News for SONIC HEALTHCARE (SAB.HM)

The major U.S. index futures are pointing to a lower open on Thursday following the mixed performance seen over the two previous sessions. A negative reaction to earnings news from Walmart (WMT) may weigh on Wall Street, with the retail giant plunging by 5.

Asian stocks ended broadly lower on Thursday as largely upbeat U.S. economic data added to optimism about the economic recovery but also raised concerns about inflation.

The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 0.9% to 6,697.2, led by a 4.3% drop in gold stocks as bullion prices slumped to a near six-week low on a firmer U.S. dollar and higher Treasury yields.