Stock markets subdued as investors focus on US tax, jobs

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Global stock markets were subdued Thursday as investors focused on the U.S. tax reform and looked ahead to an upcoming U.S. jobs report.

KEEPING SCORE: Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.1 percent to 7,340 while France's CAC 40 was flat at 5,373. Germany's DAX gained 0.1 percent to 13,013. Futures augured a soft opening on Wall Street — Dow futures were down 0.1 percent while S&P futures were flat.

TAX: The U.S. Senate voted to begin negotiation with the House to reconcile their two tax bills on Wednesday in a sign that they can iron out differences. Republican leaders are pushing to send a final blended package to President Donald Trump to sign before Christmas.