June 28 (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures were steady

on Friday after a key inflation reading was broadly in line with

expectations in May, lifting hopes for an earlier start to

policy easing.

The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index -

the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge - was flat, in

line with expectations. On an annual basis, PCE inflation rose

2.6%, as forecast.

Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the PCE

price index increased 0.1% in May. Annually, it came in at 2.6%,

with both prints in line with forecasts.

At 8:35 a.m. ET, Dow e-minis were up 30 points, or

0.08%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 21.25 points, or 0.38%,

and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 105.25 points, or 0.53%.