Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday, “peace talks with Ukraine aren't easy but there is a certain hope for compromise.”

This comes after Sputnik reported a Russian diplomat saying that they are ready for any format of dialogue on the Ukraine crisis if Ukraine is seeking diplomatic solutions.

Market reaction

The market mood remains lifted on the above comment amid optimism for diplomacy. The S&P 500 futures add 0.90% on the day, recapturing the 4,300 level.

Gold price is closing in on the previous lows of $1,907, with all eyes now on the US Retail Sales and the Fed decision.