile actions by Beijing involving announcement of rare earths export curbs, a Qualcomm antitrust probe, tightened customs inspections of Nvidia chip imports, and new port fees for US ships.

Companies Mentioned: RPMGlobal Holdings, Big Yellow Group, Blackstone, Caterpillar