Asian markets extended their dip into the red in Monday's session as investors digested news that trading of Chinese property firm Evergrande's shares had been suspended. 

The developer, which in debt to the tune of more than $300bn (£221bn), later said it is expecting a takeover offer and there would be "an announcement containing inside information about a major transaction".

Markets were closed in mainland China for a holiday, however the Hang Seng (^HSI) headed 2.3% lower overnight and Japan's Nikkei (^N225) closed 1.1% lower.

European markets were mixed, despite news of a potentially game changing new COVID-19 drug. 

The experimental medicine — molnupiravir — for severe COVID cuts the risk of hospitalisation or death by about half, interim clinical trial results suggest. If approved, it would be the first oral antiviral for the virus and is made by US pharma company Merck (MRK). 

UK markets will have one eye on the Conservative party conference later on today, when chancellor Rishi Sunak gives his conference speech. It may give hints as to plans he will lay out in his budget later on in October. 

The FTSE 100 (^FTSE) hovered flat at the opening bell. Germany's DAX (^GDAXI) was 0.1% lower and France's CAC (^FCHI) declined 0.3%. 

FTSE 100 constituent Morrisons (MRW.L) stock declined 3.7% in early trade, following confirmation that private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) had won an auction for the British supermarket with a £7bn bid. The confirmation brings to a close a takeover battle that has been raging since June. 

Oil prices also fell ahead of an OPEC+ supply policy meeting that may decide whether a recent rally in prices can be sustained. Previous weeks have seen the oil price exceed $80 per barrel.

 

Over in Turkey, inflation bedded in, climbing at its fastest pace in two years in September. Inflation is now nearly at 20%, around four times the central bank's target and the biggest yearly bump since March 2019. 

US stock futures headed lower in early trade in London. The S&P 500 (ES=F) looked set for opening declines of 0.3%. Dow futures (YM=F) dipped 0.3% and Nasdaq futures (NQ=F) were 0.5% lower. 

"Investors should keep in mind that the non-farm employment change data, which is due out on Friday, is the week's most important event. This information is critical for stock traders because the Federal Reserve will use it to assess the state of the US labour market," said Naeem Aslam, chief market analyst at AvaTrade. 

"A rise in payrolls will likely support the central bank's stance to begin tapering before the end of 2021. Data for August came in lower than expected, with the U.S. only adding 235,000 jobs versus the expected 500,000. It is expected that nearly 475,000 new jobs were added in September."

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