US equity futures pointed to further gains after Asian shares hit a fresh record on optimism around the artificial intelligence trade and stronger-than-expected earnings from megacap tech companies. The yen briefly spiked higher as traders remained on edge over possible intervention by the Bank of Japan. Brent crude whipsawed, initially dropping 2.4%, then reversing those losses to trade above $108 a barrel. The fluctuations came after President Donald Trump said the US would begin guiding ships not involved in the Iran conflict through the Strait of Hormuz from Monday. The announcement left shipping executives perplexed, as attacks continue and traffic remains at a near standstill. (Source: Bloomberg)