ECB rate decision and US inflation data awaited as oil tops US$100
Global markets are holding steady before the European Central Bank's expected second rate hike of the year and key US inflation figures. Brent crude has pushed past US$100 a barrel for the first time since July after renewed Middle East attacks, driving bond yields in Germany, France, the UK and the US to multi-year highs. Traders are watching ECB president Christine Lagarde's language for signals on further increases.