A gauge of global stocks was lower for a third straight session on Thursday, after U.S. economic data indicated the labor market remains solid while progress on tamping down inflation may be waning. The Labor Department said initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 4,

U.S. equity futures nudged higher in early Thursday trading, white the dollar accelerated to the highest levels in nearly two years, as investors continue to worry over the inflationary impact of new Trump administration policies while taking a cautious approach on stock market risk following last week's run of record highs.