The major European markets are up firmly in positive territory now, although markets in Asia closed weak amid a bit of uncertainty about the pace of U.S. interest-rate cuts following mixed messages from Fed officials.

Despite political uncertainty in France, the major markets in Europe are up, as steel stocks climb higher, reacting to the European Union's proposal to lower shipment quotas for tariff-free steel imports into the bloc, and hike tariffs on volumes that are above the proposed limits.

U.S. index futures are slightly higher, and the six-currency Dollar Index has moved up as well.

Crude oil futures are notably higher, and the yellow metal has marched on to a new high.

Here is a snapshot of the major world markets at this hour.

Stock Indexes:

DJIA Futures at 46,913 (up 0.13%)
S&P Futures at 6,771 (up 0.14%)
Nasdaq Futures at 25,088.00 (up 0.19%)