Mixed Global Markets Worry About Stagflation and Weakening Economy

Global stock markets were mixed on Monday as investors continued to grapple with concerns about stagflation, a scenario where economic growth stalls while inflation remains high.

The S&P 500 future inched up 0.1% after the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%, following a weaker-than-expected report on the US economy that showed shoppers spent less at retailers last month.

Oil prices were also mixed, with Brent crude rising 0.4% to $88.84 per barrel, while US benchmark crude fell 0.2% to $82.20 per barrel.

The Japanese government reported that its economy grew slightly faster than forecast in the April-June quarter, expanding at a 1.1% annual pace despite private spending and investment remaining flat and export growth slowing.