UPDATED 6:55 am ET
STOCKS – European stocks rose for a second day as investors weighed company earnings and awaited the Federal Reserve’s monetary-policy decision. U.S. futures were little changed, while Asian shares advanced.
BONDS – Treasuries advanced, poised for their best monthly gain of 2014, amid speculation the Federal Reserve will signal interest rates will stay low even as it brings its third program of bond buying to a close today.
COMMODITIES – West Texas Intermediate crude climbed to the highest level in four days amid speculation that fuel demand is increasing in the U.S., the world’s biggest oil consumer. Brent gained in London.
CURRENCIES – The dollar held a three-day decline as signs of an uneven U.S. economic recovery caused investors to adjust their outlooks for interest rates next year before the Federal Reserve sets monetary policy today.
ECONOMIC DATA – Crude Oil Inventories due at 10:30, FOMC Statement at 14:00, RBNZ Rate Statement at 16:00 ET.
