US stocks fell for a third day, putting indexes on track for their first negative week since mid-April.

Emerging stocks and currencies posted modest gains after reassurances the US Fed would not hastily withdraw policy stimulus.

European shares edged lower, dragged down by heavyweight bank HSBC.

World share markets looked vulnerable to further falls, with brighter economic news from Europe doing little to encourage investors.

US stock index futures fell amid concern the central bank may scale back its support to the economy.

The rand weakened, extending its third week of declines, on concern labor unrest will curb growth.

Britain's benchmark equity index slid further, knocked by a fall in major bank HSBC's shares.

Copper was little changed as investors weighed the potential impact on metals demand.

Gold steadied as stock markets stabilised, arresting the metal's rally.

Britain's leading shares steadied after their steepest fall in a year in the previous session.