Asian equities respond to U.S. futures indications that last week’s rally – the markets’ best week since November - could continue. A poor U.S. jobs report on Friday raises hopes of a stimulus deal. In vaccine news, South Africa suspends inoculations after studies show that the jab created by Anglo-Swedish pharma giant AstraZeneca provides minimal protection against its national Covid variant. Meanwhile in M&A news, Japanese microchip giant Renesas is set to swoop for DAX-listed Dialog in a reported $6bn bid. In Italy, former ECB president Mario Draghi has secured conditional support from rival parties Five Star Movement and Lega as he attempts to rebuild the splintered government coalition.

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