World shares were mostly lower on Friday, though Chinese stocks reversed earlier losses following the announcement of fresh measures to revive the ailing property market.
U.S. futures were little changed, with the contract for the Dow Jones Industrial Average near 40,000 after it topped that level for the first time on Thursday.
In early European trading, Germany’s DAX lost 0.5% to 18,648.35 and the CAC 40 in Paris shed 0.5% to 8,147.13. Britain’s FTSE 100 declined 0.3% to 8,413.99.
China’s central bank said Friday that it was reducing required down payments for housing loans and cutting interest rates for first and second home purchases, among other moves. The announcements came after officials in Beijing reported persisting weakness in the economy, especially in the real estate industry.
The government was due to hold a news conference on property policies later Friday.
Visitors are seen on camera damaging rock formations at a Nevada recreation site
Man hanging rainbow flag outside Destiny Church reportedly assaulted
China tells Biden to reverse 'dangerous practice' on Taiwan world politics
New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy suspends run for U.S. Senate
Snake on a plane! Footage captures the moment a SERPENT emerges above an overhead bin mid
Christopher Luxon leaves Big Gay Out after heated protest
Chinese companies break ground on Serbia's expressway
Morphine shortage across New Zealand impacting patients in palliative care, new stock months away
UN refugee agency calls for action to address climate change's effects on displaced population
Why the Algarve has been named the top destination for a bargain break in Europe