After reporting stronger than expected job growth over the past several months, the Labor Department released a report on Friday showing employment in the U.S. increased by much less than expected in the month of April.

Canadian shares look headed for a positive start Friday morning, tracking firm crude oil prices and gains in European markets. Encouraging earnings updates from Apple Inc., is also likely to aid sentiment.

Indian shares ended Friday's session deep in the red despite encouraging cues from global markets.

French financial services provider Societe Generale S.A. reported Friday that its first-quarter net profit declined from last year amid nearly stable net revenues. Gross operating income, however, increased from the prior year. In Paris, Societe Generale shares were gaining around 4.4 percent in the morning trading.

European stocks inched higher on Friday after European Central Bank policymaker Yannis Stournaras said he sees three rate cuts in 2024.

Risk appetite returns after dovish Fed, but will jobs report spoil the party? Apple to likely secure weekly gains for Wall Street. Yen rally gets additional boost from softer dollar after suspected interventions.

GBP/USD sideways with positive ROC, Bitcoin up 0.9% despite negative ROC, stable oil prices with negative RSI, AUD/USD rises 0.5% with positive RSI; global finance sees US eyeing Bitcoin options, FTSE 100 surges, Fed holds rates, Apple's optimistic outlook; upcoming events include US earnings, Eurozone unemployment, French output, Japan and UK net positions.

Market attention now shifts to today's U.S. NFP reading, which could provide insights into the Fed's forthcoming monetary policy decisions.

Euro up, dollar-yen down, gold spikes, Google steady. Bank of Canada considers rate cut, Fed hints at future rate adjustment. Key economic events: Japan Consumer Confidence, Australia Trade Balance, US Labor Costs, Spain Unemployment Change, US Jobless Claims, Austria Unemployment Rate.

Brent crude oil prices have dropped to $83.95 per barrel on Thursday, marking the lowest level in seven weeks. This decline follows recent US statistics indicating a significant increase in crude oil inventories and production.