Wall Street stocks look set for a negative start on Thursday, as risk aversion just refuses to budge. With oil continuing to head southwards and most other commodities also declining, traders are shying away from risky bets on not-so-optimistic global growth outlook. Notwithstanding a strong start, the Asian markets retreated in the afternoon, with China spearheading the declines with a 3%+ slump. European stocks got off to a volatile start and are currently modestly higher, as the focus shifts to the upcoming ECB decision. The domestic markets may have to contend with some domestic earnings and economic data on jobless claims and regional business activity.