World shares edged up on Wednesday taking comfort from strong U.S. retail earnings even though the UK’s highest inflation since 1982 and a rate hike in New Zealand reminded investors of the challenges facing the global economy.
MSCI’s benchmark for global stocks was up 0.1 percent by 0829 GMT, extending its July recovery, although concerns over high inflation and policy tightening kept a lid on gains.
European shares were barely changed after a positive open. The MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.2 percent, off earlier highs.
Wall Street looked set for a weaker start after strong gains on Tuesday following stronger-than-expected results from Walmart and Home Depot which bolstered views on the health of consumers. S&P 500 futures were down 0.3 percent….