European shares were higher on Tuesday morning due to the lack of escalation of the crisis in Ukraine. Asian markets closed in the green, with geopolitical threats seen as receding. Here are five things that matter for markets now:
- A truce between Israel and Palestinian militants was extended by 24 hours in last-minute negotiations. However, the chief Palestinian delegate to the talks warned that little progress was made towards a longer-term deal.
- In racial unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, police came under fire; 31 people were arrested.
- Hourly compensation for ordinary workers in the U.S. has risen by only 0.5% since 2009 in real terms, the weakest growth since World War II, research by Bloomberg shows.
- China should cut interest rates and reserve requirements in "modest" steps by next year to boost economic growth, a researcher at a government think-tank said. The think-tank is affiliated to the country's top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission. Meanwhile the government has announced measures to support the north-eastern region, which is lagging behind in development. The measures include investment in infrastructure and opening state-owned firms to private investment.
- Food producer Heinz, partly owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) has recalled some infant food products in China after a warning from a watchdog that they contain too much lead.
At the time of publication, Antonia Oprita had no positions in any of the securities mentioned.