Stocks in Europe and US futures climbed Thursday as investors assessed attractive valuations and a drop in oil prices against hawkish messages from central bankers on reining in inflation. Europe’s Stoxx 600 Index rose 0.5%, with construction and consumer shares leading gains, while energy stocks were laggards. Trading volumes are lighter than usual, with UK markets shut for holidays to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. S&P 500 contracts climbed 0.5% and those on the Nasdaq 100 were 0.7% higher. Crude oil slid on a report that Saudi Arabia is ready to pump more oil if Russian output declines. OPEC+ is scheduled to meet to discuss supply policy. US manufacturing activity and job openings data Wednesday fueled concern the Federal Reserve will need to get more restrictive to slow runaway price gains. Treasuries held losses, […]