What you need to know before the US open
US markets are expected to open up today, with stock futures up and eyes on Facebook shares, following its announcement that its acquired Oculus for $2bn in cash and stock.
There’s also some recent economic data to chew over.
Figures out on durable goods orders show orders rose 2.2 per cent in February – lifted by a sizeable order from Boeing. Mortgage applications slipped last week, though, by 3.5 per cent.
Global shares have climbed to two-week highs on the reasonable data and some calmer waters when it comes to the Ukraine-Russia situation.
The Fed's releasing results later from its latest supervisory stress tests. Later today, James Bullard, who's head of the St. Louis Fed, will speak about the economy in Hong Kong.
Corporate data
Facebook’s buying of Oculus will be the main focus for investors today. Credit Suisse has called it it Facebook's "second blockbuster acquisiton of the year", labelling it as strategically similar to the Zuckerberg's call to buy Whatsapp for $19bn last month.
Nissan’s said it’s recalling over 1m vehicles, mostly in the US, because of an airbag software blip.
Data in focus
- 1.45pm: US March Markit services
- 8.30pm: US bank stress test info