UPDATED 7:05 ET

>> STOCKS – European stocks advanced, after yesterday’s drop, as investors weighed an accord between U.S. lawmakers to limit automatic spending cuts and avoid a government shutdown. U.S. index futures were little changed, while Asian shares fell.

>> BONDS – Treasuries ended a three-day gain amid speculation a U.S. budget agreement will support the economy and make it easier for the Federal Reserve to start cutting bond purchases.

>> COMMODITIES – Crude Oil traded near the highest price since October on signs that strengthening demand is depleting inventories in the U.S., the world’s biggest oil consumer.

>> CURRENCIES – The pound fell for the first time in four days against the dollar as some investors judged gains that took the currency to the highest close in more than two years yesterday were overdone.

>> ECONOMIC DATA – Crude Oil Inventories due at 10:30, NZD RBNZ Rate Statement at 15:00, AUD Employment Change at 19:30 ET.