DJIA up 56.21 points (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - New York, 06 Jun - US shares were trading flat as investors digested a flurry of economic data and an interest rate cut by the European Central Bank that some hope could serve as a precursor.

As expected the ECB delivered a 25 basis point interest rate cut to become the first major central bank to pivot on monetary policy in the current cycle. Traders hope it may set the stage for more central banks to follow suit later in the year.

Investors are betting the Federal Reserve will make its first policy pivot in September, providing inflationary pressure shows clear signs of subsiding.

Today's weekly jobless data came in above expectations providing further evidence the labour market is softening.

The focus now shifts to tomorrow's key payrolls report.

Strong labor market readings have stoked concern the Federal Reserve may have to keep interest rate cuts higher for longer as it strives to bring inflation down.

On the stocks front, Lululemon Athletica shares jumped more than 6% after the sportswear maker reported quarterly profit and revenue that beat expectations and raised a share buyback scheme. Discount retailer Five Below was down 12% after it cut its profit forecasts.

At 1838 GMT, the Dow Jones was gaining 56.21 points, or 0.14%, at 38,863.54 points.

The S&P 500 was 1.93 points, or 0.04%, lower at 5,352.10 points.

The Nasdaq was losing 5.36 points, or 0.03%, at 17,182.02 points.

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(RADIOCOR) 06-06-24 19:50:28 (0710) 5 NNNN