"Asia Shares Rise Ahead of US Inflation Report: Stock Market Updates"

European equity futures declined ahead of crucial US inflation data, with the Euro Stoxx 50 contract falling 0.3% and Asian markets climbing. Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Thomas Barkin highlighted the risk of inflation falling back toward the central bank’s target due to US businesses boosting profit margins by raising prices. Bond traders are now more in line with the Fed’s rate trajectory, but Citigroup Inc. strategists warn of overlooking the risk of rate increases following the easing cycle. In Asia, the yen fell to trade around 149 per dollar, and MSCI removed 69 companies from its China and Hong Kong global standard indexes.