Global shares showed a mixed performance on Thursday in subdued trading. France's CAC 40 gained 0.6% in early trading, while Germany's DAX edged up 0.2%. The UK's FTSE 100 remained relatively unchanged. In the U.S., Dow futures were up nearly 0.3%, and S&P 500 futures rose 0.3%.
Japan's Nikkei 225 reversed earlier losses to finish up 0.3%. Nissan Motor Co. stock surged 2.2% following reports of a potential agreement with Honda Motor Co. on electric vehicles. Honda shares also rose 1.1% in response to the news.
Speculation is growing that the Bank of Japan may consider ending its negative interest rate policy at its upcoming meeting, driven by significant wage increases at major Japanese firms. The central bank has a 2% inflation target and will convene for a two-day monetary policy meeting next week.
Oil prices have been trending higher this year, contributing to slightly higher inflation rates than anticipated by economists. This has led to a delay in hopes for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut at the upcoming meeting, with expectations now shifting towards a potential rate cut in June to alleviate pressure on the economy and financial system.
In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude rose to $79.85 a barrel, while Brent crude, the international standard, increased to $84.17 a barrel. The U.S. dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen and the euro.
