GLOBAL stocks fall as jobs data, Ukraine talks rattle markets 

Global stock markets declined and U.S. futures fell as investors awaited delayed U.S. employment data for October and November that could influence Federal Reserve rate cuts, with major indexes in Asia and Europe trading lower amid tech sector concerns over AI investment returns.

Brent crude dropped below $60 per barrel for the first time since May and oil prices tumbled on renewed optimism for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal after President Donald Trump said an agreement was closer than ever, raising prospects that sanctions on Russian oil could ease and worsen existing oversupply concerns.

Central banks including the European Central Bank, Bank of England, and Bank of Japan are set to announce policy decisions this week, with investors seeking clarity on the interest rate path as weak Chinese retail sales and disappointing tech earnings from Oracle [ORCL +%2,43] and Broadcom [AVGO +%1,13] added to market jitters.