US equity futures point to a firmer open after Tuesday’s gains. Asian markets traded broadly higher, while European equities also opened firmer. US consumer confidence fell sharply in November, missing expectations and hitting a seven-month low, while September retail sales also came in softer than forecast, reinforcing concerns about slowing consumer momentum; Markets turned more dovish on policy after mixed US data, with expectations for a December rate cut from the Federal Reserve rising above 80%, alongside comments from Fed officials favoring meaningful easing; Bloomberg reported that Kevin Hassett has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair, adding to the dovish policy narrative.

Companies Mentioned: Pershing Square Capital Management LP, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, Venture Global, Shell