Top 4 things you need to know about the market on Monday

1. The US-China saga is almost over

With little data on the economic calendar, markets will likely focus more heavily on trade-related headlines following reports the U.S. and China were close to striking a deal to end a bitter year-long trade dispute.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could seal a formal trade deal at a summit around March 27 given progress in talks between the two countries, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

The two countries appear close to a deal that would roll back U.S. tariffs on at least $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, as Beijing makes pledges on structural economic changes and eliminates retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

2. U.S Futures point to a higher opening. 

U.S. stock futures pointed to a higher open, as investors see positive signals about the deal between the US and China.

At 12:20 GMT (GMT +2), the blue chip futures (DJIA) climbed 74 points, or about 0.3 percent, the S & P 500 futures by 6 points, or approximately 0.25 percent, while the Nasdaq 100 technology futures showed an increase 30 points, or about 0.4%.

3. Trump complains about the strong dollar.

President Donald Trump has resumed his criticism of the Federal Reserve and said the strict monetary policy of the central bank is contributing to a strong dollar and damaging US competitiveness.

Trump has repeatedly criticized the Fed and its chairman Jerome Powell, whom he appointed, to raise interest rates.

4. Less than a month to Brexit

It remains less than a month when Britain is expected to leave the European Union, all eyes are focused on whether the withdrawal will actually take place by the deadline of March 29th.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told his colleagues in his office that the delay by June is "very likely".

British Prime Minister Theresa May, whose outgoing deal with Brussels was rejected by a large majority of lawmakers in January, promised the parliament that by March 12 they would be able to vote on a revised deal.

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