World shares mixed as war, inflation hold sway on markets

Stocks open higher in Europe after most Asian benchmarks retreated. U.S. oil prices have moderated after wild swings earlier in the week. China’s premier promises ‘pro-job policies’ including tax and fee cuts totaling 2.5 trillion yuan ($400 billion) for businesses. The Shanghai Composite index reversed earlier losses, gaining 0.4% to 3,309.75. The Kospi in Seoul declined 0.7% to 2,661.28. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 gave up 0.9% to 7,063.60. Inflation is pushing banks to raise interest rates for the first time since the central bank launched pandemic pandemic programs to support the global economy. . . .