World stocks flat on data, earnings; pound volatile

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A gauge of world stock markets was flat on Wednesday as U.S. data that raised concerns about a slowing economy was offset by a solid start to earnings season, while sterling was volatile as negotiations on a Brexit deal continued. On Wall Street, stocks retreated after monthly retail sales data for September showed a decline for the first time in seven months, stoking concerns softness in the manufacturing sector was starting to spread to the broader economy."Retail sales..