Benzinga | Apr 30, 2013 07:49AM ET
U.S. equity futures traded little changed in early pre-market trade following mixed global economic data. Mixed data out of Japan was followed by a flood of data out of Europe which continued to point to room for the European Central Bank to ease policy further on Thursday.
Top News
In other news around the markets:
Asian shares were mixed overnight on a mixed bag of economic data out of Japan and Korea. The Japanese Nikkei Index fell 0.17 percent while the Shanghai Composite Index was closed and the Hang Seng Index rose 0.69 percent. Also, the Korean Kospi rose 1.2 percent and Australian shares rose 1.28 percent to the highest level since June of 2008.
European Markets
European shares were mostly modestly higher save for Italy and Germany which saw larger gains. The Spanish Ibex Index rose 0.05 percent and the Italian FTSE MIB Index rose 2.2 percent as Prime Minister Letta successfully formed a government. Meanwhile, the German DAX rose 0.84 percent while the French CAC 40 fell 0.01 percent and U.K. shares rose 0.1 percent.
Commodities
Commodities were slightly weaker overnight led lower by energy futures. WTI Crude futures declined 0.1 percent to $94.41 per barrel and Brent Crude futures fell 0.15 percent to $103.65 per barrel. Copper futures fell 0.09 percent to $322.35 per pound. Gold was higher and silver futures rose 0.47 percent to $24.28 per ounce.
Currencies
Currency markets were rather quiet overnight as the euro weakened slightly and the yen gained. The EUR/USD was lower at 1.3073 and the dollar fell against the yen to 97.55. Overall, the Dollar Index rose 0.03 percent on strength against the euro and the Swiss franc despite weakness against the yen, the Canadian dollar, and the pound.
Earnings Reported Yesterday
Key companies that reported earnings Monday include:
Stocks moving in the pre-market included:
Notable companies expected to report earnings Tuesday include:
On the economics calendar Monday, the FOMC meeting begins Tuesday. Data releases include the employment cost index, the Redbook, the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index, the Chicago PMI, and consumer confidence. Also, the Treasury is set to auction 4-week and 52-week bills. Overnight, Chinese and British manufacturing PMIs will be in focus.
BY Matthew Kanterman
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