North America
US futures suggest a gain today after yesterday’s uncertain finish, with the dollar and Treasury yields carefully poised.
March’s University of Michigan Sentiment index is the highlight of the US economics calendar today.
Investors are looking ahead to next week’s Federal Reserve meeting.
Europe
The FTSE 100 nudged above 7,200 today as the pound retreated slightly against the dollar after a recent move above $1.33.
After this week’s Brexit drama and the politicised Spring Statement, the economics diary reasserts itself next week, with the Bank of England meeting, inflation and jobs data due.
In Europe, Spain was one of the best-performing markets, but most indices were up by less than 1% on the day.
Asia
China’s Shanghai Composite Index moved back above 3,000 points on Friday after a retreat in the last couple of days.
The Bank of Japan held rates at -0.10% and warned of a global slowdown. Japan’s Nikkei made a modest gain, in line with higher Asia-Pacific markets.