Global stocks resumed the steep declines that have characterized much of the year on Thursday, as fears around commodity prices and the outlook for global growth continued to weigh on markets. European and Asian shares fell after Wall Street ended sharply lower and Brent crude oil prices remained volatile after falling below $30 a barrel in Asian trade. The Stoxx Europe 600 was down 2.3% midmorning, while Brent crude futures were up 1% at $30.60. Futures pointed to a 0.1% opening gain for the S&P 500, giving up earlier gains. Changes in futures don’t necessarily reflect market moves after the opening bell. Concerns about China’s slowing economy , the depreciation of its currency and turmoil in its stock markets have hit risky assets around the world at the start of the year, as investors consider the implications for corporate earnings and global growth. “A lot of investors are sitting […]