US Stocks Fluctuate on Inflation Worries and Fed Rate Cut Expectations

The US stock market is experiencing mixed results on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, as investors weigh concerns over inflation and Federal Reserve rate cuts.

E-mini S&P 500 contracts are flat at around 7,776, while Nasdaq 100 futures are slightly higher. Higher oil prices have raised worries that inflation could persist, pushing up global government bond yields, including the US 10-year near 4.7%.

This has made borrowing costs for households and companies relatively tough, causing investors to focus on upcoming US CPI and PPI inflation reports.

The reports are expected to shape expectations for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts and put interest-rate sensitive sectors such as banks, real estate, and utilities under scrutiny.