The dollar was steady in early trading on Tuesday, with the yen inching away from one-month highs as investors brace for U.S. inflation data and reassess expectations of a large interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve. U.S. stock index futures struggled for direction ahead of a crucial August consumer price inflation report later in the week that could firm up bets on the size of the interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. The U.S. dollar edged down before the U.S. inflation data and the presidential debate, reflecting market caution. The dollar index eased during the U.S. presidential debate, last down 0.15% at 101.49. The yen hovered near a five-week peak as traders waited nervously for the key inflation report.