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Stocks in Asia and Europe are a part of the MORNING Bid, which is a new way to ride the tech train.

Wayne Cole gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets.

The new headlines on Thursday were dominated by the ceasefire agreement that Israel and Hamas reached. It is hailed as the first step in ending the conflict of two years and re-building the war-torn Gaza. Oil prices fell 0.6% to about 0.7% as geopolitical risks eased.

The AI effect still dominated equity markets as tech shares lifted Nikkei,N225> to record highs, while Taiwan rose 1.2%, reaching a new all-time peak.

Blue chips in China returned from holiday with gains of 1,7%, reaching levels not seen since early 2022. Analysts warned that early readings of holiday spending are "underwhelming", even though the data is patchy.

Beijing continues to be tough on rare earth minerals. It tightens export controls for processing technology and bars unauthorised overseas collaboration.

Minerals have been an issue in the trade negotiations with the United States, and the White House may not like the new restrictions.

The futures of the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow Jones were stable after reaching new record highs over night. Chip stocks led this trend. Analysts from JPMorgan said that earnings growth for the Q3 reporting period is expected to be 20.9% in the tech industry, up 159% since June.

Nvidia, Apple and other tech stocks have led the way in a rise of estimates for 81%. Overall earnings are expected to increase by 8% with revenue increasing 6.3%.

The currencies have been more calm as the U.S. Dollar digests its massive 3.6% gain over the yen this week. It is currently holding at 152.50 after briefly testing 153.00 over night.

The currency is approaching the levels that normally bring howls from the Finance Ministry. However, it's notable that the economist who advised the policy circle for Japan's potential new premier praised the benefits of a lower currency.

The euro was at $1.1650, after just surviving a test to $1.1600 following some terrible industrial data from Germany. The markets are waiting to see whether French President Macron will name a premier who can last longer than a couple of days when negotiating a budget agreement.

The markets will once again feel the impact of the delayed release of U.S. Economic data. This is because the longer the shutdown continues, the more likely it will be that future releases are also pushed back.

The following are key developments that may influence the markets on Thursday.

German Trade Data for August

Minutes from the last ECB Meeting. ECB president Lagarde and board members Cipollone, Lane, Bank of Spain Governor Escriva are among those who will be present.

* Fed appearances: Barr, Musalem Bowman Kashkari, and some prerecorded remarks from Powell at a banking conference. (By Wayne Cole, edited by Christopher Cushing).

(source: Reuters)