Global shares tick lower ahead of earnings, euro steady

By Ryan Vlastelica

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Global shares fell on Tuesday, with U.S. investors cautious ahead of an earnings season expected to show sluggish growth in corporate profits.

European shares were flat as data showed the euro zone economy may be stabilizing, though at a weak level. The euro held steady while commodity markets were largely subdued as investors sat on recent gains.

Profits in the U.S. fourth quarter are seen above the previous quarter's lackluster results, but analyst estimates are down sharply from where they were in October. Quarterly earnings are expected to grow by 2.8 percent, according to Thomson Reuters data.

Alcoa Inc