U.S. stock futures: Dow flat. S&P -0.1%. Nasdaq -0.1% - 12/17/13

World markets await the Fed

• Asian shares are mixed, while European equities and U.S. stock futures are flat-to-lower as investors await the outcome of a two-day FOMC meeting today and tomorrow.
• The main question is whether the Fed will decide to start scaling back its bond-buying program. A budget deal in Congress and solid economic data lately suggest that the chances of the taper have gone up.
• "Although we have heavier odds pinned on the tapering being announced in January, we think the economic case has already been made for pulling the trigger," Societe Generale analysts wrote in a note.
• Japan +0.8%, Hong Kong -0.2%, China -0.45%, India -0.2%.
• EU Stoxx 50 -0.6%, London -0.5%, Paris -1%, Frankfurt -0.4%, Milan -0.5%, Madrid -0.4%.
• U.S. stock futures: Dow flat. S&P -0.1%. Nasdaq -0.1%

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