13 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : US stocks ended mostly higher on August 12, 2026, after July inflation data came in broadly in line with expectations, easing some concerns about an immediate acceleration in consumer prices.
CPI Meets Expectations
The US Consumer Price Index rose 0.1% month-on-month in July after falling 0.4% in June. On an annual basis, consumer prices increased 3.4%, down from 3.5% in June.
Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.2% during the month and 2.5% over the year, also matching forecasts.
Nasdaq Leads Gains
Technology and artificial-intelligence stocks helped drive the market higher.
The Nasdaq Composite gained 0.5%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.3%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped less than 0.1%, leaving the broader market mixed.
AI Stocks Boost Sentiment
Strong results from CoreWeave and Super Micro Computer helped revive enthusiasm around the AI trade.
The earnings news provided additional support to technology stocks as investors assessed whether strong AI-related growth could continue to offset broader market concerns.
Fed Rate Outlook in Focus
The inflation report was closely watched for clues about the Federal Reserve’s next policy decision.
Because July CPI did not surprise on the upside, traders increased expectations that the Fed could keep interest rates unchanged in September, although the inflation picture remains above the central bank’s 2% target.
Markets Await PPI Data
Investors are now turning their attention to the Producer Price Index (PPI), another important inflation indicator that can provide further clues about price pressures and the Fed’s policy path.