U.S. stock markets closed mixed as investors assessed inflation data ahead of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained modestly, while the S&P 500 ended flat and the Nasdaq Composite fell for the fifth consecutive day. This volatility preceded the release of critical inflation metrics, with the Producer Price Index (PPI) showing cooler-than-expected results. In Asia, markets reacted positively, with the ASX 200, Nikkei 225, and KOSPI all recording gains. European stocks also showed signs of strength, buoyed by the recent U.S. inflation data, which contributed to a more optimistic outlook for interest rate cuts this year. The dollar opened near stability as traders awaited further inflation insights.