S&P Global (SPGI.N), opens new tab said on Thursday it ​was not changing the requirements for entry into its major indices, dealing a setback to Elon Musk's SpaceX by ‌effectively ruling out a swift entry for the world's biggest-ever IPO into the benchmark S&P 500 index (.SPX), opens new tab.

Top Australian investment bank Macquarie (MQG.AX), opens new tab reported its biggest annual profit in three ‌years on Friday, beating market consensus, as its key commodity division benefited from a rise in client hedging activity amid heightened market volatility.

Wall Street markets were broadly higher on Friday, with major indices climbing to new records as investors were buoyed by optimism over potential US–Iran diplomatic progress and strong corporate earnings, particularly in the technology sector.

Oil prices have risen by 5 percent following reports of backchannel negotiations between the US and Iran.

The European Central Bank (ECB) on Thursday kept key interest rates unchanged as heightened geopolitical tensions weigh on the outlook of inflation and economy in the euro area.

U.S. stocks were higher on Wednesday, with Nvidia gaining ahead of its quarterly results after the closing bell. The technology sector extended a rebound after a sharp sell-off on Monday.  

China is expected to maintain its benchmark lending rates for the third consecutive month in August, according to a Reuters survey, News.Az reports.

China cut its key lending rates by 10 basis points on Tuesday, as a stronger yuan and easing trade tensions offer it room for monetary easing aimed at boosting its economy.

China’s benchmark stock index rallied the most in two months on Friday, with consumer shares leading gains on expectations of more policy support for the sector.