Global Markets Mixed Ahead of US Jobs Update; Gold, Oil Up, Bitcoin Down

• World shares showed mixed performance in cautious trading, awaiting a US employment update expected to highlight a sluggish job market.
• Germany's DAX and Paris' CAC 40 fell 0.5%, while Britain's FTSE 100 edged up 0.2%. Asian markets like Hong Kong, Shanghai, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan saw gains.
• US consumer spending softened since December due to cooling wage growth and rising household credit stress, impacting retail sales.
• The Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates hinges on upcoming jobs figures and inflation reports; a weakening job market could prompt earlier rate cuts.
• Coca-Cola and S&P Global shares dropped after disappointing revenue and profit forecasts, while Warner Bros. Discovery rose on an increased buyout offer from Paramount.