Mixed Global Markets as US Economy Report Fuels Stagflation Fears

Global stock markets were mixed on Monday, following a weak report on the US economy. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average edged back from their all-time highs after the disappointing data.

The US Federal Reserve's efforts to balance a stagnating economy with high inflation have been put into focus by the recent economic reports.

The Fed has no good tool to fix both a slow economy and high inflation at the same time, which is why 'stagflation' is considered a worst-case scenario.

Oil prices slipped on Monday, with Brent crude down 0.3% to $88.24 per barrel, while US benchmark crude fell 0.9% to $81.65 per barrel.