Plenty of newsflow today as everyone is looking to make it through to NFP and then the pub (or is that just me??)

Before The Bell: Wall Street stock index futures rose after better-than-expected financial results from Apple boosted the mood of investors.

European shares ticked up as the European Central Bank's smaller rate hike, and market-beating results from Adidas raised investor sentiment.

In Asian equities, Mainland Chinese shares declined, dragged down by artificial intelligence-related companies.

Oil prices scaled up despite fears of a weakening U.S. economy and slowing Chinese demand.

Gold prices drifted lower from near-record highs.

The dollar softened as banking sector woes added to talk of U.S. rate cuts later this year.

Investors will keep a close watch on the April's non-farm payrolls report, scheduled for release later in the day.