Global shares were mixed Wednesday after virtual talks between President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping.
France’s CAC 40 inched up nearly 0.1% to 7,157.55 in early trading, while Germany’s DAX edged up 0.2% to 16,276.37. Britain’s FTSE 100 dipped 0.1% to 7,319.95. U.S. shares were set for gains, with the future for the Dow industrials up nearly 0.1% at 36,085.00. The S&P 500 future added 0.1% to 4,699.25.
The online talks between Biden and Xi late Monday U.S. time appeared to signal a step in the right direction but they did not yield any major steps toward resolving longstanding disputes over trade and other issues.
“Any concrete development from the meeting still awaits to be seen, but the amiable approach thus far in addressing issues from both parties pares down the risks of political tension in markets,” said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG in Singapore.
In Asian trading, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 0.4% to finish at 29,688.33. South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.2% to 2,962.42. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.7% to 7,369.90 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.3% to 25,650.08.
