UPDATED 7:00 am ET
STOCKS – European stocks fell for a fifth day as shares of lenders declined to their lowest level this year. U.S. index futures and Asian equities also slid.
BONDS – German government bonds rose, pushing 10-year yields to a 14-month low, as nations from Greece to Spain seek to sell securities and banking woes in Portugal cast fresh concern over the euro area’s financial health.
COMMODITIES – Gold climbed to the highest in more than three months as Middle East tension spurred haven demand and after the dollar weakened following Federal Reserve minutes.
CURRENCIES – Australia’s dollar retreated from the highest in a week after reports today showed the nation’s jobless rate climbed and imports by China, the South Pacific nation’s biggest trade partner, grew slower than forecast.
ECONOMIC DATA – GBP Official Bank Rate due at 7:00, MPC Rate Statement (tentative), US Unemployment Claims due at 8:30, Natural Gas Storage at 10:30 ET.
