Investing.com - The ASX 200 is set to open higher on Tuesday, with local market participants keenly awaiting upcoming retail sales data.
UK and US markets remained closed due to public holidays, however, Nasdaq 100 Futures reached an all-time high.
There's also a rally in the metal commodities with gold, silver, platinum, and copper prices all witnessing an upswing.
European markets saw a slight increase in the Stoxx Europe 600 index, led by carmakers and utilities. However, the trading volume was notably less than half of the average for the past 20 days.
In corporate news, both Alumina Ltd (ASX:AWC) and Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:NEU) are set to host their annual general meetings on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Elders Ltd (ASX:ELD) will be trading ex-dividend.
Market highlights are as follows:
- ASX 200 Futures were up 0.4%.
- The Australian dollar rose by 0.4% to 66.57 US cents.
- Bitcoin saw a 1.5% increase to $US69,638 as of 7.14am AEST.
- European markets witnessed a slight surge with the Stoxx 50 up by 0.5%, DAX by 0.4% and CAC by 0.5%.
- Spot gold increased by 0.7% to $US2350.97 per ounce at 2.30pm in New York.
- Brent crude oil was up by 1.2% to $US83.10 per barrel.
- Iron ore prices dropped by 1.3% to $US119.25 per tonne.
- 10-year yield stood at 4.28% for Australia and 2.55% for Germany.