U.S. Stocks Decline as January CPI Data Higher Than Expected Raises Concerns Over Fed Rate Cuts; S&P 500 Down 0.3%

U.S. stocks opened lower on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, as Wall Street's main indexes faced downward pressure due to higher-than-expected consumer price index (CPI) data for January. The S&P 500 closed down 0.3%, or 18.38 points, at 6,050.12, while the Dow Jones fell 0.5% to 44,369. The Nasdaq, however, remained relatively stable, finishing little changed. The inflation data has raised concerns regarding the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy, with expectations shifting towards a more hawkish stance and delaying potential rate cuts until September. Following the CPI report, interest-rate futures showed little change, although there is a growing sentiment that a rate cut could occur as early as July, with September being the more likely timeframe.