LONDON—U.S. stock index futures rose on Friday ahead of U.S. employment data with markets watching for signs of inflation, while oil was poised for a 13 percent weekly fall following reserve releases. Investors are fretting over whether inflationary pressures will force central banks into aggressive rate hikes, potentially triggering recessions. U.S. March jobs data at 1230 GMT will be watched for indications of wage inflation, in addition to the headline jobs figure. “Average hourly earnings are surging but less quickly than inflation,” said Sebastien Galy, senior macro strategist at Nordea Asset Management, adding the U.S. Federal Reserve may need to raise rates by 50 basis points in May. Eurozone inflation climbed to 7.5 percent in March, data showed on Friday, hitting another record high with months left before it is set to peak, raising pressure on the European Central Bank to act to contain prices even as growth slows sharply. …
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