Investing.com - Here are the top five things you need to know today in financial markets:
1. Global markets digest Paris attacks
Markets across the globe weighed the potential consequences of a series of terrorist attacks that took place in Paris on Friday night that left at least 132 people dead and more than 350 wounded.
Asian stocks were mostly lower, as appetite for riskier assets took a hit following the weekend attacks in Paris, while data showed Japan entered a recession for the second time in two years.
European equities reversed declines to trade higher as markets showed resilience in wake of the Paris terror attacks.
Meanwhile, U.S. futures inched higher, erasing earlier losses as they tracked moves in Europe.
2. French warplanes strike Islamic State targets in Syria
France launched air strikes in Syria against the Islamic State (ISIS) following a series of coordinated attacks in Paris on Friday that killed more than 130 people.
French fighter jets mostly targeted the Islamic State's stronghold in Raqqa.
3. Oil prices push higher after France launches air strikes in Syria
Oil prices pushed higher on Monday, as France launched air strikes in Syria against the Islamic State (ISIS) following a series of coordinated attacks in Paris on Friday that killed more than 130 people.
U.S. crude was last up 49 cents, or 1.22%, to $41.23 a barrel, while Brent rose 32 cents, or 0.72%, to $44.79 a barrel.
4. Gold rallies as Paris attacks boost safe-haven demand
Gold prices rallied sharply on Monday, as markets reopened following a series of suicide bombings and shootings in Paris on Friday night that left more than 130 people dead.
Gold prices jumped $10.90, or 1.01%, to last trade at $1,191.70 an ounce.
5. Japan's economy relapses into recession
Japan's economy slid back into recession in the third quarter as uncertainty over the global economic outlook hurt business investment.
Data released before the Tokyo market opened showed that Japan's economy contracted at a 0.8% annualized rate in the July-to-September quarter, worse than expectations for a 0.2% contraction.
The weak data added to pressure on the Bank of Japan to step up monetary easing measures to shore up growth.