U.S. index futures rose in pre-market trading on Friday, with the three major indices on track for their sixth consecutive week of gains.

At 05:18 AM, Dow Jones futures (DOWI:DJI) gained 26 points, or 0.06%. S&P 500 futures rose by 0.20%, and Nasdaq-100 futures advanced by 0.42%. The 10-year Treasury yield stood at 4.097%.

In the commodities market, Brent and WTI crude futures were slightly positive but on course to close the week down about 6%, the largest drop since September 2.

China’s refinery output fell for the third consecutive month due to weak fuel consumption. Markets remain concerned about supply disruptions driven by Middle East tensions following the death of the Hamas leader and Hezbollah’s statements on a new phase of the conflict with Israel.

Partial stabilization occurred after U.S. crude inventories fell by 2.19 million barrels last week, strong U.S. retail sales data, and new stimulus from China, though prices remain pressured by a negative demand outlook.

West Texas Intermediate crude for November rose 0.31% to $70.88 per barrel, while Brent for December gained 0.23%, to $74.62 per barrel.

Gold surpassed $2,700 an ounce for the first time, reaching a high of $2,713.93 amid heightened Middle East tensions and U.S. election uncertainties. Investors sought safety, driving gold up around 2% for the week. A weaker dollar also contributed to the rally. Gold (PM:XAUUSD) is currently trading at $2,710.23, up 0.61%.

On today’s U.S. economic calendar, September housing starts will be released at 8:30 AM, with expectations of 1.34 million, slightly below the prior figure of 1.36 million. Building permits are projected at 1.44 million, down from 1.48 million the previous month. At 12:10 PM, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller is set to speak.

In Asia-Pacific markets, China’s CSI 300 rose by 3.62%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 3.41% in late trading. Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 0.18%, while the Topix had a slight increase. In contrast, South Korea’s Kospi dropped 0.59%, and the Kosdaq fell 1.55%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.87%.

Chinese stocks surged after President Xi Jinping emphasized technological development, boosting chip manufacturers like Semiconductor Manufacturing, which soared 20%.

China’s diesel exports dropped to 350,000 tons in September, the lowest level since June 2023, due to limited quotas and tight margins, marking a 71% decline from the same month last year. Refineries are grappling with weak domestic demand and shrinking margins.

China’s economy grew by 4.6% in the third quarter, exceeding Reuters’ forecast of 4.5% but slowing from 4.7% in the previous quarter. In September, China’s retail sales rose by 3.2%, and industrial output increased by 5.4%, both beating expectations. However, property prices dropped 5.8%, a sharper decline than the 5.3% recorded in August, driven by falling new home prices.

Authorities continue to implement stimulus measures to reach the 5% target for 2024. China’s central bank introduced two new financing programs, initially injecting $112.38 billion (800 billion yuan) into the stock market through new monetary policy tools. The PBOC launched a $42.1 billion (300 billion yuan) credit line to help listed companies and large shareholders repurchase shares, boosting the market.

A swap facility was introduced, allowing institutional investors to access central bank liquidity, increasing optimism in the Chinese stock market.

Moreover, the PBOC is targeting inflated credit ratings, a problem identified since 2020. On Friday, the People’s Bank of China convened major credit rating firms to discuss the development and challenges of the sector as part of efforts to improve rating quality in the world’s second-largest corporate bond market.

IMF’s Kristalina Georgieva stated that China needs deeper reforms, such as improving social security and investing in underdeveloped sectors, to transform its economy into a consumption-driven one.

Additionally, the United States will use restrictive measures, such as tariffs, to counter China’s overproduction aimed at dominating global markets. The White House’s Daleep Singh highlighted China’s growing power in strategic sectors like electric vehicles and semiconductors, and the need for Washington to take steps to protect its industries.

In Japan, overall inflation for September was 2.5%, while the core CPI rose by 2.4% year-on-year, slowing from August due to temporary subsidies to curb energy prices. Inflation above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target will be considered at the next monetary policy meeting.

TSMC (NYSE:TSM) reported a 54% increase in quarterly profit and raised its revenue forecast yesterday, after Taiwan’s benchmark index (TWII) closed. The index rose by 1.9% today, driven by TSMC shares, which climbed 4.8%, hitting a record high.

In India, Infosys (NYSE:INFY) raised its growth forecast for the second consecutive time, which could lift the mood in the IT sector, which has lagged this year. The company also added 2,400 employees after six quarters of cuts. Wipro (NYSE:WIT) beat quarterly expectations. In the automotive sector, Bajaj Auto warned of weaker demand, affecting expectations for two-wheelers.

European markets rose on Friday as investors digest consecutive interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank and await new economic data while assessing quarterly earnings. Mining, automotive, and tech stocks benefited from China’s economic support. Luxury brands also performed well, with Kering (EU:KER) rising 4.7% and Burberry (LSE:BRBY) up 3.8%.

Investor attention is also focused on UK retail sales data for September, eagerly awaited.

The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates for the third time this year, to 3.25%, aiming to control inflation in the eurozone as economic growth remains weak. ECB President Christine Lagarde stated that the disinflation process is underway, with possible additional cuts in December if economic data does not improve.

Traders have increased bets that the ECB may implement a significant rate cut in December. Money markets now see a 20% chance of a 50-basis-point cut, with 0.25-point cuts expected by April 2024.

In Italy, the automotive industry faces a serious threat, with Stellantis’ (BIT:STLAM) vehicle production falling by 41% in the first nine months of 2023. This decline raises concerns about potential job losses, leading to worker protests in Rome. Small suppliers are also at risk due to falling demand and Chinese competition.

Brunello Cucinelli (BIT:BC) posted a 12.7% increase in revenue for the first nine months of the year, driven by strong growth in the Americas and Asia. Third-quarter revenues rose by 9.2%, beating analysts’ expectations. The luxury firm projects a 10% sales increase through 2026.

AB Volvo (TG:VOL3) reported adjusted operating profit of $1.34 billion (14.1 billion crowns) in the third quarter, below expectations of 15.6 billion and down from 19.3 billion a year earlier. Sales fell 12%, and heavy truck orders dropped by 7%, reflecting customer caution.

Keywords Studios (LSE:KWS) acquired U.S.-based developer Certain Affinity, known for working on “Halo” and “Call of Duty.” The value was not disclosed, but it includes an initial cash payment and an earn-out component. The management team will remain in place.

Comet Holding (LSE:0ROQ) reported a 45.6% increase in third-quarter sales but lowered its 2024 sales forecast due to weakness in industrial sectors. Semiconductor demand, especially for AI, drove growth despite weak consumer demand.

Coca-Cola Europacific (LSE:CCEP) plans to change its UK stock listing category to make its shares eligible for FTSE indices. The change, expected by November 15, follows a recent reform of UK listing rules.

China approved the creation of separate insurance units by BNP Paribas (EU:BNP) and Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU), aiming to expand the insurance market for foreign firms. BNP partnered with Volkswagen Financial Services, while Prudential was authorized to establish an asset management firm in Beijing. China’s insurance sector reached $4.2 trillion in assets in 2023.

LVMH’s (EU:MC) head of wine and spirits, Philippe Schaus, is set to leave the company soon, amid declining demand for cognac and champagne in China. His departure comes after LVMH reported a sales decline in the third quarter, with this division being the hardest hit.

Boohoo Group’s (LSE:BOO) CEO, John Lyttle, is stepping down as the UK fast-fashion company, which includes brands like Debenhams and PrettyLittleThing, struggles and undergoes a strategic review. Revenue dropped to £620 million in the first half, and shares fell by 9%.

Future PLC (LSE:FUTR) announced that CEO Jon Steinberg will step down at the end of next year for personal reasons. During his twelve-month notice period, he will continue to work with the company as they search for a successor.

On Thursday, the Dow Jones hit its fourth record in five days, driven by stronger-than-expected retail sales. The Dow gained 161.35 points, or +0.4%, to 43,239.05 points. The Nasdaq added 6.53 points, or +0.04%, to 18,373.61, while the S&P 500 fell 1.00 point, closing at 5,841.47 points.

Retail sales rose by 0.4% in September, beating expectations, and jobless claims unexpectedly dropped to 241,000, reflecting a stronger labor market.

Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury securities reached $8.503 trillion in August, up 11.5% from the previous year. Japan remained the largest holder with $1.129 trillion, while China’s holdings fell to $774.6 billion.

The New York Federal Reserve’s new tool, launched to monitor market liquidity, suggests that the Fed’s balance sheet can continue to shrink without immediate issues. The Reserve Demand Elasticity indicator shows that bank reserves remain abundant, and balance sheet reduction proceeds as planned.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that Donald Trump’s proposal to raise tariffs to isolate the U.S. economy would hurt consumers and make businesses less competitive. Yellen advocates for international economic cooperation to address challenges like Russia’s invasion and China’s trade practices, emphasizing that severing trade ties would be a mistake.

On the earnings front, Comerica (NYSE:CMA), American Express (NYSE:AXP), SLB (NYSE:SLB), Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG), Regions Financial (NYSE:RF), Fifth Third Bank (NASDAQ:FITB), Ally Financial (NYSE:ALLY), Autoliv (NYSE:ALV), Simmons Bank (NASDAQ:SFNC) and Acme United Corporation (AMEX:ACU) are set to report before the opening bell.

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