US indices finished yesterday’s trading mostly lower. S&P 500 dropped 0.39%, Nasdaq moved 1.20% lower and Russell 2000 declined 0.52%. Dow Jones was an exception as it gained 0.08%

Upbeat moods could be spotted during the Asian session today. Nikkei and S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.3%, Kospi moved 0.7% higher and indices from China traded up to 2.3% higher

DAX futures point to a higher opening of the European cash session today

European Union failed to reach consensus on sixth sanctions package on Russia. Hungary refuses to support any sanctions that would undermine its energy security. Discussions continue

RBA minutes showed that the Australian central bank was considering increasing rates by as much as 40 basis points at its latest meeting. Ultimately, rates were raised by 25 basis points

McDonald’s announced a full withdrawal from Russia. Company will sell 850 restaurants in the country. McDonald’s became the first major global brand to fully exit Russia

According to Reuters report, Nomura Group will allow institutional investors to trade in cryptocurrencies

Citigroup became the latest bank to lower GDP growth forecast for China. Bank expects growth to reach 4.2% in 2022, down from previous forecast of 5.1%

Cryptocurrencies are catching a breath. Bitcoin gains 1% while Ethereum trades 1.5% higher

Oil is trading flat on the day while precious metals post small gains

AUD and NZD are the best performing major currencies while JPY and CHF lag the most

AUDUSD is trading higher another day in a row. Australian currency got a boost from RBA minutes release that showed RBA was considering a 40 bp rate hike in May. The pair is trying to make its way above a mid-term price zone in the 0.7000 area.