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Global equities were hovering near record levels on Wednesday, as investors waited on the minutes of the latest Federal Open Market Committee meeting.
Asian equities had a mixed day, with the
dropping 0.7%, but
rising 1%. The
was inching higher after reaching a record close on Tuesday, with the same for the
The
led gains, with an 0.8% rise as shares of energy giant
climbed 2%, a day after the oil major said it would hit its net debt target almost a year earlier than expected. Gains for shares of
were less pronounced after the rival energy giant’s first-quarter guidance disappointed.
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Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures were flat, after stocks paused near record highs on Tuesday, following record-high closes for the
and
on Monday.
“U.S. equity indexes remain resilient around recent record highs despite a late selloff that saw the close index down. But further out, the viewfinder is pointing to some significant consolidation in stocks as the street starts to factor in growth peaking over the next three months,” said Stephen Innes, chief global markets strategist at Axi, in a note to clients.
The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday offered a rosier outlook for global economic growth, due to a faster U.S. rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic, but also cautioned over a dangerous divergence in recovery prospects around the world and potential financial risks.
Investors will be keeping close watch on the FOMC minutes due later in the day, with no big surprises expected, but much attention focused over what the central bank might say about inflation or the possibility of an early interest rate increase.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury note slipped 1 basis point to 1.6465%, while oil prices edged lower.
Among stocks on the move, shares of cruise operator
and
shares climbed in premarket trading. Stock in Carnival surged 4% in London.
On Tuesday, Carnival threatened to move ships to non-U.S. ports. But Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spokeswoman Jade Fulce told Bloomberg that U.S. cruises could restart with restrictions by midsummer, in a response to questions regarding Carnival.
stock trading was halted on Wednesday, after the Tokyo-based technology giant confirmed it had received a preliminary deal proposal. Japanese newspaper Nikkei said international private equity and credit company CVC Capital Partners was the suitor, considering a 2 trillion yen ($18 billion) bid.
said it expects a 44% increase in operating profit for the first quarter, beating expectations, but shares of the smartphone and chip maker slipped in Korea.
