US futures are pointing to a flat open. European equity markets are slightly higher and Asian equities mostly finished higher, led by sharp gains in Greater China and Japan’s Nikkei. Risk appetite continues to lean positive, boosted by optimism around the technology sector and AI growth prospects. Market sentiment is also supported by encouraging US macroeconomic data and additional stimulus measures from China. The soft-landing narrative has gained traction, lowering expectations of a large Fed rate cut. In Europe, weaker economic data has increased the likelihood of a rate cut by the ECB in October, and the Bank of England may also ease policy by November. Meanwhile, the ongoing oil price selloff is attracting attention, with reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia may back away from its unofficial $100 price target.

Companies Mentioned: Intel, Arm, Amazon, EchoStar, AT&T, TPG