Markets gain on optimism: US stock futures were pointing higher as investors found reasons to be optimistic about developments in Washington. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would be willing to stretch his March 1 deadline for reaching a deal with China if it appears the two sides are close to an agreement. And while Trump expressed his displeasure at a border security deal struck by congressional negotiators that would avoid a US government shutdown, he stopped short of rejecting the agreement. European markets opened higher on Wednesday, following a positive trading session in Asia . Stocks in mainland China were the biggest winners, with indexes in Shanghai and Shenzhen advancing roughly 1.8%.

Source: CNN February 13, 2019 10:07 UTC