Stocks near flat, dollar dips as focus shifts to US inflation data
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Global stock indexes were little changed on Monday while the U.S. dollar index eased as investors awaited this week's U.S. inflation data. U.S. consumer prices report and U.S. producer price data are expected this week, along with final reports on European inflation. Chinese retail sales and other data are also expected. Investors have been focused on inflation as they weigh how soon the U.S. central bank is likely to cut rates. Markets are pricing in around an 80% chance of a rate cut by the Fed's September meeting. Economists expect the closely watched core CPI to rise by 0.3% in the month, for an annual gain of 3.6%. The first-quarter U.S. earnings season is winding down, but investors will see reports this week from some big U.S. retailers including Walmart and Home Depot. China's finance ministry will start the sales of 1 trillion yuan of long-term treasury bonds this week. The dollar index eased 0.1% to 105.21. The yield on benchmark U.S. 10-year notes fell 1.6 basis points to 4.489%. Oil prices were higher amid signs of improving demand in the U.S. and China. U.S. crude rose 86 cents to settle at $79.12 a barrel, and Brent gained 57 cents to $83.36. Spot gold fell 1% to $2,336.76 per ounce.



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