1. China worries remain in the spotlight
Market sentiment weakened after a pair of reports on China's manufacturing sector added to indications that the world's second largest economy is losing momentum.
The final Caixin/Markit manufacturing purchasing managers’ index for August came in at 47.3, the lowest reading since March 2009.
Meanwhile, the official China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index inched down to 49.7 last month from 50.0 in July, the weakest level since August 2012. A reading below 50.0 indicates industry contraction.
A reading below 50.0 indicates industry contraction.
2. Asian shares struggle again as China weighs
Asian shares dropped on Tuesday, with Japan's Nikkei falling 3.9% and the Shanghai Composite declining 1.3%, as fears of a China-led global economic slowdown spooked traders and rattled sentiment.
3. European markets under heavy selling pressure
Germany's DAX dropped almost 3% on Tuesday, while France’s CAC 40 and London's FTSE 100 were both down around 2.5%, as investors focused on the deteriorating outlook for China and its impact on the global economy.
4. Wall Street points to weak open amid China jitters
During early morning hours in New York, the blue-chip Dow futures tumbled 362 points, or 2.19%, the S&P 500 futures sank 44 points, or 2.22%, while the Nasdaq 100 futures plunged 100 points, or 2.34%.
Later in the session, traders will focus on the U.S. Institute of Supply Management's report on manufacturing growth for a fresh reading on the strength of the economy. The report is due at 10:00AM ET.
Investors were also looking ahead to Friday’s U.S. jobs report for August, which could help to provide clarity on the likelihood of a near-term interest rate hike.
The timing of a Fed rate hike has been a constant source of debate in the markets in recent months.
5. Oil futures retreat after biggest 3-day rally since 1990
Crude oil futures retreated on Tuesday, as traders cashed out of the market to lock in gains after prices soared almost $10 a barrel over the past three sessions, the biggest three-day surge since 1990.
Brent prices are up nearly 25%, while U.S. oil futures jumped 26.2%, over the past three sessions as traders returned to the market to close out bets on lower prices, a move known as short-covering.