Europe’s continent-wide STOXX 600 index rose 0.5 per cent, after falling 0.8 per cent across the previous two sessions. Trading in US equities and Treasuries was closed, but futures for the US S&P 500 were up 0.2 per cent after the index fell 0.4 per cent on Wednesday.The Australian sharemarket is set to retreat, with futures at 4.54am AEDT pointing to a fall of 23 points, or 0.3 per cent, at the open.
“However, another solid monthly core inflation for November will challenge the FOMC’s view that inflation is trending down to 2 per cent per year.”The dollar index, which measures the US currency against six rivals, was 0.1 per cent higher at 106.2 after dropping 0.7 per cent in the previous session.
In a surprise move, South Korea’s central bank cut benchmark interest rates for a second consecutive meeting on Thursday after inflation slowed more than policymakers predicted. The won weakened after the decision. French Finance Minister Antoine Armand said on Thursday the government was ready to make concessions over its budget, which has faced widespread opposition from both far-left and far-right politicians.