Ukraine's President Zelenskiy said Serbia has undergone a transformation that marks a new chapter for the country and its people, and wished Serbia success, genuine development and friendly relations with the European community.

China A-shares opened lower and were mixed at midday: Shanghai Composite -0.18%, Shenzhen Composite -1.05%, ChiNext -1.65%. Combined Shanghai and Shenzhen turnover was 1.01 trln yuan, down 61.9 bln yuan versus the prior session. More than 2,400 stocks advanced. Property stocks outperformed, with China Merchants Shekou and Daming City hitting daily limit-ups. Oil & gas, shipping, spirits and gaming sectors gained. Precious metals pulled back, led by Chifeng Gold. Electronic components names slid, with several hitting limit-downs; telecom equipment, glass & fiberglass, semiconductors and CPO-themed stocks were among the heaviest decliners.

Citigroup analyst Jamie Searle says the ECB would prefer not to discuss France at its upcoming policy meeting but may find the topic unavoidable. The ECB may remind markets it has conditional backstop tools but is unlikely to encourage intervention in French markets. French bond volatility is expected to dominate Lagarde’s Thursday press conference after weeks of heavy selling as markets doubt the French government can narrow the budget deficit to 5% of GDP by 2027, particularly following recent violent protests.