The SPX500_m is edging higher on day 1 of the traditional "Santa Rally" period. Here's all you need to know about this year-end phenomenon: its frequency, possible causes, as well as potential implications for this benchmark stock index in the days (and year) ahead.

Our focus falls on the SPN35 ahead of the Spanish general election on Sunday.

Shifting expectations for the next policy moves by major central banks remain a key theme across global financial markets, as investors and traders digest these major data releases and events in the week ahead: Monday, April 25