European Equity Futures, Asian Stocks Advance on Stimulus Signs

European equity futures and Asian stocks rose, the euro strengthened and oil climbed amid speculation global policy makers will take more steps to stimulate economic growth. The yields on U.S. Treasuries, German and Japanese bonds climbed.

Euro Stoxx 50 Index futures added 0.8 percent as of 7:12 a.m. in London. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index advanced 1.5 percent, rising for the first time in five days and Standard & Poor's 500 Index futures gained 0.5 percent. The euro climbed for a third day, while the yen and the dollar weakened against most of their major counterparts. Crude oil in New York rose for a second day. Yields on 10-year Treasuries increased two basis points to 1.55 percent.

Leaders from the Group of Seven countries will hold a conference call to discuss the European debt crisis today ahead of the G-20 meeting next week. The Reserve Bank of Australia lowered its key interest rate today by 25 basis points to 3.5 percent, the lowest level since 2009. China's insurance regulator said it will allow insurers' to broaden their investment scope, and four Taiwan government-controlled funds bought stocks yesterday to help pare losses, according to the Taipei-based Commercial Times.

For more on this Click Here