WORLD HEADLINES – Stocks in Europe started the month on a positive note, with mining shares leading gains as nickel led a surge in industrial-metal prices. Oil headed for an eight-month high after U.S. industry data showed inventories declined last week.

STOCKS – Equities advanced from Tokyo to Sydney as technology stocks gained on a raised profit outlook from Sony Corp. U.S. equity-index futures climbed on optimism tax reforms are still on track.

BONDS – Treasuries were little changed as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s policy decision and President Trump’s announcement of the next central-bank chair.

COMMODITIES – The Bloomberg Commodity Index climbed to the highest since March as WTI crude rose above $55 a barrel and industrial metals advanced, buoyed by optimism that demand from China won’t falter after a gauge of Chinese manufacturing suggested growth momentum remains robust.

CURRENCIES – The US dollar traded sideways ahead of today’s employment data and FOMC statement.

ECONOMIC DATA – US ADP Employment Change due at 8:15, ISM Manufacturing PMI at 10:00, Crude Oil Inventories at10:30, FOMC Statement at 14:00, BOC Gov Poloz Speaks at 16:15,  AUD Trade Balance at 20:30 ET.