Equities Quiet as Inflation Worries Offset Trade Relief

 

On August 12, 2025, global equity markets held steady and the U.S. dollar traded flat, as hopes buoyed by the extended U.S.–China tariff truce were tempered by growing concern over the forthcoming U.S. inflation report. Markets remain cautious, anticipating that inflation readings could either validate or derail expectations for monetary easing.

Although Asian stocks jumped following President Trump’s executive order to delay further steep tariff hikes for another 90 days, investor optimism remains muted as attention shifts to the inflation data due later today.