Overnight Update: US stocks closed near flat after a choppy session

Overnight Update: US stocks closed near flat after a choppy session. Treasury prices advanced amid swirling market fears of a slow-down in global economic growth, particularly in China. The dollar rose against the Australian and Canadian dollars and copper futures remained below $3 a pound, but gains were muted. Gold futures marked their highest settlement since September as prices headed higher for a third session in a row. Oil futures fell, trading below $100 a barrel. UK's FTSE 100 fell for a fourth-straight day of losses on Wednesday. European stock markets moved lower across the board. Weak industrial-production data from the euro zone also hampered the investing mood. London: BHP down 0.91% Rio up 0.89%. New York: BHP up 0.67% Rio up 1.54% Base metals on the LME traded mostly lower.