Global shares are higher on optimism about a U.S.-China trade deal and on Chinese efforts to boost economic growth. Benchmarks in France and Britain are up on Thursday, which is the new year’s first day of trading. U.S. futures prices are also rising, suggesting gains on the market open in New York. Markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai closed higher, while Tokyo was still closed for the New Year’s holiday. U.S. President Donald Trump has said an initial trade deal with China would be signed this month. Meanwhile, China’s central bank has said it will free up more money for lending in the economy.
