Stocks and futures struggle ahead of key US data
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US equity-index futures slipped and Treasury yields ticked higher ahead of economic data that will help set the path for Federal Reserve policy. Reports on economic growth and weekly unemployment claims are on traders’ radar Thursday before tomorrow’s key inflation figures. Micron Technology Inc.’s disappointing sales outlook highlighted the risks of relying on artificial intelligence chip makers to fuel the stock rally. Europe’s stock benchmark was little changed, with traders in holding mode ahead of Sunday’s French elections. Stocks in Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and China all declined, putting the MSCI Asia Pacific gauge on course for its first loss in three days. MSCI Inc.’s key gauge for Chinese stocks is on course for a technical correction as traders struggle to find catalysts ahead of a July meeting of the nation’s top leaders. In commodities, gold steadied after a two-day decline, while oil traded in a narrow range ahead of the next round of US economic data. Iron ore held a two-day gain, supported by signs that Chinese demand may pick up after property measures took effect across the country’s mega cities.

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