Overnight Update: The US stock market's gains were muted on Tuesday after a duo of disappointing reports weighed on sentiment, Empire State manufacturing...

Overnight Update: The US stock market's gains were muted on Tuesday after a duo of disappointing reports weighed on sentiment, Empire State manufacturing activity dropped by more than expected while a gauge of confidence among home builders also plunged in February. Treasury prices rose after home builder confidence swung negative and data showed a slip in manufacturing in the New York region. The US dollar popped higher against the yen after Japan's central bank expanded its lending support to the country's financial institutions. Gold futures saw modest gains. Crude oil futures rallied. Miners posted some of the biggest gains in London, while oil firms advanced as energy prices climbed higher. European stock markets struggled for direction following two days of gains. London: BHP up 1.94% Rio up 0.32% New York: BHP up 2.77% Rio up 1.75%