Inflation Data Offers Mixed Signals - Producer Prices Dip but Consumer Prices Rise
• Stock indices mixed amid new inflation data showing dip in producer prices but rise in consumer prices • Producer Price Index (PPI) fell 0.1% in December; core PPI unchanged - signs of easing inflationary pressures • However, consumer prices rose 0.3% in December, exceeding expectations and above Fed's 2% target • PPI seen as more predictive indicator; suggests pipeline inflation may be cooling • U.S. futures down ahead of second key inflation report; big banks to kick off earnings season