Global Stocks Slump Ahead of US Jobs Report That May Shape Fed Rate Outlook
• Global shares mostly declined ahead of US jobs report to gauge economic health and Fed interest rate moves
• Japan's Nikkei 225 dove 2%; Australia, South Korea, and Hong Kong indexes also declined
• Traders scaled back predictions for Fed interest rate cuts this year from 6 to 3 more recently
• Anticipation high for US jobs report Friday showing March cooldown in hiring from February
• Oil prices largely steady; benchmark US crude fell 16 cents to $86.43 a barrel