Global stocks mostly lower ahead of presidential debate

TOKYO - Global shares were mostly lower Monday as market attention turned from central bank policies to the U.S. presidential race ahead of a highly anticipated debate.

France’s CAC 40 fell 1.7 percent in early trading to 4,411.06. Germany’s DAX was down 1.6 percent at 10,461.43. Britain’s FTSE 100 fell 1.2 percent to 6,824.54.

U.S. shares were set to drift lower, with Dow futures down 0.5 percent; S&P 500 futures fell 0.4 percent.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 edged down 1.3 percent to finish at 16,544.56. South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.3 percent to 2,047.11. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 1.6 percent to 23,303.62, while the Shanghai Composite fell 1.8 percent to 2,980.43.

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will confront each other face-to-face for the first time in Monday night’s prime-time presidential debate. The television audience is expected to set a record for the high-stakes showdown, which could help tip the balance in a tight White House race.

“With volatility near to year-to-date low, the spotlight has now shifted from the central banks’ policies to the upcoming U.S. presidential debates between Clinton and Trump,” said Margaret Yang Yan, market analyst at CMC Markets Singapore. “Investors will be watching closely on the shift of momentum in the race, which could once again trigger a new wave of market volatility.”

U.S. benchmark crude oil futures added 7 cents to $44.55 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, used to price international oils, fell 14 cents to $46.34 a barrel.

The euro rose to $1.1237 from $1.1199. The U.S. dollar edged lower to 100.58 yen from 100.93.