Stocks Pause New-Year Selloff; Oil Extends Rally: Markets Wrap.

Markets took a break on Thursday after a recent decline, with US equity futures showing small gains and Treasury yields approaching 4%. The S&P 500 futures fluctuated, while Apple Inc. saw a dip due to concerns about iPhone inventory levels. Tesla Inc. experienced a climb as Cathie Wood began buying shares after selling them for most of last year. Oil prices continued to rise due to supply disruptions in Libya and conflict in the Middle East. European stocks also saw gains, particularly in energy shares. Investors believe that a market pullback was overdue after last year's surge in stocks. The Nasdaq 100 Index experienced a 3% decline in two days, and swaps traders have been reducing their bets on rate cuts. European inflation data and the upcoming US jobs report will provide more insight into whether central banks can start lowering interest rates. The recent minutes from the Federal Reserve's December meeting suggested that rates may remain at restrictive levels for some time. Brent crude traded near $79 a barrel due to supply disruptions in Libya and attacks in Iran. The Stoxx Europe 600 index rose 0.2%, driven by oil majors such as TotalEnergies SE and BP Plc. Next Plc saw a rally after raising its profit forecast, while JD Sports Fashion Plc experienced a 20% drop in early trading due to weak sales. The yen weakened due to speculation that it will be harder for the Bank of Japan to abolish negative interest rates after a recent earthquake. Morgan Stanley MU [Extracted from the article]