This Friday looks set to be at least a somewhat happy end to the week, with ASX 200 futures pointing to a 38-point gain at open – a +0.46% move up – as the bourse’s general January rally seems to be proving its staying power.

The U.S. didn’t have a chance to impact early Aussie sentiments today with Wall Street doors closed during a day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter.

Things will get back into the swing State-side later this evening, with U.S. investors preparing to face a critical December jobs data release before the morning bell is even rung.

Incoming President Donald Trump will also continue to make waves on the market – and these impacts will likely reach Oz trade today – after he said he’s considering declaring a national economic emergency. That declaration would allow him to justify 10% global import tariffs and 60% tariffs on Chinese goods.

Speaking of China, the country’s now facing “deflation” concerns after inflation dipped to a nine-month low; Core CPI (which excludes food and energy), rose 0.4%.

In the U.K., the Bank of England’s deputy governor said she’d be willing to make more interest rate cuts even as analysts call for a trim slowdown.

Back home, Insignia Financial (ASX:IFL) will be closely watched as its takeover story rolls on – investment titan Brookfield is the latest heavyweight to join the behind-the-scenes bidding battle that’s unfolded this past week.

Star Entertainment Group (ASX:SGR) too will be one to watch, though for other reasons: The casino operator is facing voluntary administration as its coffers run dry.

Also facing a rough day, Lovisa Holdings (ASX:LOV) will hold its breath after UBS downgraded the jewellery company to a “sell” late yesterday.

Looking at forex, the Aussie dollar is buying 61.9 US cents.

To commodities, which are in the greenback,

Iron Ore has climbed 0.9% to $97.40 a tonne in Singapore,

Brent Crude is trading at $77.12,

Gold is trading at $2,669 per ounce, and, 

US natgas futures are at $3.70 per gigajoule.

That’s Market Open, I’m Isaac McIntyre, stick with us for HotCopper’s Market Update.