Asia markets mixed ahead of central bank decisions, U.S. and China inflation data this week

The People’s Bank of China has announced a “re-loan” program of 500 billion yuan ($70 billion) for technological innovation and transformation to support small and medium-sized tech enterprises.

A re-loan program uses funds lent by the PBOC to commercial banks, which then lend them to customers.

In a statement on Sunday, the PBOC said the program will offer loans via 21 banks at a rate of 1.75%, and the loans can be extended twice for up to a year each time.

— Lim Hui Jie

Despite logging a lackluster performance last week, the pan-European Stoxx 600 index is around 7.5% higher year-to-date and up over 15% over the last 12 months.

However, Goldman Sachs’ analysts noted that investors are “questioning how much upside is left” and recommended that investors consider a specific trading strategy.

They also updated their “conviction list” of top stock picks for April.

CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here.

— Amala Balakrishner

Morgan Stanley names three “overlooked” global tech stocks that it says look cheap right now.

The bank said the theme of “broadening out” is set to become more important, and “investors will increasingly look to quality small caps at attractive valuations as sources of alpha.”

It is overweight-rated on all three stocks and gives one nearly 100% upside.

CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here.

— Weizhen Tan

Crude oil futures may have more room to rally as the commodity has formed a bullish chart pattern.

U.S. crude and Brent entered a “golden cross” this week, which is when the 50-day moving average outpaces the 200-day moving average. Investors typically view a golden cross as an indication of positive momentum and the potential for further upside.

The 50-day moving average for U.S. crude of $79.07 a barrel is slightly outpacing its 200-day moving average of $79.02. Brent’s 50-day moving average is $83.74 a barrel, above the 200-day moving average of $83.54.

U.S. crude and the global benchmark have rallied to five-month highs as geopolitical tensions boil in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. OPEC member Iran has vowed to retaliate after accusing Israel of striking its consulate in Damascus this week.

— Spencer Kimball

Every sector within the S&P 500 traded higher on Friday, helping the broad index make up some ground. But most are still on pace to end the week with sizable losses.

All 11 sectors were on track for gains in the session, led higher by communication services and information technology names. As a whole, the index was up more than 1% during Friday trading.

Despite Friday’s broad advance, just two of the 11 sectors are on pace to finish the week with gains. Those sectors are energy and communication services, which have rallied more than 3% and 2%, respectively.

On the other hand, real estate and health care have seen the biggest drops this week, with each slipping around 3%. The index is poised to finish the week lower by 0.9%.

— Alex Harring

The March nonfarm payrolls came in stronger than expected Friday morning, which is another sign of a resilient U.S. labor market.

The U.S. economy added 303,000 jobs last month, topping the 200,000 expected by economists surveyed by Dow Jones. The unemployment rate was 3.8%.

Average hourly earnings rose 0.3% in March, and are up 4.1% over the past year. The average workweek ticked up to 34.4 hours.

— Jesse Pound