US Stocks Tread Water Amid Trade Uncertainty and Inflation Easing

US stock markets experienced mixed movements on Tuesday, driven by a surprise slowdown in inflation rates across the country last month. The S&P 500 showed a modest increase of 0.1 per cent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a decline of 209 points. The Nasdaq composite gained 0.5 per cent in early trading. Despite slower inflation, the economic outlook remains uncertain due to ongoing US-China trade negotiations and President Trump’s tariffs, leaving investors cautious and markets apprehensive about future Federal Reserve decisions. (With inputs from agencies.)