Global shares barely move as U.S. election nears

Global shares were seen restricted on Friday, indicating the markets’ cautious sentiment as the presidential election in the United States approaches. Moreover, investors’ position partly depended on the progress in U.S. stimulus talks.

Futures for the S&P 500 recorded minimal losses before hitting a flat performance during their midday session. The day before, the underlying index managed to advance 0.5% as stimulus optimism fuelled a rally.

Asian shares held on tight ranges as MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares recorded a flat session. Japan’s benchmark index Nikkei advanced 0.2%, while mainland China’s CSI300 index saw a 0.2% increase.

During the final debate between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Democrat challenger Joe Biden, the latter had criticized Trump’s way of handling the pandemic. In return, the former accused Biden of corruption.