Productivity and labor costs data hit the Street bright and early
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is fresh off a three-day losing streak, but futures on the blue-chip index are cautiously higher today, propped up by the European Central Bank (ECB) decision to leave interest rates unchanged through the end of 2019 -- longer than previously forecast -- and launch a newlonger-term loan stimulus program for banks. As far as economic data, U.S. productivity rose 1.9% in the fourth quarter, while unit labor costs increased 2%. And oil prices are set to climb, too, with April-dated crude futures up 0.9% at $56.75 per barrel.
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Stocks in Asia failed to generate much momentum, as traders continued to await more clarity on a U.S.-China trade deal. Still, China's Shanghai Composite managed to extend its daily win streak to five, edging out a 0.1% gain on the day. Meanwhile, China's finance minister said that despite the country's new fiscal policies, it will not open a "floodgate" of stimulus, according to Reuters. Elsewhere, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.9%, and a pullback in chip stocks pushed Japan's Nikkei down 0.7%. South Korea's Kospi joined the losers with a 0.5% retreat.
European benchmarks are hovering near breakeven today following the ECB's decision to provide new loans for banks as a way to stimulate the eurozone economy. London's FTSE 100 has come off its early lows, but remains off 0.2% on the day. Germany's DAX is also trying to push into positive territory, last seen down 0.04%, while France's CAC 40 is up 0.07%.