European stocks and US equity futures were steady as global shares headed for a second-straight quarterly gain. Consumer-related stocks outperformed and banks retreated as the Stoxx Europe 600 Index edged higher. Contracts on the S&P 500 were little changed. Technology shares have led the charge globally this quarter, surging 19%, the most since mid-2020. The dollar strengthened Friday, trimming some of its declines this month. Treasury yields steadied at the end of a quarter of wild swings. Euro-area inflation plunged by the most on record, but a new high for underlying price gains highlighted the tricky task facing the European Central Bank as it decides how far to lift interest rates. A team led by Beata Manthey upgraded US stocks to overweight from underweight on Friday as they “perform more defensively than other markets” during earnings recessions.
Global Shares Steady, Technology Stocks Lead Charge
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