Eyes on US inflation data, commodity prices rise

investmentnews.com:

Global stocks climbed while Treasuries traded flat as investors awaited US inflation data for cues on the Federal Reserve’s next steps. European gas prices advanced on concern about potential industrial action in Australia. 

The Euro Stoxx 50 index added 1.2% and US equity futures pointed to gains after a tech-led drop in the previous session. Ten-year and two-year US government debt yields were little changed, while most currencies in a group of G-10 counterparts strengthened against the greenback, led by the New Zealand and Australian dollars.  

The US inflation print due later Thursday is expected show a slight uptick, driven by higher oil prices, while the core rate is forecast to fall, extending a downward trend that Bloomberg Economics believes will support a rate pause when the Fed next meets in September.

Traders are also closely watching rising commodity prices. European natural gas extended gains on Thursday, holding above €40 on concern possible industrial action in Australia that could disrupt global supply. Citigroup Inc. analysts predicted it could cause European gas and Asian LNG contracts for January to double.

Other raw materials have been on the rise, which could add to inflationary pressure. Crude oil is hovering near a nine-month high and rice surged to the highest level in almost 15 years this week. 

In Asia, shares in South Korea and China fell, with Hong Kong-listed tech companies among the day’s laggards. Focus was on Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s earnings due later in the day, as well as Chinese developer Country Garden Holdings Co.’s debt woes. Japanese and Australian shares posted modest gains.

US restrictions on Chinese investments are expected to be narrower than some had feared, as President