In the United States, equity futures pointed toward a mixed opening as the market digested fresh inflation data and the Federal Reserve’s “wait and see” stance. The S&P 500 is hovering around the 6,556.37 level, following a 0.37 percent dip in the previous session. Despite this short-term volatility, the index has shown long-term resilience, supported by the ongoing expansion of artificial intelligence and robust corporate balance sheets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average stood at 46,124.06 (down by 0.18 percent), while the Nasdaq Composite reflected the broader tech-sector sensitivity to interest rate expectations, holding near 21,761.89 (0.84 percent lower). 

Meanwhile, U.S. Small Cap 2000 (RUT) traded 0.45 percent higher at 2,505.44. Also, Russell 2000 Futures gained 1.12 percent, or 28.20 points, trading at 2,550.50 points.

The U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) inflation for February accelerated to 0.7 percent, significantly overshooting consensus estimates and amplifying fears that a prolonged war in the Middle East could trigger a financial consequence through sustained energy costs.