Closely watched readings on inflation released by the Commerce Department on Friday showed consumer prices in the U.S. increased in line with economist estimates in the month of March.

Higher U.S. and Canadian futures, and firm commodity prices point to a positive opening for stocks on Bay Street Friday morning.

Industrial minerals company U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (SLCA) announced Friday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo (APO) in an all-cash transaction that values the Company at an enterprise value of approximately $1.85 billion.

Brazilian technology-driven platform XP Inc. (XP) announced Friday that Victor Mansur has been appointed Chief Financial Officer effective August 1, 2024, succeeding Bruno Constantino.

Indian shares fell sharply on Friday as investors fretted about weakening growth and stubborn inflationary pressures in the U.S., the world's largest economy.

The price of a troy ounce of gold climbed to 2330.00 USD on Friday. This surge was driven by investors' ongoing evaluation of the potential direction of the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy following mixed macroeconomic data.

Yen falls to fresh multi-decade lows after BoJ rate decision - US GDP flashes mixed signals, dollar retreats in aftermath - Stocks recover on solid tech earnings, gold resumes uptrend

Expert market comment made by senior analyst Alex Kuptsikevich of the FxPro Analyst Team: Cooler Bitcoin

Currency and commodity pairs gained momentum. Pound-dollar, Bitcoin-dollar, and oil-dollar pairs rose, while the Aussie dollar pair corrected. Major financial news: potential SEC rejection of ether ETFs, Swiss National Bank's record profit, and rising oil prices amid Middle East tensions.

The U.S. PCE index, scheduled for release later today, may exceed expectations, dampening prospects for Fed interest rate cuts.