European stock-index futures were little changed before U.S. reports that may show spending by U.S. consumers and businesses accelerated in November. Asian shares gained and U.S. futures fluctuated.
Rio Tinto advanced 0.5%. The world’s third-biggest mining company offered A$3.9 billion ($3.9 billion) for Australian coking coal developer Riversdale Mining to gain reserves in Mozambique as demand rises.
Suedzucker AG may be active as shares of the world’s largest sugar refiner were downgraded to “hold” from “buy” at UniCredit SpA.
Ericsson AB may decline as the world’s biggest maker of mobile-phone networks was cut to “neutral” from “buy” at Goldman Sachs Group Inc.