Before the bell: What you need to know before the US market open
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has warned that Brexit would play havoc with the global economy and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says the country will get fresh new stimulus in the Autumn.
Here's what you need to know before the market open at 14:30 London time.
US indices are pointing the wrong way in the pre-market. The S&P is down by 0.31 per cent. The Nasdaq is down by 0.27 per cent and the Dow is off by 0.35 per cent. The US 10-year yield is lower by two basis points at 1.82 per cent.
Read more: OECD twisting the figures over Brexit
The downward turn follows a disappointing start for most of Europe with the FTSE 100 down by almost one per cent by early afternoon trading. Asian markets earlier ended the day down.
Abenomics isn't done yet…
Japan has said it will push back a planned sales tax hike for a second time, as the country continues to battle against recession. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also revealed plans for fresh stimulus before the end of the year.
Sales tax will rise to 10 per cent from eight per cent in October 2019, from 2017 previously.
Brexit bomb?
The OECD has warned that a vote to leave the European Union would set off a chain reaction of market turmoil across the global economy.
Read more: John McDonnell attacks chancellor over OECD warning
The body said the "most immediate" risk facing the world economy was the prospect of Brexit as it slashed its growth forecasts for the UK amid referendum uncertainty.
Stocks to watch
The failed merger of Staples and Office Depot has forced Staples chief executive Ron Sargent to step down after 27 years. Robert Sulentic, lead director of Staples' board, said:
With the termination of the merger, we mutually agreed that now is the right time to transition to new management to lead Staples through its next phase of growth.
Japan's Softbank, the largest shareholder in Alibaba, is planning to sell off $8bn (£5.5bn) worth of shares in the Chinese e-commerce retailer.
Softbank wants to use some of its 32 per cent stake in Alibaba to pay off debt.
Companies reporting today
New York fashion label Michael Kors posts results ahead of the open today, though other US results of note are thin on the ground.
In the UK bike and motor parts retailer Halfords earlier posted a uptick in its revenue and profit.
Economic releases
Car and truck sales will be reported throughout the day. The ADP jobs report is out this morning at 13:30 London time. At 15:00 the latest ISM Index and construction spending will drop and at 7pm the Fed's Beige Book is set for release.