U.S. index futures advanced in premarket trading on Monday after a tough week marked by concerns over labor market slowdown. Investors are awaiting two inflation reports this week that could impact the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decisions on interest rates.

As of 5:09 AM, Dow Jones futures (DOWI:DJI) rose 210 points, or 0.52%. S&P 500 futures gained 0.66%, and Nasdaq-100 futures advanced 0.89%. The 10-year Treasury yield stood at 3.761%.

On today’s U.S. economic calendar, at 10 AM, July wholesale inventories are expected to grow 0.3%, following a previous 0.2% increase. At 3 PM, the August consumer credit report is expected, with a forecasted rise of $12 billion, compared to $8.9 billion in the previous period.

In the commodities market, oil futures rose due to the threat of a potential hurricane in the U.S. Gulf Coast and market adjustment after weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data. West Texas Intermediate crude for October rose 1.32%, reaching $68.56 per barrel, while November Brent crude advanced 1.20%, to $71.91 per barrel.

Hedge funds are more bearish on crude oil than at any point in the past 13 years, according to a Bloomberg report. They reduced their positions in Brent and WTI to the lowest level since 2011, according to ICE Futures Europe and CFTC data for the week ending September 3. The drop in prices reflects concerns over demand and supply expansion, including Libyan production and potential changes in OPEC+ policies.

Morgan Stanley adjusted its forecast for Brent crude prices, now projecting $75 per barrel in the fourth quarter due to demand concerns and abundant supply. Brent recently fell to its lowest level since 2021, with analysts highlighting risks of oversupply and weak demand.

Iron ore futures fell for the seventh consecutive time on Monday, hitting their lowest level since August. Weak economic data from China and sluggish steel demand weighed on prices.

The most traded January iron ore contract on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) closed the morning session down 1.32%, at $94.70 per metric ton. Benchmark iron ore for October (SZZFV4) on the Singapore Exchange fell 1.15%, to $90.65 per ton.

Asia-Pacific markets had a negative Monday following weak U.S. jobs data, with Chinese inflation and Japanese GDP also falling short of expectations.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng dropped 1.77% in the final hour of trading, leading regional losses. China’s CSI 300 declined 1.19%, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost 0.48%. In South Korea, the Kospi fell 0.33%, and in Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.32%.

In China, August consumer inflation rose to 0.6%, the highest in six months, mainly due to high food prices caused by weather-related disasters. However, core inflation remained low, signaling deflation in producer prices and a weakening economy.

According to a Reuters poll, China’s exports are expected to grow at the slowest pace in four months in August, with a projected 6.5% year-on-year increase, down from 7% in July. Imports are also expected to rise by only 2%, indicating weak domestic demand and economic challenges.

In Japan, the economy grew 2.9% in the second quarter, below the 3.2% forecast, due to revisions in corporate and household spending. The Bank of Japan is considering further interest rate hikes, focusing on boosting domestic demand and ending its long period of monetary stimulus. Instability in consumption could affect future growth.

Japanese company Mitsubishi Chemical (USOTC:MTLHY) is considering selling its pharmaceutical unit, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, for over $3.5 billion, according to Nikkei. The company has hired a financial advisor and is seeking potential buyers, but negotiations are in the early stages. Mitsubishi Chemical denied being in advanced talks and is reviewing its business portfolio.

In Australia, Westpac (ASX:WBC), the country’s second-largest mortgage lender, promoted Anthony Miller, former head of Deutsche Bank in Australia, to CEO effective December 16. He will replace Peter King, who is retiring after implementing governance improvements and facing a period of regulatory turbulence.

European markets are trading higher on Monday, with technology and travel and leisure sectors leading gains, while luxury stocks faced declines, with Burberry (LSE:BRBY) falling 5.3% after being removed from the FTSE 100 index last week following a significant drop in its share value, driven by weak demand. No major financial results or economic data are expected today.

Eurozone officials indicated that the European Central Bank is likely to cut interest rates on Thursday, setting the stage for the U.S. Federal Reserve’s action the following week. This adjustment reflects a global trend of monetary easing, with investors watching for possible additional cuts later this year and the ECB’s upcoming decisions.

Barratt Developments (LSE:BDEV) formed a joint venture with Lloyds Banking Group (NYSE:LYG) and Homes England to build thousands of homes in the UK. The partnership, called MADE Partnership, will receive $197 million in funding and will focus on large residential and community projects. The first projects are expected to be delivered in 2028/29.

The Bank of London raised $55 million in a funding round led by Mangrove Capital Partners last month. The funds will help expand its presence in the UK. Customer deposits exceeded £500 million in August. Recently, Stephen Bell took over as CEO, replacing Anthony Watson, who now serves as senior advisor.

Schroders Plc (LSE:SDR) raised €400 million for its European acquisition fund, Schroders Capital Private Equity Europe Direct III. The capital, sourced from investors such as pension funds and family offices, will allow the company to pursue mid-market opportunities. Since January 2022, Schroders Capital has raised over $2.6 billion for private equity investments.

On Friday, U.S. stocks fell after a weaker-than-expected jobs report. The Nasdaq plunged 2.55%, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones dropped 1.73% and 1.01%, respectively. Concerns over economic growth and a possible delay in the Federal Reserve’s actions to cut interest rates fueled the sell-off.

The U.S. Labor Department’s jobs report showed non-farm payrolls increased by 142,000 jobs in August, below expectations of 160,000 jobs. Additionally, June and July data were revised downward, with a net loss of 86,000 jobs. The unemployment rate dropped to 4.2%, increasing the chances that the Federal Reserve may not cut rates by half a point. Despite the slowdown, wages grew, which should sustain consumer spending and prevent a recession.

Last week, the Nasdaq fell 5.8%, the S&P 500 dropped 4.3%, and the Dow Jones lost 2.9%, reflecting trader pessimism.

Before the market opens, Abivax SA  (NASDAQ:ABVX) will release its quarterly report.

After the close, numbers are expected from Oracle  (NYSE:ORCL), Rubrik  (NYSE:RBRK), Limoneira  (NASDAQ:LMNR), BioStem Technologies  (USOTC:BSEM), Calavo Growers  (NASDAQ:CVGW), Mission Produce  (NASDAQ:AVO), Skillsoft  (NYSE:SKIL), Matrix Service Company  (NASDAQ:MTRX) and Avid Bioservices  (NASDAQ:CDMO).