What you need to know before the US open
With little in the way of economic data today, investors will likely be looking towards China and the worries over copper.
The metal’s hit a 2010 low, with gold hitting a five-and-a-half-month high.
The news fuels concerns over China’s continuing economic slowdown, with European markets falling for a fourth day, and US stock futures suggest another lower start, with little to distract them.
Meanwhile, G7 has warned that it won’t recognise a referendum in Crimea on joining Russia.
Corporate news
Candy Crush Saga maker King Digital Entertainment is expecting to price is IPO of 22.2m shares at between $21 and $24. At the top of this range, it’d be valued at around £7.6bn.
Google has confirmed that it’s bought Green Throttle Games, adding to speculation that Google could be looking to develop its own console or set-top box.
And Kodak has picked Jeff Clarke, currently of Augusta Columbia Capital investment firm, as its new chief executive.
In the UK
Business secretary Vince Cable has confirmed that the government will hike minimum wage by 19p to £6.50 in October.
In Europe
Billionaire financier George Soros has said an independent Scotland should join the euro, because it’s not practical for it to keep the pound or use a separate currency.
Europe’s largest fertiliser producer, K+S, has slashed its dividend to 25 euros a share for last year. Analysts had forecast 85 cents per share.
Data in focus
- 6.00pm: US Treasury Secretary Lew speech