China's October industrial production growth cooled to 5.6 percent year-on-year though it was cushioned by a just-above-forecast 11 percent jump in retail sales.
European markets fall amid a slew of weak earnings while Asian markets stayed mixed following hints of a possible increase in interest rates by the U.S. Fed in December.
The London-listed mining and commodities giant pledged to slash its debt by one-third.
A week-long sell-off in benchmark government bonds upset world financial markets.
Chinese stocks led Asian equities to seven-year highs on expectations of more stimulus from Beijing.
The dollar hit a new nine-year high and stocks worldwide headed for their first back-to-back rise of the year on Thursday.
Quarterly earnings should provide direction on a day that seems set for a slow start after a string of record-breaking sessions.
A weak yen helped lift Japanese stocks while Asian stocks climbed despite Chinese data narrowly missing expectations.
While Chinese indexes rose on President Xi Jinping's comments, Indian stocks rallied on the last day of the country's mammoth election.
The FOMC announcement scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, GDP data and employment numbers should influence markets.
Earnings from major corporations across various sectors, and their bellwether stocks, should influence the trading session.
While Asian markets fretted about Ukraine and rising oil prices, markets in US and Europe are buoyed by M&A buzz.
Earnings and external factors such as developments in Ukraine should influence markets Friday.
Markets should be influenced by more big-ticket earnings announcements scheduled for the day.
Quarterly earnings announcements from big players in retail, aviation and technology should help guide investors.
Earnings are expected to continue to influence market direction.
Quarterly earnings should direct market flow Monday following last week's rally.
Ahead of the long weekend, data on jobless claims and a packed earnings calendar should influence markets.
Quarterly earnings announcements and economic data should influence Wednesday's session.
Quarterly earnings, data on inflation and housing, and opening remarks from Janet Yellen at a Fed conference should influence markets.
After last week's volatile sessions, which ended with the markets losing a lot of ground, earnings and economic data should guide markets.