Global equities hovered near record territory on Friday, buoyed by solid corporate earnings and anticipation of geopolitical talks. The MSCI All Country World Index added 0.2% to 953.54, inches from Wednesday’s all-time high of 954.21. In London, the FTSE 100 briefly broke through 9,200 for the first time before paring gains, while European benchmarks and U.S. equity futures also edged higher. Currency markets reflected a cautious tone. The dollar index slipped 0.3% to 97.897, while the yen gained after data showed Japan’s economy expanded at a 1.0% annualised pace in the second quarter. U.S. Treasury yields were little changed, with the 10-year note at 4.29%, as investors awaited July retail-sales figures following a surprise uptick in producer prices. Futures now imply a 95% probability that the Federal Reserve will trim rates by 25 basis points in September. Attention is centred on Friday’s meeting in Alaska between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for 11 a.m. local time. Investors are watching for any progress toward a Ukraine cease-fire, which could sway energy prices and risk sentiment. Brent crude traded 0.6% lower at $66.46 a barrel ahead of the talks, while analysts cautioned that markets have learned not to price in a rapid diplomatic breakthrough.