Asian shares and U.S. stock futures fell on Wednesday as concern about a resurgence of coronavirus cases in some countries cast doubt on the strength of global growth and demand for crude oil.
European stocks looked set for a more promising start, however, with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.28%, Germany’s DAX futures up 0.25% and Britain’s FTSE futures up 0.15%.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 1.08%. Australian stocks dropped 0.56% but shares in China recouped early losses and rose 0.29% due to positive earnings from the healthcare and banking sectors.
Stocks in Tokyo slumped by 1.95% due the growing likelihood that Tokyo, Osaka and surrounding areas will be put on lockdown due to a new wave of coronavirus infections.
