STOCKS – European stocks declined for a second day as investors awaited U.S. retail and housing data to gauge the health of the world’s biggest economy before minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting. U.S. index futures were also little changed, while Asian shares retreated.

BONDS – Treasury 10-year yields rose toward the highest level in two months before a U.S. report today that economists said will show retail sales growth increased last month, damping demand for the safest securities.

COMMODITIES – Gold sold off breaking session lows during London before retracing to longer term key support levels.

CURRENCIES – The pound advanced to a three-week high versus the dollar as speculation that the Bank of England may raise its benchmark interest rate earlier than it forecast spurred demand for the U.K. currency.

ECONOMIC DATA – US Core CPI and Retail Sales due at 8:30, Existing Home Sales and FOMC Member Dudley Speaks at 10:00, Crude Oil Inventories at 10:30, FOMC Member Bullard Speaks at 12:10, FOMC Meeting Minutes at 14:00, CHY HSBC Flash Manufacturing PMI at 20:45 ET, JPY Monetary Policy Statement tentative.