§  US equities suffered losses yesterday, falling 0.2%, led by weakness in energy names.

§  Exploration & Production companies were the leading decliners amongst energy names following disappointment about declining volumes and also the mix between oil and natural gas.

§  In bond markets today the focus will be on key jobs data released in the US that could give an indication on upcoming Fed policy decisions.

§  In political news, the Wall Street Journal reported that Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is probing Russia’s possible collusion with the Trump campaign last year, has impanelled a grand jury as part of the investigation.

Europe

§  European stocks held steady, rising 0.2%, as earnings-related gains in companies including Next Plc and UniCredit SpA offset losses in energy firms.

§  Oil-and-gas producers and lenders were among the worst performers for the index, following declines in crude prices.

Asia

§  In Asia overnight Chinese equities came under pressure falling 0.2%.

§  In Japan, shares in Tokyo slid as the yen held gains on renewed concern over the prospects of U.S. economic growth ahead of key jobs data today and amid an ongoing investigation into the Trump administration’s ties to Russia.