London (CNN Business) 1. Fear on Wall Street: US stock futures pointed to a slightly higher open on Friday, suggesting the dramatic sell-off sparked by economic and political worries may be over -- for now.

Investors remain concerned about weaker global economic growth, and the pace of future interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve. The Dow has lost 1,240 points this week.

Events in Washington have added new fuel to those worries.

The United States appears to be headed for a government shutdown because of a political fight over money for a border wall.

Funding will expire for several key US government agencies at midnight on Friday. If the deadline is not extended, those agencies will shutter just days before Christmas.