Premarket: Stocks soften ahead of U.S. data, Greek talks

Global stocks turned broadly lower as investors considered Europe's financial condition and awaited U.S. economic data.

After a smart rally on Tuesday, Britain's FTSE 100 was flat and Germany's DAX dipped 0.7 per cent. France's CAC 40 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng were 0.8 per cent lower, while Japan's Nikkei bucked the trend, rising 1.2 per cent.

U.S. stock futures declined. Dow futures edged 27 points, or 0.2 per cent, lower to 12,311, while S&P 500 futures dipped 2.6 points, or 0.2 per cent, trading around 1,269.50, about two and a half hours before the New York Stock Exchange opened.

Investors have an eye on the U.S. non-farm payrolls report for December, due on Friday. The consensus in the markets is that the economy generated 150,000 jobs during the month.

Greece's prime minister was to hold discussions with labour unions and trade federations ahead of a crucial visit by debt inspectors while Athens negotiates the terms of an international bailout. The meetings come a day after a government spokesman warned that Greece could have to leave the euro if it fails to finalize the details of the 130-billion-euro bailout and that more austerity measures may be needed.

The euro softened after strong gains Tuesday, down 0.3 per cent at $1.3015 (U.S.).

Germany successfully auctioned 4.06-billion euros worth of 10-year bonds. Demand for the bonds outstripped supply as investors placed bids for 5.14-billion euros of the securities. The average interest yield was 1.93 per cent, down from 1.98 per cent in November.

Copper prices fell, with three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange down to $7,675 a tonne.

Oil declined 0.6 per cent to $102.38 a barrel.

Gold rose 1.2 per cent to $1,601.70 an ounce.

The Canadian dollar traded at 98.67 U.S. cents.