Stock markets struggled for direction as they grappled with worries over global growth; following weak Chinese and U.S. economic data that knocked oil prices and commodity-linked currencies.
The dollar briefly hit a one-week high as investors piled back into the safe-haven currency. While the Aussie, euro and Chinese yuan buckled.
Europe’s benchmark STOXX index (. STOXX) edged up 0.1% to hit a 10-week high and mark a fifth straight session of gains, led by mining companies as London-listed BHP Group reported strong results.
But S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures dipped, indicating a likely weaker direction for U.S. markets when they open later.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) dipped 0.1% after gains earlier in the day. MSCI’s benchmark index has gained 5% from the year’s lows but is still down 15% this year.