South Korea's KOSPI fell as much as 1.00% intraday after earlier gains of over 1%.

According to the Financial Times, four people familiar with the matter said France has signalled it may back Pablo Hernández de Cos to replace Christine Lagarde as ECB president next year.

Russia and Ukraine held the US-led second day of talks in Abu Dhabi after President Zelensky described the first round as constructive. Zelensky said Wednesday’s negotiations will focus on de-escalation measures, including a possible ceasefire in the Black Sea and protections for energy infrastructure. Delegations discussed humanitarian measures, territorial issues, Ukrainian security guarantees and a potential prisoner swap of up to 1,500 each. Ukraine’s delegation head Rustem Umerov said Kyiv will meet European partners separately after a trilateral session with the US and Russia. There are few signs of de‑escalation: Moscow has stepped up missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian energy, logistics and corporate targets, while Kyiv has carried out strikes deep into Russia targeting refineries and other sites to reduce Kremlin revenue; frontline fighting continues with no major territorial gains.