Equity futures sit higher just ahead of the NY...>

US: Equity futures sit higher just ahead of the NY open in 30 minutes, taking

the lead from their European counterparts which sit with gains of 0.1-0.2%

(Italy the outlier, lower by 1.6% as markets are unnerved by early election

chatter).

- Following the choppy finish to the session Thursday, US 10yr yields have

traded either side of the 2.04% mark so far today, with data focus turning to

the prelim Uni. of Michigan survey. The USD index is higher, but still sits just

below yesterday's highs having erased the late-Thursday weakness. 

- Commodity markets are generally positive, with WTI and Brent futures higher by

over 1% apiece as tensions remain high in the Gulf. Energy was supported by

reports that Iran 'provoked' the US into shooting down a fixed wing drone in the

Strait of Hormuz.

- Fed's Bullard and Rosengren still due to speak (Rosengren appears alongside

BoJ's Kuroda) at 1610BST/1110ET and 2130BST/1630ET before the blackout period

kicks in at the end of Friday.