FXstreet.com (Barcelona) - Yesterday's release of the HSBC manufacturing PMI in China, at 47.8, triggered a risk-off day around financial markets, resumed by weak PMI in Europe as well. The drop in equities was palpable, but Friday trading gave room for correction/retracement. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average rose by +0.25%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained +0.80%, South Korea's Kospi rose +0.60% and China's Shanghai Composite was up by +0.26%.

Futures for the German DAX 30 and the French CAC 40 are signaling a higher opening by +0.50% and +0.75%, respectively, ahead of a very light economic calendar with only relevant data coming from the UK (Public Sector Net Borrowing) and Switzerland (SNB monthly and quarterly bulletins).

WTI crude oil trades higher, by +0.67% at 93.00, and Gold rises by +0.22% to 1771.